An Integral Approach to the Classification of Motorcycle Injuries

Abstract

Annotation. The article attempts to highlight the problems that forensic experts face during the examination of victims of a motor trauma, propose a modern classification of this type of traffic accident suitable for experts, list those issues that require expert resolution, and establish a standard algorithm (sequence) of conducting such an examination. The material of the study was archival copies of expert opinions and acts of comprehensive forensic medical and transport- trassological examinations in cases of motor injuries (33 complex examinations and acts in total), for 2008–2018. Expert studies were conducted on the basis of the Odessa Regional Bureau of Forensic Medicine expertise. The research method is the analysis of forensic and transport-trassological signs in their interconnection and interdependence, allowing to resolve the basic questions about the mechanism and circumstances of motor trauma. The study suggests that the following main types of motorcycle injuries are currently the most common (this includes injuries when operating a “classic” motorcycle and a moped): injury to driver and passenger due to contact of a motorcycle (moped) – with another vehicle, – with a stationary object, – due to the rollover of a motorcycle (moped) without contact with another vehicle, – as a result of a fall from a motorcycle (moped) until it capsizes without contacting another vehicle, – due to contact of the motorcycle (moped) with a pedestrian (pedestrians); injury to pedestrians due to contact with a moving motorcycle (moped); combined injuries of the driver and passenger of a motorcycle or moped (injury due to the rollover of a motorcycle or moped followed by contact with another vehicle; injury due to successive contact of a motorcycle or moped with a pedestrian and stationary object; injury due to rollover of a motorcycle (moped) and falling into a water body or fire, etc.); combined types of injury to a pedestrian (pedestrians) due to contact with a moving motorcycle or moped (injury due to contact with a moving motorcycle or moped, followed by falling and rolling wheels of another vehicle; injury due to contact with a moving motorcycle or moped, and then dropping another vehicle onto the body funds, etc.). Thus, establishing the exact circumstances of a motorcycle injury is impossible by examining only some object artificially isolated from the rest (for example, a corpse). Such an expert approach should be completely abandoned. The author’s proposed classification of motorcycle injuries, which is based on an integrated approach to the study of the mechanism of accidents, and which reflects its main types, can be used for expert purposes.