There are times when it is difficult to determine the fault after a crash involving a motorcycle. In this case, there are companies that work to recreate the crash in an effort to determine the liabilities of the parties after the accident has occurred.
The professional reconstruction experts will determine the reasons for the crash, and will weigh in on all sides of the issue. They will measure and estimate the speed that the motorcycle was traveling before the accident. They also determine the braking distances noted for the motorcycle, or if the driver had time to use the brakes.
The crash scene investigator will review the type of motorcycle involved in the crash, if it was modified, and interview the driver. The investigator will also take photos of any evidence that was left behind at the scene of the crash. The driver will be asked questions regarding his or her abilities and experience riding motorcycles and what happened just before the accident occurred. In this way, the crash reconstruction professionals will piece together what happened on the day of the accident and be able to come one step closer to determining liability and fault for the loss.
One aspect of crash analysis is the vector sum review. Here, the experts may use mathematical equations to measure the momentum and force surrounding the motorcycle crash. They may make vector diagrams which will represent a visual model of what happened during the collision. In this way, they can calculate the speeds of the driver and the estimated speed before impact. They will have to be able to explain how they arrived at their determinations to law enforcement authorities, or be able to repeat their conclusions in a court of law. For example, the experts might utilize a diagram which explains the change in velocity of the motorcycle as calculated against the principal direction of force. The change in velocity will tell how severe the crash was and will be a factor in the principal direction of force. Health care professionals know about the change in velocity and relate it to how serious the injuries of the crash victims will be once the person is admitted to the hospital.
Other aspects of the investigation may include an analysis of the crush factors in the accident. This determines the total amount of energy used to do the damage to the motorcycle. The speed the motorcycle was traveling at and the crush type of results will determine what happened in the accident. By checking the specifications of the motorcycle, if it was modified for street use, the stiffness of the frame, etc. it is possible to get a better answer as to the reasons for the crash.
Sometimes, a motorcycle will leave tire skid marks at the scene of the accident. These are important bits of evidence at the scene of a loss. There are different noted distinctions in skid marks, as the drag factor or friction factors are considered. Some are yaw marks, acceleration scuff marks, flat tire marks, or even grooved or pitted imprints on the pavement left behind after the accident. Also, the length and width of the skid marks are noted, to make sure that they were not left there by other drivers who were not a part of the accident scene being investigated.
If the motorcycle was airborne at any time during the loss, this may be able to be determined by sifting through evidence at the scene. If the tires left the roadway, the reconstruction experts can determine the point where the motorcycle left the road, and the point it came back into contact with the road (or off road surfaces). This occurs when a driver falls off of the road, experiences a flip or vault on the motorcycle or otherwise leaves the pavement for the softer dirt beyond the breakdown lane.
If you have any questions regarding a motorcycle accident and want to speak to an expert, call the law offices of Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 or email us at www.ledgerlaw.com. We are here to talk to you about your loss and any resulting claim that you may have regarding a motorcycle accident.
