A method of accident reconstruction, crush analysis measures permanent vehicle deformation after a collision and uses that damage to estimate impact severity, collision forces, and often pre-impact or impact speed.

Reconstruction experts usually compare the depth and pattern of crushed metal to crash-test data, manufacturer stiffness values, scene measurements, and photographs. For example, severe front-end compression with frame rail collapse may support a higher-energy impact than cosmetic bumper damage alone. The analysis is not just a visual opinion: it often involves exact measurements of crush depth at multiple points, calculations based on energy absorption, and correlation with other evidence such as skid marks, event data recorder downloads, and occupant movement. Because repair work can erase key evidence, early inspection matters.

In an injury claim, crush analysis can help prove how violent a crash was and whether the claimed injuries match the mechanics of the collision. That can affect disputes over causation, damages, and comparative fault. Insurers may use low-crush photos to argue for a minor impact; a full engineering review may show that overlap, underride, rotation, or offset loading made the collision more severe than photos suggest.

In North Dakota, fault allocation directly affects recovery. Under North Dakota Century Code § 32-03.2-02, modified comparative fault applies, and a person who is 50% or more at fault cannot recover damages. A well-supported crush analysis may therefore influence both fault percentages and injury valuation.