What Is Collision Reconstruction?
Collision reconstruction is the technical analysis of available physical, vehicle and roadway evidence to evaluate how a motor vehicle collision occurred. A reconstructionist applies physics, engineering principles and forensic methods to reach objective technical conclusions about a crash.
Collision Reconstruction Defined
Collision reconstruction — also called accident reconstruction or traffic crash reconstruction — is the application of scientific and engineering methods to determine how a vehicle collision occurred. A reconstructionist examines physical evidence from the roadway and vehicles, reviews available electronic data, and applies established analytical methods to evaluate factors such as speed, direction, timing and the sequence of events.
Investigation vs. Reconstruction
Crash investigation is the collection and documentation of evidence at the scene. Collision reconstruction is the subsequent technical analysis of that evidence. Investigation gathers the information; reconstruction interprets it. Both are important, and early, thorough investigation supports a more reliable reconstruction.
What Evidence May Be Used
Evidence may include roadway evidence such as skid marks, yaw marks and gouge marks; vehicle damage including crush depth and contact patterns; electronic data from supported event data recorders (EDR) or airbag control modules (ACM); scene photographs, drone documentation and 3D scan data; witness statements; and available video recordings. The evidence that exists depends on the specific collision.
How Reconstruction May Support Litigation
Reconstruction findings may be presented in expert reports and through expert-witness testimony in both civil and criminal proceedings. An attorney may use reconstruction analysis to evaluate the strength of a case, prepare for deposition or trial, or assess the credibility of other accounts of a collision. Reconstruction provides technical information; it does not determine legal liability, which is the role of the court or jury.
Related Focus Area
Collision ReconstructionQuestions We Address
Is collision reconstruction the same as accident reconstruction?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Collision reconstruction is the preferred professional terminology used by M&M Security Services; accident reconstruction and traffic crash reconstruction describe the same technical discipline.
Does collision reconstruction determine who is at fault?
No. Reconstruction provides objective technical information about how a collision occurred. Legal liability is determined by the court or jury, not by the reconstructionist.
Related Resources
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Contact M&M Security Services
For collision reconstruction assignments, vehicle-data questions, or expert-witness availability, contact our office directly.