Accident reconstruction is a specialized field within forensic engineering that involves analyzing the events leading up to, during, and after a vehicular or industrial accident to determine the causes and contributing factors. Accident reconstruction services typically entail a comprehensive investigation and analysis process, which may include the following components:

Scene Examination: Accident reconstruction experts begin by visiting the accident site to document the physical evidence, including skid marks, debris, road conditions, and environmental factors. They may use surveying equipment, photography (photogrammetry), and mapping techniques to create detailed diagrams and measurements of the scene. It’s critical this aspect is done quickly to preserve evidence from human or environmental removal.
Vehicle Inspection: Examination of vehicles involved in the accident is crucial to understanding their condition and how they contributed to the incident. This involves inspecting damage patterns, mechanical failures, safety features, and maintenance records. Sometimes, specialized software or tools may be used to simulate vehicle dynamics. The Verihawk team is trained on these specialized tools.
Data Collection and Analysis: Accident reconstructionists gather data from various sources, including police reports, eyewitness accounts, vehicle black box data (Event Data Recorder – EDR), surveillance footage, and medical records. We then analyze this data to piece together the sequence of events leading to the accident and determine factors such as vehicle speeds, positions, and driver behavior.
Collision Dynamics Simulation: Using physics-based models and computer simulations, accident reconstruction experts can recreate the dynamics of the collision. This may involve modeling vehicle movements, impact forces, trajectories, and energy exchanges to understand how the accident occurred and the severity of the impact.
Human Factors Analysis: In addition to vehicle dynamics, accident reconstructionists consider human factors such as driver perception, reaction time, distraction, impairment (e.g., phone distractions, alcohol or drugs), fatigue, and compliance with traffic laws. Understanding human behavior is essential for assessing driver actions and potential negligence.
Expert Testimony: Accident reconstruction experts often provide expert testimony in legal proceedings, presenting their findings and analysis to judges, juries, and attorneys. They may use visual aids, diagrams, animations and/or simulations to explain complex technical concepts and help stakeholders understand the factors contributing to the accident.
Report Preparation: A detailed report summarizing the accident reconstruction process, findings, and conclusions is typically prepared by the reconstructionist. The report may include technical analyses, diagrams, photographs, simulations, and recommendations for improving safety or preventing similar accidents in the future.

Accident reconstruction services play a critical role in understanding the causes of accidents, determining liability, and informing legal proceedings, insurance claims, and safety improvements. These services require a combination of engineering expertise, scientific analysis, and investigative techniques to reconstruct and analyze the complex dynamics of accidents accurately. The team at Verihawk is ready to help, contact us today.