The Importance of Accident Reconstruction in Fatal Car Crash Cases 

What is Accident Reconstruction? 

Accident reconstruction is a scientific process used to analyze the factors and events leading up to, during, and following a car accident. In other words, accident reconstruction is used to determine how and why an accident happened. To make this determination, accident reconstruction experts collect and analyze physical evidence from the crash site, such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions. Experts use this data, along with witness statements, police reports, and other evidence, to create a detailed picture of the accident. They often employ physics, mathematical formulas, and specialized computer software simulations to understand the vehicles’ movements and impact forces.  

Technology plays a crucial role in modern accident reconstruction. Experts often use advanced software for simulation and 3D modeling, drones for aerial photography of the accident scene, and laser scanning for precise measurements. These technological tools enhance the accuracy and reliability of the reconstruction analysis. 

Accident reconstruction can often infer driver behavior prior to the crash by analyzing factors such as vehicle speed, braking patterns, and steering inputs. This analysis can provide insights into whether a driver was distracted, speeding, or engaged in other risky behaviors leading up to the accident. 

By recreating the scenario, accident reconstruction experts may help to show that certain factors, such as speeding, dangerous road conditions, visibility issues, or running a stop sign or light, caused or contributed to the accident. Accident reconstruction experts document their findings in detailed reports and often construct visual demonstrations, such as 3D models, to show to the jury at trial. 

Why is Accident Reconstruction Important in Fatal Car Crash Cases? 

Though accident reconstruction can be helpful in most car accident cases, it plays an especially pivotal role in uncovering the truth in fatal crashes. The reason is simple: the deceased driver cannot be interviewed or provide any information about what happened, and the other driver involved in the accident and/or witnesses to it may not provide an accurate or truthful account. If the driver who caused the accident denies responsibility, their insurance company is more likely to deny a wrongful death claim filed by the victim’s family.  

However, because an accident reconstruction expert examines all the facts and evidence to provide an objective account of what happened and who was at fault, the insurance company will often give more weight to the expert’s opinion over the at-fault driver’s statement. If the accident reconstruction report shows liability on the part of the driver who caused a fatal crash, the insurance company is far more likely to pay a fair settlement to the family.  If the insurance company does not agree to pay a fair settlement, accident reconstruction evidence can be used to establish liability, refute or support claims made by parties involved, and guide the jury award of damages at trial.  

Who Is Qualified To Be an Accident Reconstruction Expert? 

Accident reconstruction is typically performed by experts with specialized training in engineering, physics, and forensics. Because it is a multidisciplinary field, there is no college or graduate degree specifically for accident reconstruction, though organizations such as the Society of Automotive Engineers offer certificates in accident reconstruction. These professionals often have backgrounds in law enforcement, automotive engineering, or forensic science and must be knowledgeable about physics, mathematics, car dynamics, engineering, photogrammetry, and computer applications using simulation tools.  

An expert must also have real-world training and experience to interpret the evidence accurately and provide credible analyses of the accident. If the accident reconstructionist is not seen as credible by the insurance company, it may not rely on their finding of fault and deny the claim. Similarly, a reconstructionist must be viewed as credible by the jury to win if the case goes to trial. 

How Is Evidence Used in Accident Reconstruction? 

Accident reconstruction experts use all types of evidence to figure out what factors caused or contributed to the crash. Typically, experts will thoroughly examine each vehicle involved in the accident and document the physical damage. Experts will also analyze photos, videos, and surveillance footage of the crash and the surrounding area, taking measurements of skid marks, debris distribution, and damage to property at the accident scene.  

Additionally, experts review police reports, witness statements and depositions, black box data, published studies, and other documents to determine what happened and who is at fault. Experts also look at victims’ medical records because the seriousness of the injuries can indicate the force of impact and other elements. 

How is Accident Reconstruction Presented in Court? 

In court, accident reconstruction is typically presented through expert testimony, accompanied by visual aids such as diagrams, 3D models, photographs, and computer-generated simulations. The expert explains the methodology used, the evidence analyzed, and the conclusions drawn, providing a clear and comprehensible narrative of the accident. 

Can Accident Reconstruction Dispute or Support Witness Testimonies? 

Yes, accident reconstruction can help refute or support witness testimonies. By providing a scientific and objective analysis of the crash, reconstruction can confirm the accuracy of witness accounts or highlight inconsistencies and inaccuracies in their statements, thereby clarifying what actually happened. 

When Should Accident Reconstruction Take Place after a Fatal Car Crash? 

When it comes to any car accident case, time is of the essence when collecting and preserving evidence. In accidents involving fatalities, it can be especially difficult to prove what caused the crash because there are often fewer sources of evidence. Ideally, an accident reconstruction expert should analyze evidence and provide a report as soon as possible after the crash to ensure that no crucial information is lost or destroyed.  

However, accident reconstruction can still be performed weeks or even months later, provided that sufficient evidence is available. The sooner the process begins, the more accurate and comprehensive the reconstruction is likely to be. With a strong accident reconstruction report, the victim’s family has a better chance of receiving maximum compensation for their wrongful death claim. 

Are There Any Limitations to What Accident Reconstruction Can Prove? 

While accident reconstruction can provide crucial insights involving liability, it does have limitations. For example, the accident reconstruction expert must rely on the evidence available, which may be incomplete or compromised, when reaching conclusions. The accuracy of accident reconstruction can also be limited by factors such as unreliable witness accounts and complex crash scenarios involving multiple vehicles. Additionally, the interpretation of data can sometimes be subjective, requiring a high level of expertise to ensure accuracy.  

In addition, while an experienced attorney and their investigative team may collect every piece of evidence that exists, sometimes certain details—such as the thoughts and intentions of the drivers—simply cannot be known or proven. If the evidence that the expert relies on is incomplete or faulty, the insurance company and its defense team have a better chance of refuting the reconstruction report. 

An Experienced Lawyer Knows How to Build a Strong Claim Using Accident Reconstruction 

Often, insurance companies have their own team of accident reconstruction experts who try to reduce payouts or dispute liability for fatal car accidents. Without an experienced personal injury attorney who knows how to employ their own experts to fight against the insurance company, a victim’s family may face an uphill battle to get fair compensation for their loved one’s death.  

At The Millar Law Firm, our attorneys have established relationships with leading accident reconstruction experts in Georgia, and we have thirty years of experience using these experts in all types of vehicle accident cases involving contested liability. Our attorneys know that accident reconstruction findings can strengthen a case by providing concrete evidence, refuting opposing claims, and determining fair compensation. We have a proven track record of not only working effectively with accident reconstruction experts but using their findings to get maximum compensation in settlement negotiations and at trial.