Traffic Accidents

Dealing with traffic accidents is a fix part in the daily routine of the forensic pathologist. As there exist different types of accidents (two-wheel accidents, four-wheel accidents, and pedestrian accidents) and the handling of those cases is often complex, several questions concerning the reconstruction of the accident arise. Therefore, imaging methods are gaining more and more importance in solving and illustrating those cases, especially when different parties are involved (forensic pathologist, imaging specialists, and the police). The most suitable radiological modalities are MDCT and MDCT-angiography. However, MRI and conventional X-ray can be useful in some cases. Indeed, MRI can play an important role in evaluating spinal cord lesions. Moreover, 3D-surface scanning technology gets more and more involved in treating traffic accident cases as it permits a reconstruction and 3D visualization of the involved participants, including the vehicles. In this chapter, we will describe the advantages and disadvantages of the more appropriated imaging techniques and how to include them in the resolution of the case.