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What is a traffic accident reconstructionist
and what do they do?
A traffic
accident reconstructionist is a specialist in the investigation and analysis of
traffic accidents. To do this requires considerable training and
experience. Many traffic accident reconstructionists are police officers
and perform reconstructions as part of their official duties. The police
do not reconstruct all accidents, only those that meet criteria established by
their respective department. A private practice accident reconstructionist works
for the attorney, not the attorney's client. The professional reconstructionist
will analyze the accident beyond the investigation normally performed by the
police.
The accident reconstructionist must also be qualified to
render an opinion in court. To do this, the reconstructionist must be qualified
as an "expert" by the court. This is different from the testimony that may
be presented by other witnesses. To offer an opinion, the court must recognize
the individual has the training and experience in traffic accident
reconstruction that qualifies them to present their analysis and that this
information will aid the jury in understanding what happened.
I am an attorney with a traffic accident case. How can I find out if an
expert in accident reconstruction can help me?
Call Harris Technical Services at (772) 336-2279. There
is no charge or obligation for the initial review and consultation on any case.
We will review the file and provide a cost estimate based on your needs.
I was involved in a traffic accident. Can I hire a traffic accident
reconstructionist to assist me without an attorney?
No. We do not work directly for individuals that were
involved in a traffic accident. We only work with attorneys and insurance
company representatives. In any accident case, there will be legal issues
that must be addressed as part of the presentation of the analysis of the
accident. If you, or someone you know, was involved in a traffic accident,
consult with qualified legal counsel.
What issues can an accident
reconstructionist address?
There are many areas we can analyze. Vehicle speed is the
most common issue and there are several methods, including speed from skid
marks, conservation of energy, crush damage, and conservation of linear
momentum, that can be applied. There can be questions of collision avoidance or
the ability of a driver to see a hazard. Most accident cases require several
issues be analyzed and correlated so an overall picture of the situation can be
presented.
How can I determine a speed from skid marks?
As a courtesy, we have an
On-Line Skid Speed Calculator
on this web site and several articles that describe the procedures of
determining speeds from skid marks. Please note there are limitations as to the
applicability of the results of this calculator for any particular situation.
How do you conduct a skid test to determine a drag factor?
A skid test is inherently dangerous. Skid testing must
not be attempted without proper training. Along with the safety concerns, the
test vehicle must be equipped with specialized measuring and recording
instruments to determine the actual braking distance with a known initial speed.
While we will conduct skid tests, as necessary for a traffic accident case, we
will not provide advice on how to conduct skid tests yourself.
Are computer programs used to reconstruct accidents?
Yes, there are
a number of computer programs used by professional reconstructionists.
Some of these programs are very complex and require considerable training to use
them correctly.
What does it cost to reconstruct an accident?
There is no set fee for the reconstruction or analysis of a
traffic accident. Our services are provided on an hourly fee basis.
A simple situation may take very little time while complex situations may take
several days just to collect the required information. Then there is the
time required for a trial or deposition appearances. There is no charge or
obligation for the initial review and consultation on any traffic accident case.
With this review, we can provide a cost estimate based on your requirements.
Do you prepare scale diagrams and other exhibits?
Yes. We prepare various types of scale diagrams, aerial
photos, animations and scale models.
I am looking for information not addressed on this site.
Contact us!
Traffic accident reconstruction
can be very complex. We will be
happy to provide you with the best information we have available.
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