Accident reconstruction expert witness Will Meredith lays out the steps in accident reconstruction:
GENERALLY TAUGHT AND ACCEPTED METHODOLOGY FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF AN ACCIDENT IS AS FOLLOWS:
1) REPORTING: Strictly factual, no opinions.
2) INSPECTION: Includes measurements at scene, photographs, vehicle inspections, all observable evidence at scene.
3) TECHNICAL PREPARATION: May require additional site or vehicle measurements, occupant measurements, more photographs, map preparation, satellite photograph down loads of site, other available factual information, drawings, experiments, reinactments, skid tests, measurements of like vehicles, obtainment of vehicle specifications, repair documentation, etc.
4) PROFESSIONAL RECONSTRUCTION OF ACCIDENT: Application of scientific principles and engineering calculations usually performed by use of computer calculations and computer animations based upon physics calculations. Simple animations based upon speculation of non-engineers may be in error because of lack of understanding of Newtonian Physics.
5) CAUSE ANALYSIS: Determination of the most probable way an accident did happen. Determination of how or why an accident could not have happened in a particular way can also be determined.
6) CONFIRMATION OF RESULTS: May be necessary by comparison with similar cases and by peer review if desired.