How an Accident Reconstructionist Can Help Your Claim

By Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie on January 31, 2021

Recalling every little detail of a crash can be almost impossible when you have just been in one. You may be stunned by the sheer violence of the collision and even more disoriented if you suffered a serious injury, such as a head wound. While you may be able to explain your specific actions leading up to the collision, you likely will not be able to break down every step that contributed to the accident.

In some cases, police investigators might be able to outline the important details from both parties in an accident report, but they are often rushed to get traffic moving and clear the road. The other guy in the other car usually has an entirely different story, which his insurance company will use against you.

Ultimately, you may need to rely on the expert opinion of a third-party investigator to determine how the accident occurred and who is really at fault.

What Is an Accident Reconstructionist?

Accident reconstructionists are trained experts who specialize in investigating accidents and ascertaining what caused a collision. These experts can thoroughly review every aspect of the accident, from the local weather patterns to road design to driver behavior, to recreate the order of events. They often use a wide variety of tools, techniques, and evidence to come to a conclusion about who is to blame for a collision. Their qualifications may include a degree or knowledge of advanced mathematics, engineering, physics, automotive systems, and computer software, which allow them to develop detailed simulations of the collision.

When an accident reconstructionist investigates a collision, they will look at several factors. This can include:

• Photos and videos of the accident
• Witness and driver statements
• Police reports
• Medical reports
• Damage to vehicles
• Skid marks at the scene
• Property damage at the scene
• Time of day and weather patterns
• Road design at the scene
• Maintenance reports of both vehicles and the intersection

What Information Can a Reconstructionist Provide?

If you have been in an auto accident, your attorney may suggest working with an accident reconstructionist to help strengthen your case. While other forms of evidence will definitely benefit your case, an expert opinion can hold a large amount of weight during settlement negotiations or a jury trial. It may also be necessary to determine how the other driver caused your injuries, or how another party is to blame, such as a government agency. For example, if a collision only occurred due to dangerous road design, then an accident reconstructionist may be able to build a case against the city planner or public works department.

These experts are also invaluable in investigating truck accidents. There are a lot of moving parts in a truck accident, and an in-depth investigation may be required to determine what occurred. An accident reconstructionist can investigate whether the trucker made a dangerous maneuver or was distracted, fatigued, or intoxicated. In addition, if the collision occurred due to a mechanical failure or an overloaded trailer, an expert opinion may be necessary to prove it in court.

Speak to a Lawyer Today

One size of accident reconstruction does not fit all — while one expert may specialize in motorcycle accidents, another may have experience dealing with government agencies. Which one you should work with will depend entirely on your accident. But instead of going through the time-consuming task of researching each expert individually, you should let an Orange County personal injury attorney handle it for you.

The team at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie is well-versed in working with accident reconstructionists and can swiftly reach out to one to help investigate your accident. We can also skillfully explain their expert opinions to an insurance company or jury to secure you proper compensation for your injuries. If you or a loved one was injured in an auto accident in Orange County, contact our office at (949) 752-7474. We can walk you through the claims process in a free consultation.