Engineering - Accident reconstruction experts

Introduction

Accident reconstruction is the study of how and why an accident occurred.

Accident reconstruction investigations may be relevant to determining the cause of personal injury, property damage or some other actionable event. They are usually performed by experts trained in engineering, bio-mechanics or human factors engineering, often with specific training in accident reconstruction analysis. The particular area of expertise required may depend upon the subject matter of the accident.

The reconstruction of an accident uses available evidence of the aftermath to reconstruct the series of events which lead to the accident.

For example:

In Motor Accident Reconstruction relevant information may include: published data about the properties of the vehicles involved, their final resting positions, the distribution of debris on a road surface, the damage to different parts of the vehicles, damage to seatbelts, the nature and extent and location of physical injuries to passengers, time of day and lighting and weather, condition of the road surface, recent skid marks, as well as witness information. That kind of information may then be analysed to resolve questions regarding the circumstances of the accident including speed, driver behaviour and weather or road conditions and the contribution of any or all of them to the accident.

In Public Liability accidents an analysis of the slip resistance properties of different flooring surfaces or of the functioning of different items of machinery may arise.

In Criminal cases involving liability for inflicting physical injury, the assessment of the physical injury occasioned for consistency with the alleged mechanism of injury may involve consideration of published biomechanical materials for different population groups.

At the bottom of this profile are brief details of a number of the experts that Expert Experts represents. Call our office to discuss your requirements and to obtain a recommendation that suits your needs and budget.

Expertise in Action

Common types of accidents that may require an accident reconstruction include:

• Motor vehicle accidents - including single vehicle accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Public transport accidents - involving trains, trams, buses and ferries
• WH&S prosecutions / defences involving worksite accidents
• Contested criminal injury cases, particularly where there is a deceased victim

Sample Reports

For some fields of expertise we have some sample sections of de-identified reports. Please contact our office if you are interested in a sample.

Cost

The overall cost of expert opinion depends on the services required. Some of the key factors that affect the cost of advice include:

• The need for a view or inspection of a location
• The quantity of documentary material to be reviewed
• Whether there are reports of other experts to be reviewed and commented on in detail
• Whether there is a need for conferences with the expert either in person or by telephone/Skype

Related Blog Articles