The Importance of an Accident Reconstruction Specialist for Your Case
When someone gets injured in an auto accident, it is very important to have as much evidence and documentation as possible in order to successfully pursue a legal claim. Photos of the accident scene are always helpful, and it is even better if there is video footage available. In addition to these, accident reconstruction often plays a vital role not only in determining what caused the crash but also in who was at fault.
Determining fault with certainty is especially important in states like Alabama where they apply the contributory negligence legal standard to personal injury cases. Under contributory negligence, an injury victim can be barred from recovering compensation if they are even 1% at fault for the underlying accident. This is why it is absolutely critical to work with an experienced auto accident attorney who has the ability to call on key experts such as accident reconstructionists in order to help substantiate your injury claim.
If you or someone close to you suffered an injury in a car crash in Alabama, M. Adam Jones & Associates is ready to go to work for you! Get in touch with us today at 334-699-5599 to set up a free, no-obligation consultation and case assessment.
What Does an Accident Reconstructionist Do?
Accident reconstructionists are experts who are often contracted by plaintiff’s attorneys and insurers to conduct an in-depth analysis and reconstruction of a vehicle crash to identify the primary cause and contributing factors. Factors that may be looked at include the role of the drivers involved, the vehicles involved, the condition of the roads at the scene where the accident occurred, and many others.
Typically, accident reconstruction experts thoroughly examine the scene of the accident and collect various pieces of evidence, which may include debris, tire skid marks, and the specific location where impact was made. If there was a large truck involved in the collision, the reconstructionist will also examine the “black box” data from the truck if it is available.
Faulty maintenance and/or vehicle defects are important factors that an accident reconstructionist might look at. For example, the crash may have occurred because of a tire blowout, in which case the root cause could be that the tire was not replaced when it was supposed to be, or it could be that there was an inherent flaw in the design or manufacture of the tire that caused it to blow.
The Findings of an Accident Reconstruction Expert
Vehicle accident reconstructionists have extensive knowledge and training in their field, and they also have advanced forms of analysis that allow them to produce a more accurate assessment of the specific causes of an accident. Examples include forensic mapping, 3D animation, and crash simulation.
Using these processes, accident reconstruction experts can produce a number of various findings, such as:
- The speed and the direction that the vehicles were traveling at the time of the crash.
- The negligent actions of the at-fault driver that may have caused or contributed to the crash (e.g., speeding, texting while driving, running a red light, etc.).
- The role that a mechanical problem and/or a defective vehicle part may have played in causing the collision.
- The role that dangerous road conditions may have played in causing the crash.
- The most likely cause(s) of the accident and what damage occurred.
- The most likely cause(s) of injuries to individuals who were involved in the crash.
As we talked about earlier, the findings of an accident reconstructionist can help protect an injury victim’s right to compensation, especially if the at-fault driver claims that the victim was partially responsible for the crash. And if the case ever goes to court, the accident reconstruction expert may have an animated re-creation of the crash available, which would provide the jury with an accurate visual illustration of what took place.
Contact M. Adam Jones and Associates to Get Started on Your Alabama Car Accident Claim
If you or a loved one got injured in an auto accident, you need strong legal counsel in your corner advocating forcefully for your rights and interests. At M. Adam Jones & Associates, we have the experience, knowledge, skills, and resources to ensure that our clients are in the best possible position to recover maximum compensation. Contact our office today to speak with a member of our legal team.
- Adam Jones,
Managing Partner
- Adam Jones & Associates, LLC
206 N. Lena St.
Dothan, AL 36303
Tel: 334-699-5599
Fax: 334-699-5588