A Guide to Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction

Motorcycle accidents occur most often on busy streets, highways, and intersections in and near urban neighborhoods. Reconstructing a motorcycle accident is an important part of court cases involving collisions. Lawyers use the evidence obtained from an accident reconstruction to win these cases and obtain the highest monetary compensation for their client. Here is a comprehensive guide to the reconstruction of a motorcycle accident scene.

Gathering Evidence

Before you even think about reconstructing a motorcycle accident, evidence from the actual scene needs to be gathered. One or more forensic investigators will carefully examine the scene. They'll start by gathering information to help them figure out when and where the accident happened and what or who caused the collision. This includes the path the motorcyclist and all other vehicles involved traveled just before the crash occurred. Investigators next scan the area for objects that could've obstructed one or more driver's visibility and features such as tire skid marks that show whether or not attempts were made by any of the drivers involved to slow down or stop.

Photographs showing every possible angle of a scene are taken, and a diagram may be drawn up as well. All vehicles involved are likewise examined and photographed. Any noticeable damages are noted, including dents, scrapes, scuffs, bent frames (cars) or forks (motorcycles), and any marks on the rear and/or front end. The motorcyclist's helmet is examined for punctures, scrapes, cracks, etc. Investigators look for proof of scraping, which indicates a motorcycle was laying down while traveling a long distance.

Investigators also retrieve statements from the motorcycle driver and any other drivers involved. This provides vital information about the point of impact and what led up to the events that unfolded. Third-party witness statements are also taken since they can offer more precise, less biased accounts of what happened. These are documented in a traffic collision report. Sometimes, a scene can't be examined completely on the day of the accident. Investigators often revisit the scene on a different day at or near the same time of the collision. This gives them insight into typical traffic levels, weather conditions, obstructions, the direction traffic travels, and so on.

Examining the Evidence

Once all relevant data is gathered, the evidence can be analyzed. Police reports, medical reports, traffic data, information about the location of the accident, photos and diagrams of the accident scene, damage to property, and involved party and witness statements need to be reviewed thoroughly. This information gives all the details necessary to make a video and or 2D or 3D diagram reconstruction of the accident.

Reconstructions give the most accurate picture of the scene and often include graphics illustrating the temperature, traffic flow, and physical features in the immediate area. Presenting a reconstructed collision scene in court allows you and your attorney to demonstrate how fast each party was driving and the exact moment of impact. You'll also be able to recreate the accident from several angles, which a lawyer can use to prove the truthfulness or dishonesty of a client's or witness's testimony.

A judge or jury can use the reconstruction to decide who is legally at fault for causing the accident as well as who is legally responsible for paying for any bodily injuries and/or property damages that occurred as a result.

If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident, your lawyer may present an accident reconstruction as evidence in your case. For more information, contact George Stein Steelhorse Law by calling 1-888-38-COURT.