How Accident Reconstruction Experts Strengthen Injury Claims

With so many moving parts combined with the speed of a crash, it can be difficult to determine how events unfolded. Determining fault is rarely simple, as an accident reconstructionist must evaluate evidence to recreate the incident. By translating technical or scientific jargon, an expert witness helps a judge or jury evaluate the facts.

While your accident-related expenses may be significant, it is crucial to understand the events leading up to your crash. At Conlon Tarker, P.C., our Butler County personal injury attorneys have a successful track record in assisting injured persons recover full compensation. Our legal team’s ongoing professional relationship with accident reconstructionists will help us determine the truth of your injury claim.

Assisting in Accident Investigation

Although providing expert testimony is arguably their most important task, accident reconstructionists play a vital role in the initial investigation. Accident reconstructionists approach accidents like detectives, analyzing skid marks, debris, vehicle damage, and other digital data to determine what occurred.

Most modern cars have event data recorders (EDRs) that record the speed of each vehicle, steering and braking activity, and airbag deployment. An accident reconstructionist will often use EDR or “black box” data as a jumping-off point. In investigating the crash, an accident reconstructionist can collect vital information to create a more accurate representation of the events.

Explaining the Crash in Layman’s Terms

For the trier of fact to determine who is at fault, an accident reconstructionist must break complex concepts down into an easy-to-understand format. Measurements, principles of physics, and impact angles must be summarized to extract critical details. By using charts, diagrams, and digital animations, an accident reconstructionist can break down what happened while corroborating your side of the story.

Helping a Judge or Jury Determine Fault

In personal injury claims, an accident reconstructionist can serve as an expert witness for either the plaintiff or defendant. Rule 702 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Evidence states that a witness is qualified to testify as an expert if the following applies:

• The expert’s scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge is beyond that of a layperson.
• The expert’s scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will assist a judge or jury in understanding the evidence or facts.
• The expert’s methodology is generally accepted in the relevant field.

To help a judge or jury visualize the crash, an expert witness will typically use 3D computer animations. These simulations recreate each driver’s line of sight, the paths of each vehicle upon impact, and the role that weather or other factors played in the collision. These simulations can help the jury understand what happened leading up to the crash.

Addressing Hypothetical Questions to Provide Clarification

Unlike a lay witness, accident reconstructionists and other expert witnesses are allowed to answer hypothetical questions posed by opposing counsel. Hypotheticals are meant to test if the expert’s testimony stands up against the evidence. This can further help a judge or jury visualize what happened.

As part of preparing an expert witness, our personal injury attorneys pose their own hypothetical questions to identify potential gaps in their initial analysis. Hypotheticals help a judge or jury assess the percentage of fault to assign to each party and whether slightly different facts would change their viewpoint.

Reach Out to Our Butler County Serious Injury Lawyers Today

Financial recovery in a personal injury case can be challenging when liability is in dispute. At Conlon Tarker, P.C., our Butler County serious injury attorneys understand that your ability to heal hinges on obtaining maximum compensation. Thankfully, an accident reconstructionist can piece together the puzzle to help establish fault. To arrange your free consultation, contact our office online or by calling (724) 285-7700 today.