How Does Forensics Play into Car Accident Investigations?

Posted on: October 10, 2024

In the aftermath of a car accident, you probably have a thousand questions racing through your mind: “Is everyone okay?” “Was it my fault?” “How much will this cost?”

You are not alone: many other collision victims like you have had to deal with similar questions. These issues come to a head when you try to file an insurance claim to cover whatever damages or injuries you suffered.

Unfortunately, proving your side of the story to the insurance company can often feel like talking to a brick wall—they do not listen to your side, or when they do, they dispute your account of the accident.

In these instances, you may need the help of forensic science to break the “he-said, she-said” cycle. By using modern investigation methods and reconstructing the scene of the accident, forensic evidence can help you prove your side of the story and get you on your way to recovering what you are owed.

What Is Forensic Science in the Context of Car Accidents?

When applied to car accidents, forensic investigators apply scientific principles and methods to reconstruct or simulate the events before, during, and after the collision. When the two parties in a car accident have conflicting accounts of the accident, a third-party reconstruction can help shed some light on the collision by examining skid marks, vehicle damage, debris patterns, and data from the vehicle’s event data recorders (EDRs).

How Do Forensic Experts Reconstruct Car Accidents?

To reconstruct a car accident and establish a clearer picture of legal liability, investigators often begin by examining the crash site, measuring and documenting tire marks, road conditions, and any damage to surrounding objects, and estimating the speed, direction, and impact location of the vehicles involved.

Modern technology has come a long way toward helping with these investigations: in-vehicle EDRs, colloquially known as “black boxes,” record data such as speed, braking patterns, and airbag deployment. This data can corroborate or challenge the statements of any involved parties or witnesses.

Once the specialists have all the required data, they can take advantage of 3D laser scanning and computer simulations to virtually recreate the accident and provide a visual reenactment of the collision.

What Types of Forensic Evidence Are Most Important in Car Accident Investigations?

Forensic scientists can use external physical evidence, like tire marks and vehicle damage, to determine how the vehicles collided and whether a driver had engaged in reckless driving, failed to brake in time, or swerved suddenly.

Sometimes, the inner workings of vehicles themselves can reveal mechanical failures that cause the accident, like a brake failure caused by a manufacturing defect. Toxicologists can also test the drug and alcohol levels of the drivers using blood samples.

How Does Forensic Analysis Affect Legal Outcomes?

The findings from forensic investigations can either support or refute claims made by the drivers and any onlookers—for instance, if the other driver claims that you were speeding behind them, and EDR data proves that they came to a sudden stop for no reason, the other party could lose a significant amount of leverage in court. With proper third-party investigation, an objective recreation can feel very persuasive for a judge.

Additionally, insurance companies often rely on forensic reports and reconstructions to determine compensation levels. If you did not cause the accident, a thorough forensic investigation can strengthen your case and potential insurance payout.

Let the Experienced Freehold Car Accident Lawyers at Ellis Law Assist You in Recovering from Your Car Accident

Proper forensic investigations can go a long way toward establishing the other party’s liability in your car crash. But if you do not know how to leverage the evidence, you could harm your ability to claim the compensation you deserve. This is where the Freehold car accident lawyers at Ellis Law can help you. Call our Freehold, New Jersey office at 732-308-0200 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. We serve clients in Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York City.