Collision-damaged vehicle illustrating EDR crash analysis and crash evidence

EDR Crash Analysis for Motor-Vehicle Claims and Litigation

EDR Crash Analysis for Claims, Investigations, and Litigation

EDR Crash Analysis is the evaluation and interpretation of recorded vehicle information obtained from a supported Event Data Recorder following a qualifying motor-vehicle crash.

Crenshaw Investigations provides EDR/CDR retrieval, vehicle inspection, photographic documentation, EDR crash analysis, and written reporting for motor-vehicle claims, investigations, and litigation throughout California.

A meaningful analysis identifies the applicable recorded event or events, applies vehicle-specific definitions and limitations, and compares the available values with photographs, damage, statements, police reports, repair records, and other evidence relevant to the assignment.

EDR technician reviewing vehicle data

Have an active motor-vehicle matter, or want a practical overview of EDR evidence?

What Is EDR Crash Analysis?

EDR Crash Analysis involves reviewing EDR/CDR native files and manufacturer-generated reports, identifying the applicable recorded event or events, and evaluating the recorded parameters within the definitions and limitations established for that vehicle.

The analysis may address event status, pre-crash timing, vehicle speed, braking, accelerator or throttle input, steering, restraint status, deployment commands, longitudinal or lateral delta-V, crash-pulse timing, ignition-cycle information, and other supported values.

EDR Crash Analysis also requires attention to manufacturer-specific terminology, sign conventions, recording intervals, event-locking behavior, threshold requirements, module condition, and whether the recorded event reasonably corresponds with the crash under review.

The purpose is to explain what the available recorded information supports—and what it does not establish—within the agreed scope of the assignment.

Example table of recorded vehicle data and occupant restraint information

EDR Crash Analysis Services

Depending on the vehicle, assignment, and requested scope of work, EDR Crash Analysis services may include:

  • Review of EDR/CDR native files and manufacturer-generated reports
  • Identification and comparison of recorded event records
  • Evaluation of speed, braking, accelerator, steering, restraint, and deployment information
  • Review of longitudinal and lateral delta-V, crash-pulse timing, and event sequence where recorded
  • Comparison of recorded values with photographs, damage, statements, and other evidence
  • Identification of vehicle-specific recording limitations and data gaps
  • Written EDR crash analysis reporting
  • Technical consultation regarding recorded findings and limitations

What Data May Be Reviewed in EDR Crash Analysis?

The information available for EDR Crash Analysis varies by vehicle make, model, model year, installed systems, event type, recording parameters, and module condition. Depending on the supported vehicle and recorded event, available information may include:

  • Pre-crash vehicle speed
  • Service-brake status and brake-pressure information, where recorded
  • Accelerator-pedal or throttle input
  • Engine or electric-motor speed
  • Steering input
  • Stability-control and ABS activity
  • Longitudinal and lateral delta-V
  • Crash-pulse timing and event sequence
  • Driver and passenger restraint status
  • Airbag and pretensioner deployment commands
  • Event status, event timing, and multiple-event information
  • Ignition-cycle, odometer-at-event, and diagnostic information, where recorded
  • Other manufacturer-specific vehicle and crash information

How EDR Crash Analysis Assists

EDR Crash Analysis for Attorneys and Law Firms

EDR Crash Analysis may assist attorneys in evaluating disputed speed, braking, accelerator input, steering, restraint use, crash severity, event timing, and the sequence of multiple impacts. Recorded information may be compared with statements, photographs, police reports, damage, repair records, and other evidence.

EDR Crash Analysis for Insurance and Claims Professionals

Claims professionals, SIUs, corporate risk departments, and authorized business clients may use EDR/CDR analysis to evaluate consistency, exposure, crash severity, event sequence, and technical questions that may require further investigation or coordination with counsel.

EDR Crash Analysis for Vehicle Owners

Vehicle owners may use recorded vehicle analysis to better understand what the available EDR data shows concerning vehicle operation, restraints, deployment activity, delta-V, event timing, and other supported parameters surrounding a qualifying crash event.

How EDR Crash Analysis Can Assist a Case

When crash accounts conflict or technical issues are disputed, EDR Crash Analysis can provide objective vehicle information that may be evaluated with the other evidence in the matter.

EDR Crash Analysis Compared With a Driver Account

If a statement describes hard braking, accelerator release, steering input, or a particular speed before impact, the available EDR parameters may provide an objective technical record of the recorded pre-crash interval.

