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When you file a car insurance liability claim, you must demonstrate that the other driver was negligent and at fault for your injuries. Virginia has very strict contributory negligence laws. Under these laws, you cannot obtain compensation for your injuries if you were in any way at fault for the accident that harmed you. As a result, you must present the strongest possible argument demonstrating your lack of fault. Accident reconstruction may be a powerful tool you can rely on to prove your version of events and maximize your chances of recovering financial compensation.
What Is Accident Reconstruction?
Accident reconstruction is a field concerned with reconstructing the sequence of events during a car accident using science. Accident reconstruction experts use principles from physics, materials science, engineering, and forensics to piece together exactly what happened during the crash and what factors contributed to it.
Accident reconstruction plays a crucial role in personal injury cases by providing an objective timeline of events and an explanation for the crash. A reconstruction can corroborate your story and demonstrate that the other person was at fault. For instance, accident reconstruction experts can determine the speed and angle of the collision by analyzing vehicle body damage and other physical evidence.
What Are the Tools and Techniques Used by Reconstruction Experts?
Reconstruction experts use several techniques and tools to demonstrate how the crash likely happened, including the following:
- Vehicle black boxes: Most modern cars and commercial trucks have electronic logging devices (ELDs) that record crucial vehicle data before, during, and after a crash, like speed, braking, wheel angle, and throttle position.
- 3D laser scans: Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) scanners use lasers to create accurate 3D representations of accident scenes.
- Photogrammetry: Photogrammetry software can recreate 3-D models using 2-D images from photos and videos of the accident event.
- Simulation software: Experts can also use powerful software to simulate crash dynamics, considering speed, collision angles, internal forces, weather conditions, and more.
How Expert Testimony Can Impact a Truck Accident Claim
Accident reconstruction may also rely on expert testimony. Experts can provide their professional analysis and verify the accuracy of any simulated reconstructions. For instance, a materials scientist could provide knowledge about how specific truck body materials crumple during an accident. Alternatively, a traffic engineer could provide information about design safety principles and traffic flows that could have contributed to the accident.
Why You Need a Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer Familiar with Reconstruction
Reconstruction, along with other evidence, can be the key to a successful auto accident claim. Truck accidents are highly destructive, and inferring a sequence of events from the wreckage is difficult. An attorney familiar with accident reconstruction has a powerful source of evidence they can rely on to make your case. They will know what kinds of technologies and expert witnesses can give you the best chance of making a successful claim. They can also use reconstruction data to push back against insurers’ attempts to redirect or deny liability.
Now that you know how truck accident reconstruction works in Virginia, if you have any more questions about accident reconstruction techniques, contact Kendall Law Firm online or reach out by phone to speak to a truck accident lawyer in Charlottesville, Virginia.