What Is Accident Reconstruction?
June 17, 2024
Often, the scene of a car accident can be extremely chaotic and stressful, particularly when the accident causes serious injuries and substantial property damage. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, it may be difficult to establish who caused the accident and which driver is liable for the resulting damage. If you were injured in a car accident, and the other driver was at fault, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver. However, to have a successful claim, you will need to prove that the other driver was negligent. In addition to photos from the accident scene, witness statements, and a copy of the police report, an accident reconstruction expert is a forensic professional who can determine the cause of the accident and identify which driver is at fault.
An accident reconstruction expert will study the physical evidence from the accident scene and conclude the events leading up to the accident, how the crash happened, and who is at fault. Based on the evidence that is available at the accident scene, an accident reconstruction expert may reveal a range of factors that caused the accident to occur, including the following:
- Speeding
- Driver made an error when turning or changing lanes
- Dangerous road conditions
- Visibility issues
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Loss of driver control due to a defective car part
What Happens During the Accident Reconstruction Process?
The process of reconstructing an accident is extremely detailed and generally includes the following steps:
- Site inspection: The accident reconstruction expert will visit the accident site and thoroughly analyze the physical evidence present, including skid marks and debris on the road, damage to the surroundings, and the resting position of both vehicles.
- Aerial photography: In some cases, an accident reconstruction expert may take aerial photographs of the accident scene to provide a broader perspective on various attributes, including road conditions, signage, traffic signals, and other relevant details.
- Vehicle inspection: The accident reconstruction expert will thoroughly inspect both vehicles and assess the property damage to each. This will provide valuable insight into the accident’s nature, including the impact’s force and direction.
- Data collection: If the vehicles involved in the accident are newer models, they may be equipped with Event Data Recorders (EDRs), similar to an airplane’s “black box.” EDRs record valuable information before the collision, including speed, brake usage, and seat belt status.
- Interviews: Statements will be collected from the motorists involved in the accident to determine each party’s perspective about the events leading up to the accident. If witnesses saw the accident, the reconstruction expert would obtain statements from all parties who could provide valuable information about the accident.
- Review of police reports: The police officer who arrived at the accident scene will fill out an accident report, which often includes valuable data, including photos, measurements, and initial findings on traffic violations. An accident reconstruction expert will thoroughly review the information on the police report.
- Analysis of medical records: An accident reconstruction expert will review the medical records and determine whether the injuries correlate with the physics of the crash.
- Applying laws and regulations: If traffic laws or state or federal regulations were violated in the events leading up to the accident, an accident reconstruction expert will include this information in their report.
- Creating a reconstruction: Using advanced computer software, an accident reconstruction expert will comprehensively reconstruct the accident.
- Report preparation: The findings are included in a detailed report, which can be used as evidence in court proceedings and insurance claim settlements.
Our Maryland Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Employ Accident Reconstruction Experts for Car Accident Cases
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a car accident, it is highly recommended that you contact our Maryland car accident lawyers at LeViness Tolzman & Hamilton. To schedule a free consultation, call 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
We have offices in Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Lanham, and Owings Mills, allowing us to represent clients in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.