The analysis can compare those values with the driver’s account, photographs, vehicle damage, and other evidence relevant to the disputed issue.

EDR Crash Analysis of Multiple Recorded Events

Some supported vehicles may contain more than one event record, particularly in a multi-impact crash or when another qualifying event occurred before or after the loss under review.

Analysis of event status, timing, pre-crash values, delta-V, restraint information, and other recorded parameters may help identify which record most reasonably corresponds with the crash being investigated.

EDR Crash Analysis and Recording Limitations

An EDR report may show that a particular parameter was not recorded, that the event did not meet a required threshold, or that the available interval does not answer the disputed question.

Identifying those limitations is a necessary part of EDR Crash Analysis and helps prevent the recorded information from being overstated.

Cracked vehicle windshield following a collision

EDR Crash Analysis Frequently Asked Questions

What is EDR Crash Analysis?
EDR Crash Analysis is the evaluation and interpretation of recorded vehicle information obtained from a supported Event Data Recorder, including event status, recorded parameters, timing, manufacturer-specific definitions, and limitations.
Is EDR Crash Analysis the same as EDR retrieval?
No. Retrieval accesses and preserves the available vehicle data. Analysis is the subsequent evaluation and interpretation of the recorded information.
Can EDR Crash Analysis determine fault?
No. EDR Crash Analysis may provide objective technical information relevant to disputed factual issues, but the recorded data should be evaluated with the other available evidence and does not independently determine legal fault.
Can previously retrieved EDR data be analyzed?
Potentially. Native files, manufacturer-generated reports, retrieval documentation, and information concerning the vehicle and recorded event should be reviewed to determine whether a meaningful analysis can be completed.
Can a vehicle contain more than one event for EDR Crash Analysis?
Yes. Some supported vehicles may preserve multiple event records. Event status, timing, pre-crash values, delta-V, restraint information, and other parameters can be compared when determining which record corresponds with the crash under review.
Does every crash produce analyzable EDR data?
No. Recording thresholds, event qualification, supported data elements, module condition, and event retention vary by vehicle. Some crashes may not result in a retrievable or useful EDR record.

Why Choose Crenshaw Investigations?

Crenshaw Investigations combines licensed investigative experience with Certified EDR/CDR Technician & Data Analyst credentials, specialized retrieval systems, forensic vehicle documentation, and clear written reporting.

Flexible Retrieval Capability

Assignments may involve standard diagnostic-connector retrieval or supported direct-to-module access when vehicle condition requires alternative access.

Assignment-Focused Deliverables

Depending on the agreed scope, deliverables may include inspection photography, available native data files, manufacturer-generated reports, written retrieval and analysis reports, and technical consultation.

Impartial Evidence Evaluation

Available EDR information is evaluated in consideration of the surrounding evidence rather than to support a predetermined outcome. Crenshaw Investigations serves attorneys, law firms, insurance companies, businesses, individuals, and vehicle owners throughout California.

Submit an EDR Matter for Review

To request preliminary review of a potential EDR/CDR assignment, download and complete our fillable EDR Case Submission Form. Then return to this section and upload the completed form with any available non-sensitive vehicle photographs or appropriate supporting vehicle-related documents.

We will review the available vehicle, location, access, timing, and assignment information and respond by email regarding likely vehicle support, retrieval feasibility, requested scope, estimated fees, authorization requirements, and appropriate next steps.

Upload Your Completed Submission

Enter your contact information below and upload the saved EDR Case Submission Form. Supporting photographs or appropriate vehicle-related documents may also be included.

Submission does not create an investigative, consulting, or expert engagement, confirm acceptance of the assignment, or authorize work. An assignment is accepted only after availability, scope, estimated fees, authorization, and terms are confirmed in writing. Do not upload medical records, Social Security numbers, financial records, or other highly sensitive or privileged materials through this form.

