CHRONOLOGY IN AN ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

All of our accident investigations begin with a review of the disclosed information. This allows us to provide a detailed estimate and in some cases, provide our clients with different options regarding the level of analysis to be performed. This also has the advantage of allowing us to assign the best expert to perform the analysis, with the most appropriate skill set to perform the required analysis.

As part of the review process, we identify any additional information we need to perform the analysis, and that we also believe, based on our experience, is likely to exist, such as police forensic evidence or witness interviews, etc.

When we receive sufficient information, an initial discussion will take place between experts within American Accident Reconstruction to discuss the evidence and the best way to conduct the investigation of the incident as a whole.

A preliminary analysis is then carried out, allowing the expert to identify any critical information that needs to be obtained, either from the vehicles themselves or from the collision site.

Vehicles are examined for mechanical defects. Impact damage and any of the subtle marks left on the vehicle that often reveal the secrets of the collision will also be assessed.

In most cases, if the client so wishes, we carry out the forensic topography recording at the scene of the traffic accident, thus storing the forensic evidence forever. On site, measurements will be taken using one or more of the specialized teams we deploy for these purposes. Photographs and videos will almost always form part of the estimate we produce, as well as any videos specifically required. Assessments of the limit of vision will be carried out in cases where it is required and other points relevant to the incident investigated.

The use of government-approved speed detection devices can also record typical driver behavior at the location, often providing a critical reference point in both criminal and civil cases.

For collisions that occur during the hours of darkness, it is always our recommendation to attend the scene of the collision during both daylight and dark hours.

Returning to the office environment, all information from previous examinations is compiled into exhibits and the measurements taken are combined into a scaled plan of the site which is then used for pictorial representations of the circumstances of the collision and presented as technical drawings ready for trial.

Then the full analysis will begin; hte calculations will be made on the data and will generally be presented in a format that presents the physical and mathematical formulas required in each incident, in a clear and concise manner, to allow the stability of the calculations to be tested.

It is often the case that at this stage another discussion will occur between the experts within American Accident Reconstruction to ensure that all the information has been considered.

Finally, the technical report will be written, either in accordance with the rules of Criminal Procedure, or in a format compatible with Civil Law. Depending on each case, we prepare: technical drawings, photo albums, videos, evidence markers and other associated annexes intended to clearly convey the technical nature of our reports.

The incident investigation report is then thoroughly reviewed by a senior expert within the company to ensure not only the accuracy, but also the clarity of the message being conveyed.

Digital exhibits are then produced and shipped to the client.

It will often be the case that a Case Conference is required between the expert and the legal team to discuss the findings of the report. This may or may not include the plaintiff/defendant.

TRIAL                                                                                                                 

In an investigation that is destined oto go to trial and where there are experts appointed by both "sides" of an investigation, the Court will often direct them to meet and discuss their various findings, conducting confrontations of the utmost importance within the procedure and its outcome.

Eventually, a series of cases will lead to a court case in which the expert will be called to give live testimony. His findings will be explained to the Court and the expert will be 'cross-examined' to test the soundness of his findings. Don't trust just anyone, it takes a lot of professionalism and experience to do this task well.