How Accident Reconstruction Helps Prove Your Case

Accident reconstruction combines principles of physics, engineering, and forensic science to produce a comprehensive understanding of a motor vehicle accident. It is used by law enforcement, insurance companies, legal professionals, and safety organizations to determine liability, improve road safety, and prevent future accidents.

What is accident reconstruction?

Accident reconstruction is a scientific process used to investigate, analyze, and determine what caused the accident. It involves a thorough examination of all aspects of the accident to recreate the sequence of events leading up to, during, and after the collision.

Some key elements of accident reconstruction include:

• Scene investigation. Reconstruction experts collect physical evidence from the accident site, such as skid marks, debris, vehicle positions, and roadway conditions and document environmental conditions, including weather, lighting, and visibility.
• Vehicle examination. Accident reconstructions typically include a thorough inspection of the involved vehicles for damage, mechanical failures, and safety system performance. Experts will analyze tire marks, paint transfers, and other contact evidence.
• Data collection. An important part of accident reconstruction is gathering information from event data recorders (EDRs), also known as “black boxes,” which can provide data on vehicle speed, braking, and other parameters. Experts will also review camera footage, dashcam videos, and eyewitness statements.
• Analysis and simulation. Reconstruction experts use mathematical models and computer simulations to reconstruct an accident. They determine speeds, angles, and points of impact based on physical evidence and witness accounts.
• Human factors. Experts evaluate driver behavior, reaction times, and possible impairment due to alcohol, drugs, or fatigue. They consider the role distractions, visibility, and decision-making might have played in the moments leading up to the crash.
• Expert testimony. Accident reconstructionists often serve as expert witnesses in legal proceedings, providing their findings and opinions based on the reconstruction analysis. Their testimony can be crucial in civil and criminal cases, insurance claims, and safety improvements.

The primary goals of accident reconstruction are to understand how and why the accident occurred and to identify contributing factors.

What types of accident case use accident reconstruction?

Accident reconstruction is used to analyze and understand various types of accidents and incidents, not just those involving cars, trucks, or motorcycles. Here’s how accident reconstruction is applied in different accident scenarios:

Motor vehicle accidents

• Collision analysis: Determining the sequence of events, vehicle speeds, impact angles, and points of impact.
• Liability determination: Establishing fault or contributory negligence for purposes of civil and criminal cases.
• Insurance claims: Providing evidence to support or refute claims, aiding in the resolution of disputes.
• Safety improvements: Identifying road design flaws, signage issues, or vehicle defects that contributed to the accident, leading to safety enhancements.

Pedestrian and bicycle accidents

• Scene analysis: Examining crosswalks, traffic signals, and sightlines to understand the context of the accident.
• Behavioral analysis: Evaluating the actions of both the pedestrian/bicyclist and the vehicle driver to determine causality.
• Impact assessment: Analyzing the points of contact and the forces involved to understand the injuries sustained and their causes.

Motorcycle accidents

• Dynamic analysis: Assessing the unique dynamics of motorcycles, such as lean angles, braking behavior, and road grip.
• Protective gear evaluation: Investigating the effectiveness of helmets, jackets, and other protective gear in preventing or mitigating injuries.
• Visibility studies: Evaluating the visibility of the motorcyclist and the vehicle driver’s field of view to assess possible blind spots or obstructions.

Commercial truck accidents

• Regulatory compliance: Checking for adherence to regulations regarding driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and load limits.
• Cargo analysis: Investigating how cargo loading and securing may have affected the vehicle’s stability and handling.
• Electronic data: Analyzing data from advanced electronic systems like GPS, EDRs, and telematics for insights into vehicle operations before the accident.

Aviation accidents

• Flight data analysis: Reviewing black box data, cockpit voice recordings, and flight paths.
• Mechanical and structural examination: Inspecting aircraft components for signs of failure or maintenance issues.
• Human factors: Analyzing pilot actions, communication, and decision-making under stress.

Workplace accidents

• Process evaluation: Reviewing operational procedures and safety protocols to identify lapses or non-compliance.
• Equipment inspection: Checking machinery and tools for defects, maintenance issues, and proper usage.
• Safety analysis: Investigating personal protective equipment (PPE) use, safety training adequacy, and hazard awareness.

In each type of accident, accident reconstruction aims to piece together the sequence of events leading to the incident, understand the causes, and provide detailed insights that can be used to resolve disputes and improve overall safety.

How can accident reconstruction help my personal injury case?

Accident reconstruction can help your personal injury case in several critical ways:

• Establish liability. An accident reconstruction expert can provide a detailed analysis of the accident, pinpointing exactly how it occurred and identifying who was at fault. The accident reconstruction expert can present evidence in a clear and comprehensible manner using visual aids like diagrams, animations, and simulations that can be persuasive in court or during settlement negotiations.
• Support your claims. Accident reconstruction can corroborate your version of events, reinforcing your credibility and the validity of your claims. The expert’s testimony can be crucial in explaining technical aspects of the accident that might not be easily understood by the jury or judge.
• Determine damages. The analysis can demonstrate how the accident caused your injuries, which is essential for connecting the accident to your medical condition. By showing the forces involved and the mechanics of the accident, the reconstruction can help establish the severity of the impact, supporting claims for significant damages.
• Counter defenses. Accident reconstruction can refute the defense’s arguments or theories about the causes and circumstances of the accident. It can also resolve ambiguities or inconsistencies in the evidence and provide a clear narrative of the accident.
• Enhance settlement negotiations. A strong, evidence-backed accident reconstruction can put you in a better position during settlement negotiations, potentially leading to a more favorable outcome. The prospect of disproving a well-supported reconstruction in court can motivate the opposing party to settle rather than risk an adverse judgment.

If you were involved in some type of collision anywhere in Georgia, our Savannah accident lawyers will listen to your story, review the circumstances, and consult with accident reconstruction experts as needed to determine who might be liable for damages related to the accident. Call us in Atlanta or Savannah to schedule a free consultation, or complete our contact form today.