Accident reconstruction experts play a critical role in determining what happened in a crash involving serious injury or death. These highly trained professionals piece together evidence to provide an objective analysis of how and why a collision occurred. Their expert testimony can make or break injury and wrongful death claims.
If you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic harm in a Mississippi traffic accident, a skilled accident reconstructionist may help you seek maximum compensation. Here is an overview of what these experts do and why their services are invaluable after a life-altering crash.
Investigating the Scene
After a serious accident, a reconstruction expert will visit the crash scene as soon as possible. They photograph and measure skid marks, scrape marks, vehicle and roadway damage, and the final position of the vehicles.
Recon specialists use laser measuring devices, 3D scanners, drones, and other tools to document conditions. These details help them calculate speeds and angles of impact. They also look for any site factors that may have contributed, like an obscured stop sign.
Analyzing Vehicle Damage
Inspecting vehicle damage provides clues about the forces involved and how the occupants moved during the collision. Did the steering column get pushed back? Were the seatbelts stretched? Was there intrusion into the passenger compartment?
Matching up damage on the vehicles shows their orientation at impact. A reconstructionist may remove key components like the airbag control module for further analysis.
Using Event Data Recorders
Many modern vehicles have event data recorders (EDRs) that capture pre-crash data like vehicle speed, brake application, throttle position, and seatbelt status. This objective data gives recon experts precise details to reconstruct the accident sequence.
They can sync the EDR data with scene evidence to determine if weather, road design, or other external factors played a role. EDR data also helps identify any mechanical defects that may have caused or contributed to the crash.
Performing Speed Calculations
By studying tire marks, scrape patterns, and vehicle damage, a qualified recon specialist can calculate speeds and angles of impact. This helps determine if any drivers were speeding or violating other traffic safety laws.
Their time-distance equations can show if a motorist could have avoided a collision by braking or steering differently. These speed analysis calculations are crucial for assessing fault and liability.
Analyzing Crash Victim Injuries
A biomechanical engineer studies how crash forces impacted the human body. They use medical records to see which body parts were injured. Virtual crash simulation software helps determine the body motions that likely caused specific harm like spinal fractures or head trauma.
Matching up injuries to the physical crash evidence helps gauge the intensity of occupant impacts. If injuries and vehicle damage don’t align, it raises alternate theories of how someone got hurt.
Creating Illustrations and Animations
Accident reconstructionists use computer modeling tools to create vivid animations showing how a collision unfolded in real-time. These visuals help juries understand complex physics concepts and follow the expert’s step-by-step analysis.
Graphic illustrations of crash details like vehicle crush depth, roadway markings, and final rest positions also help communicate key points. A picture is worth a thousand words when conveying technical accident reconstruction concepts.
Offering Objective Testimony
A well-qualified reconstruction expert offers unbiased testimony based solely on the physical evidence. Their scientific analysis is designed to determine what happened, not advocate for a particular side.
Objective recon experts are essential when cases involve disputed liability and large damages. Their testimony carries significant weight for establishing fault and causation in court.
For a free consultation on your Mississippi accident case, contact the experienced injury law firm Monge & Associates at (888) 477-0597. With 32 offices in 19 states, including Mississippi, Virginia, and Alabama, we have the resources to reconstruct complex crashes and fight for your rights. Let our dedicated advocates help you seek full and fair compensation.