accidental wounds of the neck: distinguishing features of the criminal throat cut (a case report)

Abstract

The determination of criminal, suicidal or accidental origin of a neck wound is not always easy. We report the
case of a death body that was found on the public road and which had both a neck wound and diverse extra cervical injuries. A careful study of the neck wound and the extra cervical injuries has allowed linking them to a public
road accident. The different injuries were vital and were produced during different times of walking crash namely
packing, projection and falling, and streaking. The neck wound has happened when the body of the decedent was
crossed by the vehicle and the wedging of the prominent chin responsible for bruised injuries of tearing.
In conclusion, if neck injuries are, mostly, originally criminal or suicidal, accidental origin can also be possible especially during public roads accidents. The diagnosis is mainly based on the study of memorials, the presence of extra cervical traumatic injuries and full forensic autopsy