- 22
- June
2010
Many major accidents involving financial claims, injuries and fatalities are subject to scrutiny by experts who specialize in accident reconstruction. Relying on various forms of forensic evidence, investigators try to piece together the details of what occurred by reconstructing the accident scene itself. While most people are aware of accident reconstruction involving motor vehicles, there are also experts who specialize in accidents involving bicycles.
Motorists often share the road with bicycles, and many of the traffic accidents that result in serious injuries involve both cars and bikes. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, deaths of bicyclists represented 2 percent of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. in 2008.
Meticulous Reconstruction Experts for Cars and Bikes
Alex LaRiviere appreciates that fact better than most. If your bicycle is ever involved in a major accident, there's a chance that it will eventually end up being investigated by LaRiviere, an expert in bicycle-accident reconstruction.
According to the San Jose Mercury News, for 20 years, LaRiviere has examined damaged bicycles, sometimes spending countless hours going over what may seem like nothing more than innocuous scrapes in an effort to figure out how they got there. LaRiviere's work demonstrates the lengths to which meticulous investigators may go in order to reconstruct an accident. Though LaRiviere is not an expert in motor vehicle crashes, there are many with his level of experience, expertise and passion who are just as capable of pinpointing the causes of virtually any kind of accident involving cars.
Whether investigators are working on behalf of police agencies, insurance companies or attorneys, they often rely on accident photos, police reports, as well as any video that might be available.
When investigators are reconstructing an accident scene they typically center on the point of impact, which can often be determined by analyzing tire marks. Beyond the specific kinds of damage inflicted on the vehicles involved, conditions such as lighting and weather are also considered, as well as traffic signs and signals.
Though creating a layout of the scene of the accident based on physical evidence is fundamental to the reconstruction process, such evidence is weighed against eyewitness testimony and the personal driving histories of the individuals involved. All things being equal, the version of events of the driver with the better record is more likely to be believed. It is important to take all of these factors into account if you are considering or preparing a legal case involving a traffic accident.
Speak to an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Personal injury claims involving reconstruction experts can be complex and time consuming. It is important to seek the assistance of an attorney that has experience in working with these types of cases. The attorney's at Corsiglia McMahon & Allard are skilled and knowledgeable in personal injury matters and can assist you in your claim to seek compensation for the losses you have suffered.
