When you are involved in an accident, your memory of the event may be foggy, or you may not even remember it at all. At the same time, the person who caused the car accident may tell the police something very different from what you remember about the collision. This is why police and your attorney often rely on crash reconstruction to determine certain facts about your case.
Science –specifically physics — plays a vital role in accident reconstruction. Investigators looking at skid marks can determine the direction and speed a vehicle was traveling. Skid marks also reveal how long the driver applied the brakes before impact. Of course, it is also telling if there are no skid marks, indicating that for some reason, the driver did not attempt to stop to avoid the collision.
Investigators can also determine the speed at which the cars were traveling by examining the direction the cars were facing when they came to rest. After two cars collide, they follow the combined momentum of both cars. Knowing the weight of each vehicle and examining what the skid marks reveal, a reconstructionist can determine the speed each car was traveling before the accident.
Reaching these conclusions requires complex mathematical equations, but if they show the driver was speeding or crossing the line, they can help your attorney prove negligence. Many law firms partner with crash reconstruction experts to gather the best possible evidence for your case. An experienced team fighting for your cause will work to pursue potential compensation for your pain and suffering.