In some cases, the evidence you bring to a Carrollton car accident lawyer is not sufficient to prove the other driver’s liability, especially if there are no eyewitnesses to corroborate your story. In this situation, the attorney may have to hire accident reconstruction experts to prove your case.
These professionals charge premium fees, but without them you may not be able to obtain compensation, either through negotiations with the insurer or in court. So, let us discuss the role of accident reconstructionists in a car accident claim.
What Exactly Does an Accident Reconstruction Expert Do?
Accident reconstruction is a scientific method of determining the circumstances of a car crash. Reconstruction experts specialize in physics, vehicle dynamics, mathematics and other branches of science.
By looking at images of the crash scene and the police report, they can answer many important questions which ultimately prove the other driver’s fault. These are some of the matters they may clarify during your claim:
- What was the speed of the vehicles at the moment of the collision?
- Which of the cars hit the other?
- Did any external factors (potholes, weather condition) influence the crash)?
Accident reconstruction experts play several key roles in your claim:
1. Proving Liability
The result of the accident reconstructionist’s work is a 3D animated presentation of the circumstances of the crash accompanied by a report including the expert’s professional opinion. The presentation and the report are powerful pieces of evidence that will hold water even in court.
Insurance companies know this, so they often decide to settle a claim when your lawyer comes up with this type of expert evidence.
2. Supporting Your Claim for Damages
When they cannot deny a claim, auto insurers often start nitpicking the damages. They will claim that your car is not as badly damaged as you state. And they will downplay some of your injuries.
By describing the physics of the accident and the findings after the technical expertise on your car, the accident reconstruction expert will confirm that you are not exaggerating any of these damages. In fact, some experts may prove that a car is totaled, when the repair shop claims that it can be fixed and safe to drive.
3. Supporting Your Lawyer’s Arguments in Court
After you consult with a Carrollton car accident lawyer and they investigate your accident, they will evaluate your damages and send them to the insurance company in a demand letter.
Most insurers will settle the claim after negotiations. Some believe that they can get your claim overthrown in court, so they deny it. In this situation, the independent opinion of a licensed accident reconstructionist is a very valuable piece of evidence, which will convince the jurors to award fair compensation.
4. Giving Expert Testimony
Finally, an accident reconstruction specialist can appear as an expert witness and answer questions from your lawyer and the insurance company’s legal counsel. These professionals have experience in court and know how to handle even the trickiest questions.
This kind of independent expert testimony is often essential for persuading the jury that truth is on your side and you deserve compensation.
Contact an Experienced Carrollton Car Accident Lawyer!
Talking to a skilled lawyer is the best decision even if you are not sure you are able to prove your case. An experienced Carrollton car accident lawyer at HRF Legal will always find evidence supporting your claim. In some cases, we will rely on reputable accident reconstruction experts, whose professionalism and reliability cannot be questioned by the insurance company.
Make sure that you get in touch with us as soon as possible after the crash. Time is of the essence so call us to schedule a free case evaluation at 678-825-6004!
