Crash & Accident Reconstruction Investigation Services
Kittelson LLC’s team — including, ACTAR-accredited crash reconstruction experts — brings deep, hands-on experience in crash and accident reconstruction, forensic investigation, and expert witness testimony for litigation involving passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians.
Using today’s data-collection technologies — drone mapping, 3D laser scanning, and event data recorder (EDR) analysis — we capture more of the scene and more perspectives than traditional surveying methods, reducing human error and giving clients an objective, defensible account of what happened. Every reconstruction is grounded in state-of-the-art forensic transportation engineering theory, reinforced by our team’s ongoing field work in transportation planning, design, and research.
Learn more about our technological capabilities and the step-by-step crash reconstruction process we follow on every case. For the full scope of our litigation support, see our transportation engineering expert witness services.
Additional Crash & Accident Investigation Services
Driver Behavior Analysis
We review available data — cell phone records, infotainment logs, telematics, and vehicle data — to determine a driver’s behavior at the time of a crash. For example, we’ve determined that a truck driver was using social media on his phone at the time of a crash by analyzing his mobile data usage. This work is closely related to our human factors and driver behavior practice, which covers distraction, impairment, fatigue, and perception-response analysis in greater depth.
Forensic Examination of Driver Hours-of-Service (HOS) & ELD Compliance
We examine a driver’s Record of Duty Status and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) compliance and compare these records against supporting documentation and reports to identify hours-of-service violations relevant to a crash.
Heavy Vehicle Post-Crash Mechanical Inspection
We travel to the crash scene or a storage facility to physically inspect the commercial vehicle, documenting its condition, any violations, and case-specific details — tire size and condition, brake type, size, and condition — needed for a defensible crash reconstruction.
Sight Distance Assessment
We measure and evaluate sight distance and apply it to engineering analysis of a crash, including stopping sight distance and intersection sight distance consistent with AASHTO design guidance. This work often overlaps with our highway and street design and roadway and intersection design expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between crash reconstruction and accident reconstruction?
“Crash reconstruction” and “accident reconstruction” describe the same forensic discipline — using physical evidence, data, and engineering analysis to determine how and why a collision occurred. Kittelson LLC’s team uses ACTAR-accredited methodology under either term, working across car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian cases.
What does an accident reconstruction expert do in a lawsuit?
An accident reconstruction expert analyzes physical evidence, vehicle data, and scene documentation to determine vehicle speeds, positions, and driver actions leading up to a crash, then presents those findings as expert witness testimony, reports, or demonstrative exhibits for deposition and trial.
How do I find a qualified crash or accident reconstruction expert witness?
Look for ACTAR accreditation, hands-on field reconstruction experience, and a track record of expert witness testimony for both plaintiffs and defendants. Kittelson LLC’s team includes several ACTAR-accredited reconstructionists who also work in active transportation design and research, which strengthens their credibility on cross-examination.
Do you handle commercial truck and heavy vehicle crash cases?
Yes. In addition to crash reconstruction, we perform post-crash mechanical inspections of commercial vehicles and forensic review of driver Hours-of-Service and ELD compliance records.