There were 41,300 fatalities in 1999 in the US according to the National Safety Council. Accidents involving serious injuries, fatalities, questionable liability or the circumstances are unclear may require the services of a vehicle accident reconstructionist. The accident reconstruction can help you understand how the collision occurred through collision and rollover analysis, mechanical and structural analysis, time distance and speed calculations, vehicle dynamics, brake effectiveness. Mechanical engineers also assist adjusters and attorneys in understanding mechanical failures. These failures may be a result of the accident or a cause of the accident such as brakes, airbags, seatbelts, etc. The engineer can also examine the headlights to determine if they were on or off at the time of the collision.
Investigation of vehicle accidents is made easier using the Vehicle Accident Investigation Checklist. Remember, a reconstructionist can see important clues that you may have overlooked in the information you gathered.
Often times, you get the call weeks or months after the accident occurred. The scene is cleared and all you have to work with are photographs. Photogrammetry can make these photographs very valuable in reconstructing the accident and help in getting the whole picture.