The Importance of Accident Reconstruction in Legal Cases
Traffic crash reconstruction can help establish fault, support witness testimonies, and expedite the negotiation process.
Helps establish fault
Reconstruction specialists, such as automotive engineers analyze vehicle dynamics and mechanical failures to aid traffic accident investigations. They also perform crash data retrieval to determine driver behavior and the severity of the road crash. Since professional engineers recreate the accident sequence, they can also provide evidence regarding the alleged causes of the incident. Hence, collision reconstruction helps determine who is at fault for a road accident.
Supports or disproves testimonies
Accident reconstruction can also corroborate or refute witness statements. For example, a sedan and SUV collided. During the interrogation, Driver B accused Driver A of running the red light. According to Witness C, he witnessed Driver A speed through the red light before the accident. However, Witness D stated that Driver B ran the red light because he was speeding. Clearly, there are contradicting claims in this scenario.
Forensic engineers can analyze the accident scene to uncover who is telling the truth. They can retrieve data from the sedan and SUV’s event data recorders (EDRs) or black boxes. The automotive EDR data provide information on a vehicle’s speed and braking.
Speeds up the negotiation process
The detailed reports from accident analysis clarify liability to reduce disputes between the parties involved in vehicle collisions. Consequently, the pieces of evidence obtained from crash reconstruction may expedite the negotiation process. Hence, there is a high chance that the offended party will receive their compensation promptly.
How to Choose the Right Accident Reconstruction Expert
You should look for the following when selecting an accident reconstruction expert in Los Angeles:
- Certification – Accident reconstruction specialists must hold relevant certifications, such as Professional Engineer licenses and memberships in professional organizations like the Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR).
- Extensive Experience – You should also look for experts with a track record in handling similar cases.
- Technical Expertise – The accident investigators should have deep knowledge of the following:
- Vehicle systems,
- Mechanical engineering,
- Occupant kinematics,
- EDR analysis,
- Computer simulations, and
- Forensic analysis.
- Strong Analytical Skills – They must be able to dissect complex scenarios and provide logical conclusions from the data they gathered. Otherwise, the information they gathered would be meaningless when presented to insurance companies or courts.
- Excellent Communication Skills – Technical accident investigators are often required to produce written reports and provide expert testimony.
Accident Reconstruction Specialists and the Emergence of AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms can rapidly process large volumes of data from different tools, such as EDRs, vehicle sensors, and traffic cameras. As a result, they can identify patterns that human analysts may overlook. Hence, AI allows for a more precise traffic accident reconstruction.
Moreover, AI-powered drones and robotic systems automate the collection and processing of information at accident scenes. They can capture high-resolution images and measurements, which are then utilized by AI software to create detailed 3D models. This process can reduce manual data collection time.
AI tools also enhance predictive analytics. With the help of AI, experts can quickly assess the effect of various factors, like vehicle speed, road conditions, and driver behavior, on the severity of collisions.
Although AI significantly improved the field of accident reconstruction, human experts are still needed to interpret the data gathered by these tools. Their communication skills are needed for insurance companies, juries, and judges to understand the information from AI-powered devices.
Traffic Accidents in California
In the past five years, the city of Los Angeles has had the most number of fatal crashes in California. Los Angeles has a record of 307 deadly collisions in 2023. The city also had 326 fatalities in 2023, which was the highest among all the cities in California. The other cities’ number of fatal crashes can be found in the table below:
City | Fatal Crashes (2023) |
San Diego | 82 |
Sacramento | 50 |
Bakersfield | 50 |
San Bernardino | 41 |
Fresno | 40 |
Long Beach | 36 |
San Francisco | 33 |
Riverside | 30 |
Oakland | 29 |
San Jose | 27 |
Based on the statistics, Los Angeles’ number of fatal accidents was almost four times more than that of San Diego. Hence, it continues threatening road users, including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Contact Los Angeles Accident Lawyers
An accident attorney can partner with qualified experts who will conduct an accident investigation to strengthen your case. Accident reconstruction can help establish fault, corroborate or dispute testimonies, and expedite the settlement process, allowing victims to fight for the justice they deserve.
At Adamson Ahdoot, our reliable accident lawyers in California can provide excellent litigation support. We also offer consultations in English and Spanish to help anyone involved in road accidents.
Our personal injury firm has over 100 years of combined legal experience, which can benefit your claim. Contact us at (800) 310-1606 or visit our website for a free consultation.