In the context of motor vehicle collisions and bodily injury claims, insurance companies, law firms, manufacturers, and fleets turn to vehicle and biomechanical engineering consultants to assess the event(s) and resulting injuries, potential liability, event severity, and injury causation. This presentation will introduce accident reconstruction and biomechanical analyses associated with minor vehicle impacts. Litigation areas where biomechanics and accident reconstruction have provided valuable information include whether a low-speed collision could have caused the injuries claimed, or whether an injury pattern is consistent with a given accident scenario. Real-world examples will be discussed and indicators regarding when accident reconstruction and/or biomechanics analyses may be helpful will be highlighted. Though technical in content, the presentation will be accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Dr. Isaacs has a multidisciplinary background conducting research in bioengineering, materials science and engineering, and mechanical engineering. At Exponent, she focuses on issues involving human injury biomechanics and evaluates kinematics and mechanisms of injury. Her work includes evaluation of injuries occurring in vehicular, pedestrian, occupational, recreational, and fall-related accidents, as well as injuries associated with the use of consumer products.
Dr. Jessica Isaacs' doctoral research at Drexel University focused on spine biomechanics, the effects of degeneration and age on the intervertebral disc, and injectable hydrogels. She completed a Fulbright Fellowship at Tel Aviv University in Israel. During her time in Israel, she investigated predictive multi-parametric computational biomechanical models for diagnosis, management, and repair of lumbar spine pathology, as well as characterizing fiber reinforced bio-composite materials.
Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Isaacs was a visiting assistant professor in the mechanical engineering department at Widener University. During her tenure she taught a variety of undergraduate courses, acted as faculty advisor for the Society of Automotive Engineers, and participated in a myriad of STEM outreach events.