What Does a Crash Reconstruction Expert Do?
Car accidents happen every day. From minor fender-benders to multi-car pileups on the nation’s highways, they’ve become an unfortunate part of life. For many people, the process of dealing with an accident (while undeniably stressful) is pretty straightforward.
You assess the situation, notify the police, call for medical assistance (if necessary), move the vehicles out of the travel lanes (if possible), and then let the insurance companies handle everything.
But severe car accidents are different. If you’ve been involved in more than a minor accident, it’s important to have an accurate picture of exactly what happened.
In the aftermath of a serious car accident, especially one involving catastrophic injuries or fatalities, determining the sequence of events leading to the collision is crucial. This is where crash reconstruction experts play an indispensable role.
US auto accidents: Understanding the statistics
According to the US Department of Transportation, almost 41,000 people were killed in auto accidents in the United States in 2023 alone. The good news? That’s down from 2023, which itself was down from the most recent peak (43,230) in 2021. However, millions of people were injured, many severely and permanently.
In some of those accidents, determining what or who caused the crash was too complex for insurance adjusters or police officers. This is particularly true for crashes involving:
- Multiple vehicles
- High speeds
- Unusual impact angles
- Unusual complexity
- Significant disputes over fault
In these cases, a crash reconstruction specialist may be required. What is a crash reconstruction expert, what do they do, and how might they benefit your case? Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know.
What is a crash reconstruction expert?
A crash reconstruction expert is a professional trained to investigate, analyze, and reconstruct the events of a car accident. Their goal is to determine how and why an accident occurred by examining physical evidence, vehicle dynamics, and environmental conditions.
Qualifications of a crash reconstruction expert
To be recognized as an expert in this field, crash reconstruction specialists usually need the following:
- A specific educational background: Crash reconstruction specialists need a strong foundation in physics, engineering, or a related field. Many have advanced degrees and have specialized training in accident reconstruction. Most will also hold a certification from an industry authority, like the Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR).
- Considerable professional experience: Of course, crash reconstruction experts benefit from hands-on experience in law enforcement or traffic investigation to help them analyze accident scenes accurately. Many professionals have backgrounds as traffic investigators or have undergone specialized training programs.
- Strong analytical skills: Crash reconstruction experts know how to interpret complex information, understand vehicle dynamics, and use mathematical models to reconstruct the events that led to a crash and their
So, how do those elements come together when investigating a car accident?
A crash reconstruction expert’s role in car accident cases
In a perfect world, determining the cause of a car crash would be simple. Both drivers would give the same account of events leading up to the crash, the issue of fault would be clear, and everyone could get on with their lives. We don’t live in such a world, unfortunately.
Sometimes, drivers aren’t entirely sure what happened. At other times, drivers might not want to admit that they were speeding or distracted. Crash reconstruction experts provide important assistance in legal proceedings by:
- Analyzing evidence: They examine skid marks, vehicle damage, road conditions, and other physical evidence to reconstruct the accident. This detailed analysis helps in understanding the sequence of events leading to the accident.
- Determining fault: By reconstructing the accident, they can identify contributing factors and determine which party was at fault or the degree of fault the parties involved. Washington is a shared fault state and uses a pure comparative negligence rule to decide fault in car accidents.
- Expert testimony: Their findings and professional opinions are presented in court to support claims and clarify complex accident scenarios.
But how do crash reconstruction experts go about assessing an accident and determining what happened?
The tools used
Today, crash reconstruction experts can use a wide range of technological tools and techniques to help accurately identify factors that contributed to an accident and establish the sequence of events. These include the following:
- 3D laser scanning: This technology provides precise measurement and documentation of accident scenes, creating accurate 3D models for analysis.
- Computer simulations: Software can simulate vehicle dynamics, weather, road conditions, and collisions, helping experts create a picture of events and analyze the accident.
- Event data recorders (EDRs): Often called a vehicle’s “black box,” EDRs record important driving-related information, like speed, braking, and steering inputs, before and during a crash.
Together, these tools help reconstruction experts recreate auto accidents in detail. However, it’s about more than the tools. These professionals filter all that data through their experience and training to help them understand and then communicate the details involved in severe car crashes.
How they affect legal cases
In cases that involve catastrophic injuries or fatalities, a crash reconstruction expert’s insights provide important clarity. It really comes down to establishing exactly what happened and giving the clearest picture possible.
Their analyses can influence the outcome of legal proceedings by providing objective, scientific evidence that clarifies what took place during an accident. With a clearer picture of events, including what each driver might have done before and during the accident, it’s easier to determine who is at fault.
The legal expertise you need
At Smith McBroom, we understand just how important accurate accident investigation is and work closely with reputable crash reconstruction experts. They help us build the strongest case possible with an accurate picture of what happened at each stage of the accident.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious car accident, our experienced team is here to help you deal with the legal fallout of a severe auto accident and fight for your rights. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.