What Does an Accident Reconstruction Expert Do?

If you’ve been hurt in an accident and someone else is to blame for it, you can file an insurance claim or lawsuit against that person and demand they compensate you for the harm they caused. To succeed, you will need strong evidence demonstrating fault and how the crash caused your injuries.

Evidence like videos, photos, and eyewitness accounts are valuable, but many motor vehicle accident cases require the assistance of accident reconstruction experts. Let’s take a closer look at what accident reconstruction professionals do and why their testimony can be so important.

What Is an Accident Reconstructionist?

Also known as a crash reconstruction expert or accident reconstruction expert witness, an accident reconstructionist is a professional with specialized training in analyzing a collision’s causes and contributing factors. They use their expertise in fields like physics, engineering, and law enforcement to piece together evidence and create detailed analyses of how and why a car crash occurred.

Analyzing Physical Evidence from the Crash Scene

One of the primary responsibilities of a vehicle accident reconstruction expert witness is to carefully examine physical evidence from the crash scene. The evidence may include:

• Skid marks and tire tracks – These can provide information about the speed and direction of the vehicles involved.
• Damage to the vehicles – The extent and location of the damage can offer clues about the angle and force of impact.
• Debris patterns – The distribution of debris can help determine the point of impact and the vehicles’ post-collision trajectory.
• Road conditions and signage – Hazards such as potholes, missing signs, or malfunctioning traffic lights could contribute to accidents.

By meticulously documenting and interpreting this physical evidence, accident reconstruction expert witnesses can help build a clearer picture of what happened just before and during a collision.

Using Technology to Recreate Accident Scenarios

Traffic accident reconstruction specialist expert witnesses often employ advanced technology to create detailed simulations and animations of how an accident happened. These tools help illustrate complex concepts to judges, juries, and insurance companies. They may include:

• Computer modeling software – Programs that create 3D models of the accident scene and simulate vehicle movements and impacts
• Photogrammetry – A technique that uses photographs to take precise measurements and create detailed diagrams of the crash site
• Event data recorders – Black boxes in many modern vehicles that record information such as speed, brake usage, and steering input in the seconds before a collision

Accident reconstruction expert witnesses can use physical evidence and technological tools to create compelling, scientifically based narratives of how an accident occurred.

How Can an Accident Reconstruction Specialist Help in a Personal Injury Case?

The testimony of a vehicle accident reconstructionist can be crucial in establishing liability and demonstrating the extent of the plaintiff’s damages. Their evidence-based accident investigation and traffic collision report can help:

• Prove that the defendant’s negligence caused the accident
• Refute claims that the plaintiff was partially or fully at fault
• Establish a causal link between the plaintiff’s injuries and the accident
• Illustrate the severity of the collision and the resulting damages

The accident reconstruction specialist’s testimony can help the insurer or court understand the technical aspects of the car accident claim and make well-informed decisions about fault and compensation.

Talk to Our Experienced Tennessee Personal Injury Lawyers Today

Accident reconstructionists can provide compelling evidence for individuals seeking compensation for their crash-related losses. At The Terry Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys can work with traffic accident reconstruction specialist expert witnesses to help us build the most compelling case possible for you.

Contact us today for a free consultation with our experienced Tennessee car accident attorneys.