Accident reconstruction experts can play an important role in a bicycle accident claim. They examine physical evidence, photographs, measurements, and other details to establish how a collision occurred, identify potential causes, and help determine who may be at fault. Their findings can also help clarify conflicting accounts of the accident.
Riverside is located in Riverside County in Southern California, where major roads such as Interstate 215, State Route 91, and Interstate 10 carry commuters and commercial traffic through the city. When a bicycle collision occurs at a busy intersection or along these routes, accident reconstruction experts can examine vehicle positions, impact points, skid marks, and other physical evidence to help establish how the crash happened.
A Riverside bicycle accident attorney can use these findings to assess conflicting accounts, establish how the collision occurred, and help support a claim for compensation.
This is why accident reconstruction experts are important!
Determine Fault Through Physical Evidence
Damage to cars, bicycle parts, road markings, skid marks, and surveillance video are all examined by the reconstruction specialists. Such information can be used to help identify the position of the vehicles and their speeds and to help determine the sequence of the collision.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explains the process of investigators documenting physical evidence and analyzing crashes. This evidence can then be used by the experts to see if the account of the driver matches the evidence.
Establish Whether Traffic Rules Were Violated
The accident reconstruction experts determine the behavior of each road user before the accident. They might consider turning movements, traffic signals, and right-of-way, and if the driver had time to brake.
The California Vehicle Code (VC) § 21200 in general grants cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. Reconstruction evidence may help determine if any of the parties were involved in any way in a collision, but liability will be based on evidence and the law.
Link Collision Dynamics to Injuries
A crash is investigated by experts who will look at the direction of the impact, the estimated impact speed, and how the bicyclist was moving to try and determine what happened in the crash. The results of their work can be used to help decide if the physical forces are consistent with the reported circumstances.
If a cyclist is thrown onto the ground, for example, during a side impact, it is possible that they could sustain fractures or head trauma. The mechanics of the fall can be explained by reconstruction experts, and injuries and long-term effects can be determined by medical professionals.
Supporting Testimony in Court
If a bicycle accident is taken to trial, reconstruction experts can provide an explanation of how they arrived at their conclusions and methods to a judge or jury. They can employ collision diagrams, measurements, and simulations to make complex evidence more comprehensible.
Accident reconstruction experts may also prepare written reports that summarize their findings and explain the evidence supporting their conclusions. These reports can help attorneys evaluate disputed facts, question opposing witnesses, and present technical evidence during settlement negotiations or court proceedings.
Key Points to Remember
- Physical evidence is used by experts to help provide an explanation of bicycle crashes.
- Through collision analysis it may be possible to determine if traffic laws have been broken.
- Results of the reconstruction can relate crash mechanics to reported injuries.
- Technical reports can be used to contest disputed claim decisions.
- In court, expert testimony can help provide clarification and understanding of conflicting accounts.
- State of California comparative negligence laws may have an impact on the amount of compensation that may be awarded.
- There are arguments for and against the reconstruction.
