Forensic road accident reconstruction is an interdisciplinary field of forensic expertise aimed at establishing the sequence, causes and consequences of road incidents on the basis of the available evidence. Accident reconstruction experts play a key role in civil and criminal proceedings, providing opinions based on technical analysis, the physics of motion and traces preserved at the scene.
What does road accident reconstruction involve?
Accident reconstruction involves recreating its course using:
data from inspection of the scene,
physical traces (such as braking marks, fragments and bodywork deformation),
testimony of witnesses and participants,
photographic and measurement documentation,
telematics data and CCTV recordings.
Use of an opinion in civil and criminal proceedings
An accident reconstruction expert opinion may be key evidence in cases concerning:
compensation and damages for the consequences of an accident,
assessment of the technical circumstances relevant to the driver’s liability,
unintentionally causing death or bodily harm (Article 177 of the Criminal Code),
driving while intoxicated (Article 178a of the Criminal Code),
a serious breach of traffic regulations.
Methods and tools used in reconstruction
The analysis uses advanced traffic engineering and trajectory modelling tools, such as:
computer programs for accident simulation (including PC Crash and Virtual Crash),
photogrammetry and 3D scanning of the scene,
analysis of forces acting on vehicles and pedestrians,
equations of dynamics and motion mechanics.
Court expert—role, responsibility and the significance of an opinion
An accident reconstruction expert is responsible for:
a reliable and objective reconstruction of the incident,
presenting an opinion that takes all available data into account,
answering questions from the court and parties,
attending hearings and explaining complex technical issues.
The opinion should be readable, logical and consistent with current technical and forensic knowledge.
Common errors and difficulties in accident reconstruction
In practice, experts encounter difficulties relating to:
a lack of photographic documentation from the scene,
discrepancies in the accounts of participants and witnesses,
failure to preserve mechanical traces,
underestimating the role of road and weather conditions.
Every reconstruction requires critical analysis of all evidence and application of the in dubio pro reo principle in criminal proceedings.
Our office offers professional forensic examinations in road accident reconstruction. We work with court experts and specialists in traffic engineering and transport safety.
Contact us to obtain an expert opinion on a road accident.