What Does an Accident Reconstruction Expert Do?
Determining fault after a vehicle accident occurs can be challenging. Even if individuals gather evidence at the scene of the incident and have eyewitness statements, the chain of events that caused the incident may not be clear. Sometimes, investigators or legal teams involved will work with accident reconstruction experts to help determine liability. These individuals are highly trained and use science and mathematics to help establish a model of what occurred.
What is Accident Reconstruction in Georgia?
Accident reconstruction is a branch of forensic science that involves determining how and why accidents occurred. The goal of accident reconstruction is to correctly interpret any evidence left at the scene of the crash and then reconstruct the incident to piece together a clearer picture of what happened. Typically, accident reconstruction is done in the aftermath of an accident that causes severe property damage, catastrophic injuries, or death.
Reconstruction experts are often able to reveal a host of information about the incident, including the possible cause of the incident. This could include uncovering that one or more drivers were speeding, ran a red light, improperly changed lanes, operating their vehicle recklessly, etc. Reconstruction experts could also uncover that there were problems with visibility or dangerous conditions on the roadway. If a vehicle or vehicle part defect caused the incident, the reconstruction could demonstrate this clearly.
What Does an Accident Reconstruction Expert Do?
Accident reconstruction experts typically submit written reports and often develop 3D computer models so they can demonstrate exactly what happened to insurance carriers or to a personal injury jury. These experts will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation and inspection of the scene and vehicles involved
- Review all police and traffic collision reports
- Speak to any eyewitnesses
- Examine published reports related to similar crashes
- Evaluate medical records of any victims to determine injury consistency with the evidence
- Examine vehicle “black box” data
Accident reconstruction experts typically have significant knowledge of science, math, and computer skills that allows them to take the evidence that they obtain and put together the 3D model and written reports to present to others.
Do You Need an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney?
In the event a crash is severe enough to need an accident reconstruction expert, it is very likely that you will need assistance from a skilled Atlanta, GA car accident lawyer. Typically, it is an attorney that makes the decision that an accident reconstruction expert is necessary because they need help proving what happened to the insurance carrier or a jury.
An Atlanta personal injury attorney will be responsible for making the connection with the action reconstruction expert, not you. Your focus should be on recovering from the incident and getting back on your feet. Attorneys typically have connections to individuals who have these necessary skills and will make the best recommendation possible for your particular case. The ultimate goal is to help ensure that you recover maximum compensation through an insurance settlement or a jury trial. This includes recovery of all medical expenses, continued follow-up medical care, lost wages if you are unable to work, property damage expenses, as well as pain and suffering losses.