Real-Life Decision Making
An automobile accident by definition involves some sort of failure -- failure of the driver or drivers, failure of the roadway or failure of the vehicle. An automotive forensic investigator steps in to determine where the failure actually occurred. The way they decide is by studying the evidence left from the wreck -- the road marks, the wrecked cars and witness testimony.
In some cases, the investigator's conclusion can cost the insurance company or car manufacturers millions of dollars, says Robert Sokol. Sokol is an independent investigator based in Kansas.
You are beeped in the middle of a rainy night by the police department. You answer the beep. It turns out it is one of the detectives at the local police department. He tells you that there has been a bad wreck on Willow Way.
He also tells you that only one car was involved and the driver of the car was a politician's son. The boy had been drinking and driving, lost control of the car, hit a brick wall and was DOA about an hour ago. The city official wants you to investigate the car first thing in the morning. Say goodbye to your day off.
The next day, you go down to the police impound. To your dismay, the father of the boy who was killed is there. You have never seen this man in person, but you recognize him immediately from all the news coverage.
This politician is quite eager to befriend you. You are soon aware of his reason.
He tells you he has been very happy with your work to date and that the police department should pay you more. He wants to know your hourly rate. "Oh, that's all," he says. "I think we'll have to double that." Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.
He says the car manufacturer will pay for killing his son. You give him a blank stare. After all, you didn't even know the car manufacturer was being sued.
"I am sure you will find something wrong with the vehicle," he says. Then, he goes on to pat you on the back and tell you how much you are worth to the police department.
What do you do?