Situations where a careful forensic investigation is essential:
(1) more than one unrestrained occupant with ejection at the time of injury or roll over
(2) death prior to accident, including homicide with staging of scene
(3) post-accident modification of scene
(4) suicide
Parameters:
(1) distribution of injuries caused by the impact
(2) distribution of blood and tissue
(3) distribution of clothing and personal items
(4) imprints
Injuries made at the time of impact:
(1) fracture of thumb (associated grabbing of a steering wheel)
(2) ankle fracture (associated with standing on a floor pedal)
(3) pattern of seat belt injury (especially shoulder harness)
Location of blood, hair and tissue:
(1) left side of head more common in pilots or drivers with left hand steering or passengers with right hand steering
(2) right side of head more common in pilots or drivers with right hand steering or passengers with left hand steering
(3) on dashboard and airbag
(4) on window glass
Distribution of items of clothing:
(1) location of shoes, especially under the front seat
(2) eyeglasses
Changes related to imprints:
(1) pedal imprint on soles of shoes
(2) shoe or boot imprint on pedals
(3) impact site of steering wheel on chest
Since people may change roles (driver or pilot switch with a passenger during a trip) location of fingerprints or personal effects may be misleading.
If the pattern of findings do not match the scene, then one should consider alternative explanations.