What does a traffic accident reconstructionist do?
A traffic accident reconstructionist is a person who, through special skills and knowledge about traffic accidents, analyzes a traffic accident case to determine (1) what happened, (2) how it happened, (3) why it happened, and (4) what could have been done to prevent it from happening. A traffic accident reconstructionist deals primarily with the physical evidence involved in traffic accidents. Traffic accident reconstructionists can also answer specific questions about an accident such as proving who was really driving or determining if a car's lights were on or off.
What is bloodstain pattern analysis?
Bloodstain pattern analysis is the discipline of analyzing bloodstain patterns to determine (1) the type of bloodstain it is, (2) how it got deposited, (3) where the bloodstain pattern originated. Knox & Associates can review bloodstain patterns at scenes and in photographs to provide you with information about how an incident took place. Knox & Associates can also use chemicals such as luminol, leucocrystal violet, and amido black to search for the invisible presence of blood and bloodstain patterns.
What does shooting incident reconstruction involve?
Shooting incident reconstruction is the science of determining the events surrounding a shooting incident from the available physical evidence. Using such evidence as bullet holes, shell casing ejection data, and scale computer modeling of a shooting scene, Knox & Associates may be able to determine such things as (1) who fired which shots, (2) in what order were the shots fired, and (3) from where were the shots fired. Knox & Associates can provide you with a consultant who has extensive experience investigating shooting incidents, including police-involved shooting incidents.
I know that close-range shootings can be reconstructed, but I've heard that sniper and long distance shootings cannot? Is that true?
No. Even long distance shootings such as sniper shootings can be reconstructed. Most crime scene analysts use lasers or string and dowels to reconstruct bullet trajectories. While these methods work well for short range shootings, they do not account for the parabolic trajectory of a bullet. Using mathematical methods (differential equations) and computer software, Knox & Associates can reconstruct bullet trajectories over long ranges.
Why would I need the services of a traffic accident reconstructionist?
If you are involved in litigation over an accident, you may need the services of a traffic accident reconstructionist. A traffic accident reconstructionist works for your attorney or insurance company to provide expert advice as to the events surrounding an accident.
The police investigated my traffic accident. Why is their report not sufficient to show who was at fault?
Police officers do not investigate accidents with the intent of helping you to recover damages or protecting you from being sued. Police investigations of traffic accidents have three goals: (1) document the accident for state reporting purposes, (2) determine what traffic violations were committed, and (3) take steps to reduce the number of accidents. Police investigations are objective investigations which are meant to determine certain facts surrounding an accident, but they are not intended to advise you what rights and remedies you may have. Your attorney or insurance company may hire a traffic accident reconstructionist to help them advise you what damages you can expect to recover, or to help defend you from liability if you are sued.
Is a traffic accident reconstructionist an expert?
Yes, a traffic accident reconstructionist is an expert in the field of traffic accidents. If your case goes to trial, the consultant may be qualified in court as an expert witness.
How much can I expect to pay for the services of a forensic consultant?
The fees for forensic consultants vary considerably. Some cases require much more work than others. Most expert witnesses bill in a manner similar to attorneys. The fee schedule for Knox & Associates is included on this website.
Will a traffic accident reconstructionist provide me with information that is favorable to my side of the case?
A traffic accident reconstructionist's job is very objective. The information a traffic accident reconstructionist gives you may or may not be what you want to hear. Traffic accident reconstructionists will, however, try to inform you about all of the available options you may have in your case. For example, a traffic accident reconstructionist may determine that you did not have any lights on during your accident; however, that traffic accident reconstructionist may also determine that your car still should have been visible to the other driver given the lighting conditions. These are issues a traffic accident reconstructionist would report to you and could testify to in court.
I am an attorney who handles traffic accident cases. When should I hire a traffic accident reconstructionist?
The physical evidence in traffic accidents is often short-lived. In many cases, the police do not preserve or record much of the physical evidence because it is not part of their investigation. The sooner a traffic accident reconstructionist is able to begin work on a case, the more likely evidence may be obtained.
I was involved in an accident. Do I need to hire a traffic accident reconstructionist?
Generally, the decision to hire a traffic accident reconstructionist will be made by your attorney or insurance company. If you have not consulted an attorney, you should do so before hiring an accident consultant.
I am a police officer who has been involved in a duty-related shooting. Can Knox & Associates help me?
Knox & Associates specializes in police-involved shooting cases and can help with the defense of a police officer or agency involved in a duty-related shooting. If you have been charged criminally as a result of the shooting, Knox & Associates will review your case and provide a consultation free of charge.
Do you have a question for a forensic consultant? Please e-mail us at consulting@knoxandassociates.com.