These days, we hear a lot about accident reconstruction and its contribution to the claim process. Traffic collision investigation and litigation often require a clear view of the events surrounding a collision, and accident reconstructionists are trained to aid the parties involved gain that understanding.

Accident reconstructionists often assist claim examiners and defense attorneys to evaluate collisions and address issues raised during analyses of claims. One of the more common issues encountered is an analysis of the forces that occur during low-speed collisions. Typically, these sorts of collisions involve little or no visible exterior damage, and a questionable level of medical care resulting from the impact.

Proper questioning during a recorded statement or examination under oath can provide a reconstructionist with information relating to the post-impact movement of the stricken vehicle: how far it was moved, whether the brakes were applied, whether the vehicles were in contact when they came to rest, pre-existing damage, or prior collisions. With these and a few other questions, the reconstructionist should be able to quantify the acceleration forces experienced during the impact and apply those forces to the results of collisions conducted under controlled conditions. With this information, he also will be able to assess the likelihood of resultant injuries.