Accident reconstruction is a type of expert evidence that can shed light on determining liability in your case and help you get fair compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, then you have the right to collect compensation from the at-fault driver. In theory, it may sound like a straightforward process: you file a claim and the insurance company sends you the money for your medical bills, lost wages, and property damages.
Unfortunately, some cases are more complicated, and it might take weeks or months before you reach a settlement. You might even have to go to trial if you think that the settlement is too low and doesn’t reflect the extent of your injuries accurately.
In many of these complicated cases, expert witnesses can play a crucial role. Accident reconstruction is a type of expert evidence that can shed light on determining liability in your case and help you get fair compensation.
What Is an Accident Reconstruction?
When the evidence at the scene of the accident does not provide enough information to determine liability, or when there are no eyewitnesses of the accident, an accident reconstruction expert might be of help. This expert witness has the expertise and experience needed to investigate your accident and determine what caused it.
The types of evidence used by an accident reconstruction expert include photographs from the scene, damage on the vehicles, the nature of the injuries sustained by victims, footage of the accident taken by surveillance cameras, pictures of the conditions of the road, debris, or skid marks, etc.
Based on this evidence, the accident reconstruction expert can determine who carries the fault for the accident, and what are the exact consequences of the crash.
When Do You Need an Accident Reconstruction Expert?
In several states, including Missouri, the damage inflicted on a car accident victim will generally be paid by the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident. This is why determining liability is very important for a car accident claim. In no-fault states, you could still find yourself in the need of such an expert witness if, for example, your insurance company refuses to pay your compensation on the grounds that you had a pre-existing condition or injury.
Hiring an expert witness is not cheap, but it can make a big difference in the success of your claim. While hiring one might not be needed in most cases, your St. Louis car accident attorney can advise you in favor of it when the evidence you collected is not enough to support your claim grounds.
Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a family member are the victims of a car accident, follow the same steps as any other car accident victim: collect evidence from the scene, see a doctor as soon as possible after the incident, and consult an experienced attorney. They can determine if you actually need an expert witness or if your case can stand on its own.