Impact Forces: Auto Accident Reconstruction Explained
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries. To recover damages in an automobile accident, you must prove who was liable for your collision. Sometimes, demonstrating fault can be difficult.
In cases where proving responsibility for a motor vehicle accident is challenging, it may be necessary to hire an accident reconstructionist. These professionals can help determine how an accident was caused. Our Okemos car accident lawyers at White Law PLLC regularly work with experienced accident reconstructionists who can help you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve for your motor vehicle accident injuries.
Basics of Auto Accident Reconstruction
According to the Michigan State Police, the main function of auto accident reconstructionists is to investigate and reconstruct traffic collisions. It is their responsibility to determine how motor vehicle accidents occur. To provide this information as accurately as possible, auto accident reconstructionists apply the laws of physics to the evidence found at the crash site and other physical evidence to determine how an accident happened.
Essentially, auto accident reconstructionists work backward, using the physical evidence at the accident scene. They develop theories and conclusions about how an accident was caused and what exactly happened. Through their accident reconstruction, they can often determine what factors likely played a role in an accident, such as speeding, improper turning or lane changes, and dangerous road conditions.
Determining how an auto accident happened is important in proving liability in personal injury claims. In Michigan, for example, the party liable for causing injuries in a motor vehicle accident is responsible for compensating a victim for their damages. To ensure that you can prove who was to blame for causing your auto accident injuries, it may be necessary to hire an accident reconstructionist.
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What Auto Accident Reconstructionists Do
Auto reconstructionists are tasked with the important job of determining what factors played a part in your auto accident. There are several steps they take in reconstructing your motor vehicle accident. Common steps taken by auto accident reconstructionists include the following:
Investigation
One of the first things auto accident reconstructionists do is begin a thorough investigation. They will first visit the accident scene. They collect evidence, including anything left behind at the scene or photographs of your crash. They also review the police report and statements of the victim and witnesses.
Examination
Auto accident reconstructionists then examine the vehicles and any other objects involved in your collision. They look at skid marks, tire tracks, and other physical evidence. They also inspect the condition of the road, its surface, and the positioning of road signs and signals.
Analysis
Once the auto accident reconstructionist gathers all the evidence, they begin to analyze and interpret the data collected. They create models and hypotheses to determine vehicle impact points, speeds, movements, and points of rest. They also generate accident simulations that can help a judge and jury visualize exactly what happened during your accident.
Our Okemos car accident attorneys at White Law PLLC have a network of experienced car accident reconstructionist experts who can help prove liability in your motor vehicle accident. This information is necessary in demonstrating who is at fault for your accident and, more importantly, why they should be held responsible for paying for your damages. In difficult auto accident cases, the help of an accident reconstructionist can be invaluable.
Qualifications for Auto Accident Reconstructionists
Auto accident reconstructionists must be qualified to perform their duties. Organizations such as the Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR) have been created to train and certify accident reconstructionists. Further, auto accident reconstructionists for the Michigan State Police must participate in more than 1,000 hours of traffic collision investigation and reconstruction training.
Qualified auto accident reconstructionists are educated in topics such as motorcycle and commercial vehicle collision investigations. They also learn forensic mapping and how to apply physics to an auto accident. They are trained in how to use technology to reconstruct accidents, vehicle dynamics, and how occupants move inside a vehicle during a crash.
It is important for auto accident reconstructionists to be qualified because they are retained to provide expert testimony in many personal injury cases. Their testimony can help your car accident attorney in Okemos build a solid case in your favor. The evidence they present can help you recover maximum compensation for your damages.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
When You Need an Accident Reconstructionist for Your Auto Accident
If your motor vehicle accident case is more complex than a simple fender bender, it may be wise to retain the help of an auto accident reconstructionist. There are certain instances when you need an accident reconstructionist in your auto accident claim. These include:
- When a vehicle defect causes your accident
- When the person responsible for your accident refuses to accept liability
- When there were no witnesses to your accident
- When there are conflicting witness accounts of your accident
- When a witness to your accident has passed away or is unable to provide testimony
- When you are unable to obtain evidence showing liability in your accident
In addition to possibly needing the help of an accident reconstructionist in your claim, you most certainly need the assistance of a skilled car accident lawyer in Okemos. Our attorneys at White Law PLLC know what is required to prove liability in your motor vehicle accident case. We can hire appropriate experts to help you prevail in your legal claim and get you the compensation you deserve.
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with your attorney throughout your case.
How an Auto Accident Reconstructionist Can Help Your Claim
Because auto accident reconstructionists are considered experts in your legal claim, their testimony is often persuasive to juries and judges. Their findings can be effective evidence in your favor. Reconstructionists can help demonstrate the following information in your claim:
- The actions or omissions of the party at fault leading up to your accident
- The force of impact and speed of each vehicle
- The angle of impact
- The weather conditions and visibility at the scene of your accident
- How a pedestrian, animal, or object may have contributed to your accident
- The use of cell phones while driving
- If a vehicle defect contributed to your accident
- Whether a witness’s recollection was affected by their line of sight
An auto accident reconstructionist can answer a variety of questions regarding your accident. These answers can help a court determine who is liable for your damages. Those parties will then be held responsible for compensating you for your injuries and other losses.
Get the Help You Need from a Car Accident Attorney in Okemos
Proving liability in an auto accident claim can be difficult and complex. Sometimes, the help of an auto accident reconstructionist can help prove who was responsible for your accident. Contact our Okemos car accident lawyers at White Law PLLC today for a consultation to determine whether you can benefit from the help of an auto accident reconstructionist.
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