What Is the Role of a Car Accident Reconstructionist in a Car Accident Claim?

If you’ve had an auto accident, you may think it’s an open-and-shut case: The other driver hit you, so they should have to provide compensation. While that may be true, the court needs proof to establish fault for the accident. Without proof, your case turns into a “he said, she said” situation, and knowing who’s at fault can be impossible.

This is where a car accident reconstructionist can be so helpful. 

Gathering and Analyzing Evidence

Accident reconstructionists are a bit like detectives. They can hunt down evidence and pick up clues the average person would miss. Examples of evidence include the following:

• Statements from witnesses, such as other drivers, pedestrians, and business owners, who may have seen the accident
• Police reports
• Documentation of road and weather conditions at the time of the accident
• Photos of the accident scene and damage to involved vehicles
• Vehicle resting positions
• Black boxes, which are small computers in cars that record speed and brake application

The reconstructionist will then analyze the evidence and put together the puzzle pieces. They do this by:

• Cross-referencing witness statements for accuracy
• Calculating the trajectory and speed of cars with special software
• Estimating the force of impact by looking at the severity of the damage
• Analyzing the performance of airbags and seatbelts
• Simulating the accident with computer-generated models

Assigning a Value to Your Damages

By analyzing the evidence, a car accident reconstructionist can provide a better picture of your damages. This includes damage to your car and medical expenses. They may also speak with medical professionals to find out how long it will take for your injuries to heal.

Your Georgia car accident attorney can use this report to present a value for your damages to the court.

Proving Negligence

Without video footage of an accident, proving which party acted negligently can be tough. But accident reconstructionists don’t need video to establish negligence. They’ll find all the proof they need by analyzing evidence at the accident scene.

Overcoming Liability Disputes

After an accident, don’t be surprised if the other party tries to pin the blame on you. For instance, they might say you ran a stop sign or were speeding. If you can’t prove otherwise, it’s your word against theirs.

An accident reconstructionist can provide the evidence needed to prove liability in your case, giving the jury (should it go to court) a more reasonable picture of what took place.

Bolstering Negotiations with the Insurance Company

Your phone will likely start ringing with calls from the other driver’s insurance company after your accident. These calls will start off friendly enough, but that’s because the insurance adjuster is looking for details they can use to reduce or deny your claim. For instance, if you apologize even once, the adjuster could use this as an admission of guilt, effectively nullifying your case.

Accident reconstructionists can overcome tactics like these by relying on the evidence. They will prove without a doubt which driver is to blame for the accident, making it easier for your attorney to negotiate a higher settlement.

Contact an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer

Have you been involved in a car accident in Georgia? If so, you could use the advice of an experienced Georgia car accident attorney. Our lawyers can gather evidence, consult with accident reconstructionists, and talk to insurance companies on your behalf.

You pay nothing unless we win your car accident case. Call The Foster Firm at 866-377-2735 for a free consultation today.