Expert Witness Journal Issue 63 October 2025 - Flipbook - Page 20
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Using a combination of photographs and
measurements, the 昀椀elds of view provided by
each mirror, including Class III, IV, V, and VI
mirrors. Each mirror provided di昀昀erent 昀椀elds
of view, but the analysis identi昀椀ed the presence
of unavoidable blind spots, particularly on the
near side of the vehicle.
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The combined results of this investigation led to
several important conclusions:
• The initial contact between the car and the
HGV was minimal, causing very slight damage
that the driver could not have been expected to
notice.
• The HGV was travelling at a consistent and
lawful speed with no evidence of dangerous or
careless driving behaviour.
• The car was positioned within a blind spot at
the time of the collision, making it invisible to
the HGV driver despite the presence of multiple
mirrors.
• Both vehicles had deviated slightly from their
expected positions, suggesting that the incident
was not solely attributable to the actions of the
HGV driver.
Above, 3D digital model to show the position of the vehicles at the time
of the collision
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Presentation of Evidence to the Court:
The 昀椀ndings were presented in a clear and
accessible way, using both the 3D model and
supporting images to help the court understand
the technical evidence. The visual presentation
helped explain the practical realities of HGV
driving, including the challenges posed by blind
spots and limited visibility.
3D Digital Modelling:
A detailed computer-generated model of the
incident was created to show the positioning
of the car alongside the HGV at the point of
impact.
This model was overlaid with the results of
the mirror survey, visually demonstrating that
most of the car was outside the driver’s 昀椀eld
of vision at the critical moment. This visual
reconstruction clearly demonstrated that, at the
moment of contact, most of the car was located
within a blind spot and was not visible to the
driver.
The blind spot e昀昀ectively concealed the car
from view, making it reasonable to conclude
that the driver would not have been aware of its
presence.
Above, Computer-generated model to show car positioning to the HGV,
as well as the mirror survey to establish blind spots.
EXPERT WITNESS JOURNAL
Above, Comparison of damage between HGV 1 and the car involved
in the incident.
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2025
