When trucks crash, massive damage, injuries, and even deaths can be the consequence. These cases often end up in court, where a judge will determine fault based on the evidence brought to them. To help reach justice, lawyers or other people working on the case may hire a forensic engineer to help determine what happened.
Forensic engineers help with truck crash investigation by using their expert skills to recreate what happened using evidence provided, as well as engineering principles, to discover who or what may be at fault. This allows the court to hold the right people accountable. The findings also can be used as studies, so that truck and vehicle companies, or even councils, can prevent future accidents in the same vein.
How does Crash Reconstruction in Truck Accidents Help in Court?
What’s the Science Behind Crash Reconstruction?
When forensic engineers are used as expert witnesses, they pull on a range of knowledge, plus scientific principles and modern technology, to reconstruct crashes. The techniques they use allow them to see how a crash might have occurred, and therefore why – and how it can be best dealt with so justice is served and future accidents are prevented.
From the use of physics to understand elements like the speed, angles, and impact of a crash, to looking at leftover evidence on the scene such as skid marks, or even looking at faults within the vehicle or road to determine fault, forensic engineers can take a wide range of evidence from a truck crash and discover what occurred.
Below, we’ll look at three ways forensic engineers undertake truck accident analysis.
1. What is Skid Mark Analysis?
You’ve probably seen skid marks on roads before – the dark lines left by tires when wheels slide, leaving marks made from friction and heat. This physical evidence left behind after an accident allows forensic engineers to work backwards and determine how the crash happened. Using the length, intensity, and pattern of the skid marks, they can paint a picture of the accident.
In skid mark analysis, engineers can estimate how fast the truck was moving right before the crash. For example, skid marks can help to see if the truck – or another party – was speeding. The angles and paths of the skid marks can also show the direction of the vehicle, where and if they started braking, and where the impact happened.
2. What is Vehicle Damage Assessment?
Looking at the vehicles involved in the crash and the results of the impact is another great way for an engineer to determine what happened. For example, how bad is the damage, where is it, and how does the damage of both (or all) vehicles add up?
In vehicle damage assessment, the engineer can consider if the truck is repairable or will have to be written off, and how much this may cost the owner, driver, or company. Similarly, they can look at the other vehicle(s) involved to see if the truck company or their insurance needs to take care of their car repairs or write-off fees.
After their inspection, they’ll be able to determine these costs, and who owes who, so that insurance claims are fair and the court can understand the damage that was an effect of the crash.
3. What is 3D Remodeling for Truck Crashes?
With 3D remodeling, a great piece of modern technology in reconstructing accidents, forensic engineers can help to show the court exactly what happened. These high quality videos are presented to the court room to give a stronger idea of the crash, improving understanding from those who aren’t experts.
First, a visit to the location allows the reconstructor to look at the road and surroundings. These are uploaded to the software to show how the area impacted the crash. Then, other vehicles can be added, as well as their motion. This creates a video sequence that displays the crash as if it were happening in the moment. 3D reconstructions can be shown from multiple angles and either be simple or complex. They’re a great way to help determine fault.
How Does Crash Reconstruction in Truck Accidents Determine Fault?
The above examples show how expert witness forensic engineers use different tools along with their professional experience to determine who or what was at fault in a crash. By working backwards from the evidence provided, they can recreate a scene and see what exactly went wrong. Was is the truck driver’s fault? Another driver’s? Was it an issue with the road, malfunctioning traffic lights, or perhaps simply an unavoidable accident?
No matter the reason, the evidence put forward by an expert witness helps the court to not only see what happened, but have it explained to them in a way they can understand. After all, many jurors and judges aren’t experts in how trucks work and how crashes happen. Expert witnesses aren’t just experts in their field, but experts at telling people what happened so they can understand and make the best decisions as to who is at fault and what should happen next.
Contact Us at Gilmore Engineers
When searching for an expert witness for truck accident analysis, look for forensic engineers with vast experience and strong reviews. Always see what their portfolio entails, and make sure their testimonials show many happy past clients. Although forensic engineers can work remotely, you may want to find someone in your area. Alternatively, you might be looking for someone with very niche experience to help with your specific case. Whatever you’re seeking, a reliable forensic engineer expert witness can take a confusing, vague case and create clarity to help your investigation.
If you’re a lawyer seeking a forensic engineer to provide an expert witness statement regarding a truck crash investigation, chat to us. We look forward to helping you find the answers you’re looking for, helping to provide justice and prevent future accidents. This work protects our society and creates a safer world for trucks and other drivers.