Experts in accident reconstruction come from a wide range of backgrounds, including engineering, law enforcement, and physics. An individual must first obtain the required education in the chosen field in order to become an accident reconstruction expert witness. The next step in becoming an accident reconstruction expert witness is to establish a reputation as someone who is knowledgeable, dependable, and objective in his or her field.
When a person is injured in an accident, another person or entity must be legally determined to be liable for the accident in order for the injured person to receive compensation. When someone is injured in an accident, however, the cause of the accident is frequently unclear. When the cause of the accident, and ultimately liability, is unclear, an accident reconstruction expert may be called in to reconstruct the event. In most cases, by reconstructing the accident, the cause becomes clear and, as a result, the liable party is identified.
An accident reconstructionist’s opinion is just that: an opinion. It is not uncommon for more than one party in an accident litigation case to hire an accident reconstruction expert, resulting in divergent opinions about the accident’s cause. If the case does not settle before trial, the parties may call on the experts to testify at the trial to try to prove their case.
To become an accident reconstruction expert witness, there is no one-size-fits-all educational path to take. Most accident reconstruction experts, on the other hand, have a background in engineering or physics. Many also have some law enforcement experience, which adds a practical dimension to the theoretical knowledge gained through a degree. Accident reconstruction expertise is provided by a number of companies or associations. Anyone who wants to work as an accident reconstruction expert witness in the future should look for work with a company or organization that specializes in the field.
After gaining significant experience working in the field of accident reconstruction, an individual may offer his or her services as an expert witness. In the United States, the designation of a witness as an expert is decided on a case-by-case basis, either by the parties or by the judge. An expert witness must, in most cases, be licensed or credentialed in the field in which he or she will testify. In addition, he or she must have extensive experience working in the field and be regarded as an expert by his or her peers.