Learn More About EDR Evidence

Understanding Event Data Recorder (EDR) Evidence

A Practical Guide for Motor-Vehicle Claims, Investigations, and Litigation

Download our complimentary educational guide to learn what Event Data Recorder evidence is, what recorded vehicle information may be available, how the data is retrieved and preserved, and when it may assist with motor-vehicle claims, investigations, and litigation.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • What EDR evidence is—and what it cannot determine by itself
  • How recorded crash data is retrieved, preserved, and evaluated
  • What vehicle, driver-input, restraint, and event information may be available
  • How EDR evidence may assist claims evaluation, investigations, discovery, litigation, and settlement strategy
Download the Complimentary EDR Guide

Crenshaw Investigations offers professional investigations and services in the following areas of Los Angeles County:

Acton, Agoura, Agoura Hills, Agua Dulce, Alhambra, Alondra Park, Altadena, Antelope Valley, Arcadia, Arleta, Artesia, Athens, Atwater Village, Avalon, Avocado Heights, Azusa, Baldwin Hills, Baldwin Park, Bel Air, Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Beverly Crest, Beverly Grove, Beverly Hills, Beverlywood, Boyle Heights, Bradbury, Brentwood, Burbank, Calabasas, Canoga Park, Canyon Country, Carson, Castaic, Century City, Cerritos, Charter Oak, Chatsworth, Cheviot Hills, Chinatown, Citrus, Claremont, Commerce, Compton, Covina, Crescenta Valley, Cudahy, Culver City, Cypress Park, Del Aire, Del Rey, Diamond Bar, Downey, Downtown, Duarte, Eagle Rock, East Hollywood, East Los Angeles, East Pasadena, East Rancho Dominguez, East San Gabriel, East Whittier, Echo Park, El Monte, El Segundo, El Sereno, Encino, Exposition Park, Fairfax, Florence-Firestone, Florence-Graham, Franklin Canyon, Gardena, Glassell Park, Glendale, Glendora, Granada Hills, Hancock Park, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, Hacienda Heights, Hawaiian Gardens, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Hidden Hills, Highland Park, Hollywood, Hollywood Heights, Hollywood Hills, Huntington Park, Hyde Park, Industry, Inglewood, Irwindale, Jefferson Park, Koreatown, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, La Puente, La Verne, Ladera Heights, Lake Balboa, Lake Los Angeles, Lakeview Terrace, Lakewood, Lancaster, Lawndale, Leimert Park, Lennox, Leona Valley, Lincoln Heights, Littlerock, Lomita, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Los Feliz, Lynwood, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Mar Vista, Marina del Rey, Mayflower Village, Maywood, Mid-City, Mid-Wilshire, Mission Hills, Monrovia, Montebello, Montecito Heights, Monterey Park, Montrose, Mount Olympus, Mount Washington, Newhall, North El Monte, North Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Norwalk, Pacific Palisades, Pacoima, Palmdale, Palms, Palos Verdes Estates, Panorama City, Paramount, Pasadena, Picfair Village, Pico Rivera, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Pomona, Pomona Valley, Porter Ranch, Quartz Hill, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rancho Park, Redondo Beach, Reseda, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rosemead, Rowland Heights, San Dimas, San Fernando, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel, San Gabriel Valley, San Marino, San Pasqual, San Pedro, Santa Clarita, Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Fe Springs, Santa Monica, Saugus, Sawtelle, Shadow Hills, Sherman Oaks, Sierra Madre, Signal Hill, Silver Lake, South El Monte, South Gate, South Los Angeles, South Pasadena, South San Gabriel, South San Jose Hills, South Whittier, Spaulding Square, Stevenson Ranch, Studio City, Sun Valley, Sunland, Sylmar, Tarzana, Temple City, Terminal Island, Topanga, Topanga Canyon, Torrance, Toluca Lake, Tujunga, University Park, Val Verde, Valencia, Valinda, Valley Glen, Valley Village, Van Nuys, Venice, Vernon, View Park-Windsor Hills, Vincent, Walnut, Walnut Park, Watts, West Adams, West Athens, West Carson, West Covina, West Hills, West Hollywood, West Los Angeles, West Puente Valley, West Rancho Dominguez, West Whittier-Los Nietos, Westchester, Westlake, Westlake Village, Westmont, Westwood, Whittier, Wilmington, Windsor Square, Winnetka, Woodland Hills, Willowbrook.

Crenshaw Investigations offers professional investigations and services in the following areas of Ventura County:

Bell Canyon, Camarillo, Casa Conejo, Channel Islands Beach, El Rio, Fillmore, Lake Sherwood, Meiners Oaks, Mira Monte, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Oak Park, Oak View, Ojai, Oxnard, Piru, Point Mugu, Port Hueneme, San Buenaventura, Santa Paula, Saticoy, Simi Valley, Somis, Thousand Oaks, Ventura.