Accident Reconstruction Associates - Frequently Asked Questions


	● Quick, timely feedback on the various aspects of your case is critical for assessing the strength of your position.

	● Providing you with an accurate and detailed understanding of how the accident occurred is critical.

	● We have considerable experience evaluating the mechanism of injury and death (Biomechanics) related to vehicle dynamics and occupant kinematics in vehicular crashes.

	● We have extensive experience in seat belt and related air bag (SRD) restraint theory

	● We have over 40 years of analyzing heavy truck and bus accidents.

	● We also have extensive background and scientific expertise in the reconstruction of bicycle accidents, bicycle-rider trajectory, and injury causation READ MORE...

Q: What is a traffic accident reconstructionist and what do they do?

A traffic accident reconstructionist, is a specialist in the investigation and analysis of traffic accidents, and a few, like those at Accident Reconstruction Associates, Inc (ARA Inc.), are qualified to analyze the mechanism of injury and death (biomechanics), in the accident. This requires considerable training and experience, including university degrees in science and/or engineering. As a consultant and expert witness, the reconstructionist works for the attorney, not the attorney's client. The professional reconstructionist will analyze an accident beyond the investigation normally performed by police personnel.

The accident reconstructionist must also be qualified to render an opinion in court. To do this, he must be qualified as an "expert" by the court. This is different from the testimony that may be presented by other witnesses. To offer an opinion, the court must recognize that the individual has the training and experience in traffic accident reconstruction and/or biomechanics that qualifies them to present their analysis and that this information will aid the jury in understanding the accident and injury sequence of events.

Q: I am an attorney with a traffic accident case. How can I find out if an expert in accident reconstruction can help me?

Call Accident Reconstruction Associates, (ARA Inc.), at (818) 783-1888.
There is no obligation for the initial review of any case. We will review the
file and discuss a cost estimate based on your needs.

Q: I was involved in a traffic accident. Can I hire a traffic accident reconstructionist to assist me without an attorney?

No. We do not work directly for individuals that were involved in a traffic accident. We work only with attorneys and insurance company representatives. In any accident case, there will be legal issues that must be addressed as part of the analysis and presentation of the accident. If you, or someone you know was involved in a traffic accident, consult with qualified legal counsel.

Q: What issues can a traffic accident reconstructionist address?

There are many areas we can analyze. Vehicle speed is the most common issue and there are several methods, including speed from skid marks, conservation of energy, crush damage, and conservation of linear momentum that can be applied. There can be questions of collision avoidance or the ability of a driver to see a hazard. Most accident cases require that several issues be analyzed and correlated so an overall picture of the situation can be presented. ARA personnel, unlike most reconstructionists, can also determine the mechanism of injury or death and whether of not supplemental restraint systems were effective.

Q: How do you conduct a skid test to determine a drag factor?

A skid test may be dangerous. Skid testing must not be attempted without proper training. Along with the safety concerns, the test vehicle must be equipped with specialized measuring and recording instruments to determine the actual braking distance with a known initial speed. We do conduct skid tests, when necessary, for a traffic accident case.

Q: Are computer programs used to reconstruct accidents?

Yes, there are a number of computer programs used by professional accident reconstructionist(s). Some of these programs are very complex and require considerable training to use them correctly.

Q: What does it cost to reconstruct an accident?

There is no set fee for the reconstruction or analysis of injuries in a traffic accident. Our services are provided on an hourly fee basis. A simple situation may take very little time while complex situations may take several days just to collect the required information. Then there is the time required for a trial or deposition appearances. There is no obligation for the initial review of any traffic accident case. With this review, we can provide a cost estimate based on your requirements.

Q: Do you prepare scale diagrams and other exhibits?

Yes. We prepare various types of scale diagrams, aerial photos, animations and scale models and other mediation, arbitration or courtroom documents.

Q: I am looking for information or consultants not addressed on this site.

Contact us! Traffic accident reconstruction can be very complex. We will be happy to provide you with the best information we have available.