It can be difficult to prove fault in a car accident claim, especially in North Carolina, where the doctrine of contributory negligence means that those even partially responsible for an accident are barred from recovery. In order to prove liability, an accident reconstructionist may be helpful in your car accident claim.
At Riddle & Brantley, our North Carolina car accident lawyers often bring in accident reconstructionists to help investigate complex crash scenes and prove liability. In one recent case, our attorneys hired an accident reconstructionist who helped us prove fault and recover $9.45 million on behalf of surviving relatives of a family who was killed in a tractor-trailer accident (see disclaimer below).
What is an Accident Reconstructionist?
An accident reconstructionist is an expert who studies the circumstances and causes of auto accidents. Accident reconstructionists often have a background in engineering or law enforcement, and have completed extensive and specialized training. These experts focus on understanding how a car accident happened, and explaining it to others.
In many cases, a judge may permit testimony by an accident reconstructionist to serve as evidence in a car or truck accident lawsuit.
Because auto accidents can be so complex, investigation by an accident reconstructionist can be invaluable in proving fault.
Evidence Examined by Accident Reconstructionists
Accident reconstructionists rely on many kinds of evidence in investigating the cause(s) of an accident.
Evidence that a reconstructionist may examine include:
- Photos — Photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, road signage and more can be helpful in determining what happened.
- Surveillance Video — Surveillance video from nearby stores, or dash cam evidence, can provide invaluable insight into the circumstances of an accident.
- Witness Interviews — Accident reconstructionists may interview witnesses in order to get a firsthand account of what happened immediately before the crash.
- Vehicle Damage — The type, location, and severity of vehicle damage evidence can provide important clues into how the accident occurred and who may be at fault.
- Police Report — The official accident report often contains clues that may be helpful in piecing together the circumstances of the auto accident.
In many cases, accident reconstructionists can also help with preserving evidence that may otherwise be forgotten or destroyed.
“Do I Need a Reconstructionist in My Case?”
An experienced North Carolina car accident lawyer can help determine whether an accident reconstructionist is necessary in investigating your claim. Attorneys are often able to prove liability and recover compensation without the assistance of a reconstructionist, but more complex cases often benefit from their expertise.
At Riddle & Brantley, we also have experienced investigators on staff who can assist in auto accident investigations. These investigators are former law enforcement officers who have advanced training in this specialized field.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident, or pedestrian accident, call a car accident attorney in North Carolina today.
There is no obligation, and you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive compensation.
Our Results
We are proud of the results our attorneys have secured for our deserving clients (see disclaimer below), including:
- $9,450,000 — In this wrongful death case, we recovered more than $9 million in total compensation for the surviving relatives of a family of four that was killed in a terrible highway crash involving multiple tractor-trailers. In this case, the investigation and testimony of an accident reconstructionist was critical in proving fault and negotiating multiple settlements.
- $2,750,000 — Riddle & Brantley fought for justice for a woman who suffered significant injuries in a car accident. Through arbitration, we recovered $2.75 million in compensation for our client. This was followed immediately by a separate $1 million declaratory judgment against the insurance company.
- $1,900,000 — Our client was hit by a cement truck while walking across a parking lot. We brought in an accident reconstructionist to help review the circumstances of the pedestrian accident and prove fault, and were ultimately able to recover $1.9 million in compensation for the victim.
“Without the help from my team at Riddle & Brantley, I would not have won my case.”
-John S., Riddle & Brantley client
The consultation is free, and we don’t get paid unless you do. If we don’t recover compensation for you in your claim or lawsuit, you won’t pay any attorney fees. That’s our promise to you.
Statistics show that those who hire an attorney recover 3X more compensation on average than those who represent themselves. The importance of hiring a lawyer cannot be overstated. Don’t gamble with the compensation you need and deserve — let us help.
Justice Counts for those who’ve been injured due to others’ negligence, and we would love to help you if we can.
*** Disclaimer: The results mentioned are intended to illustrate the type of cases handled by the firm. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and they should not be construed to constitute a promise or guarantee of a particular result in any particular case. Every case is different, and the outcome of any case depends upon a variety of factors unique to that case.