When you’ve been involved in a car accident in Oklahoma City, it can be challenging to determine who was at fault and how the crash occurred. This is where accident reconstruction experts come into play. These professionals use scientific methods to analyze crashes, helping to establish negligence, causation, and liability.
Why the Need for an Accident Reconstruction Expert?
Accident reconstruction is the process of using scientific methods to analyze the factors that contributed to a crash. The goal of accident reconstruction is to determine how and why a collision occurred, which is often needed in establishing fault and liability in a car accident case. Accident reconstruction experts use a variety of techniques to analyze crashes, including:
- Examining physical evidence, such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and debris patterns
- Analyzing data from vehicle event data recorders (EDRs) or “black boxes”
- Reviewing witness statements and police reports
- Using specialized software to create 3D models and simulations of the accident
Expertise of Accident Reconstruction Professionals
Accident reconstruction experts are highly specialized professionals, often with engineering, physics, or forensics backgrounds. They use scientific principles, data analysis, and an understanding of vehicle dynamics and the laws of physics to analyze the evidence and recreate the events of an accident.
These experts possess specialized knowledge and training that allows them to analyze complex crash scenarios. Many hold certifications from organizations like the Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR).
In addition to their educational background, accident reconstruction experts use specialized software and technology to analyze crashes. This may include computer-aided design (CAD) software, 3D modeling tools, and simulation programs that can recreate the conditions of the accident. The major benefit of this technology is that it helps explain what happened leading up to the wreck.
Key Roles in a Car Accident Case
- Thorough Scene Investigation: Experts visit the accident site to gather critical evidence that may degrade over time, such as skid marks, tire patterns, gouge marks on the road, location of debris, road conditions, and traffic signs and signals. They photograph and document all relevant details.
- In-Depth Vehicle Examination: Detailed analysis of damage to all involved vehicles. Examination can reveal factors like speed at impact, angles of collision, and potentially malfunctioning parts. This can include reviewing the “block box” from the vehicles.
- Data Analysis and Simulation: Use data from the scene, vehicles, witness statements, and police reports. Employ specialized software for simulations and modeling to recreate the accident. Determine variables such as vehicle speeds, braking forces, and the sequence of events.
- Issues Opinions on Liability: Provide insights into who caused the accident and why. Determine if negligence, recklessness, mechanical failure, or external conditions were contributing factors.
- Expert Testimony: Expert testimony is pivotal in court. They articulate complex concepts in clear, understandable language for the judge and jury. Use visual aids like diagrams, simulations, and models to enhance their explanations.
Legal Framework and Admissibility of Accident Reconstruction Evidence in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, the admissibility of accident reconstruction expert testimony is governed by the Oklahoma Evidence Code, which follows the Daubert standard as explained in the case of Christian v. Gray, 2003, Okla., 65 P.3d 591. This standard requires the expert’s methodology to be scientifically valid and applicable to the case’s specific facts.
Oklahoma statutes also guide the admissibility of expert testimony:
- Section 2702 – Testimony by experts states that expert testimony is permissible if it provides the trier of fact with the necessary scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge to understand the evidence or determine a fact “in issue.”
- Section 2703 – Bases of expert opinion testimony allow experts to base their opinions on facts or data perceived by or made known at or before the hearing, even if those facts or data are not admissible in evidence.
- Section 2705 – Disclosure of facts or data underlying expert opinion requires experts to disclose the facts or data underlying their opinions on cross-examination if requested.
- Section 1-1708.1I – Expert witnesses – Qualifications required for expert witnesses include being licensed in a relevant field or having substantial training or experience pertinent to the claim.
Accident Reconstruction in Oklahoma City Car Accident Cases
Accident reconstruction can be particularly valuable in certain types of car accident cases, such as those involving:
- Multi-vehicle collisions
- Accidents at intersections
- Crashes involving pedestrians or bicyclists
- Collisions where the fault is disputed
Notable Oklahoma Cases Involving Accident Reconstruction Experts
Oklahoma courts have recognized the importance of accident reconstruction expert testimony in several notable cases:
- In Moore v. Robert Blackwell & Farmers Ins. Co., 2014, Okla. Civ. App., 325 P.3d 4, the court affirmed the value of accident reconstruction in aiding the jury’s understanding of complex issues.
- In Covel v. Rodriguez, 2012, Okla., 272 P.3d 705, the court acknowledged the role of accident reconstruction in establishing the cause of a crash.
However, Oklahoma courts have limited the scope of expert opinion on accident reconstruction. In Navarrete v. Wiebe, 2014, W.D. Okla., Case No. CIV-13-708-D, the court held that while experts can testify about the factors that contributed to a crash, they cannot offer opinions on the ultimate issue of driver fault, as that is a determination for the jury.
Hasbrook & Hasbrook: Your Trusted Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyers
At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, we fight for the rights of car accident victims in Oklahoma City and all over the state. We think every car accident victim should have an experienced, caring lawyer. That’s why we work hard to help our clients with the legal process, build strong cases, and get the money they need to move on with their lives.
When you hire Hasbrook & Hasbrook, you can expect:
- Lawyers who are dedicated to fighting for your rights
- Personal attention and caring support throughout your case
- A complete investigation of your accident, including using accident reconstruction experts when needed
- Strong negotiation with insurance companies to get a fair settlement
- Experienced litigation and trial representation if a fair settlement can’t be reached
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Oklahoma City, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Call Hasbrook & Hasbrook today at 405-605-2426 or visit our contact page to set up a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. We’re here to help you fight for the justice and money you deserve.