Bumper Mark
Definition
A transverse bruise or fracture on the lower limb of a pedestrian, at the height of the striking vehicle's bumper at impact. Bumper height indicates vehicle class (car vs SUV vs truck).
- Location
- Lower limb of a pedestrian
- Pattern
- Transverse bruise or fracture
- Height indicator
- Vehicle class, car vs SUV vs truck
- Mechanism
- Direct bumper impact
- Field
- Traffic injury forensic pathology
Common questions
How do investigators use bumper mark height to identify a hit-and-run vehicle?+
Measuring the height of the bruise or fracture on the pedestrian's leg above the ground and comparing it to known bumper heights for vehicle classes can narrow the search to a car, SUV or truck.
Does a bumper mark always appear at the exact height of the vehicle's bumper?+
Not precisely, because the pedestrian's stance, movement, or being struck at an angle can shift the mark slightly from the bumper's resting height, so it is treated as a strong indicator rather than an exact measurement.
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