The Role of Forensic Science in
Kentucky Car Accident Claims
While it can be tempting to glean a Hollywood-esque sense of exactly what forensic science is from fictional TV shows and movies, the American Academy of Forensic Science gives a little more insight, defining it as “any science used for the purposes of law.” The AAFS goes on to explain that forensic scientists use their skills and knowledge to gain an objective scientific analysis.
The result is that in a court of law, forensics can help show truth and legal justice to prevail. This can be important in any case or law proceeding, but how exactly does this translate to Kentucky car accident claims? We break down a few basics to help show the connection and why this field of science can be so important for accident victims.
Basics of Kentucky Car Accident Laws
In Kentucky, vehicle accident laws require that any accident that involves personal injury, death, or damage to a vehicle that renders it inoperable involve the local police. The accident must also be reported if the damage exceeds $500. The police officer with jurisdiction over the area will investigate the accident and file a report.
Kentucky is a no-fault state, which means that no matter who was at fault in the accident, individuals compensation from insurance carriers. Because Kentucky is a no-fault state, it’s especially important for those involved in any incident to take note of and record evidence of what occurred during the accident. Even with the no-fault law, there are qualifying cases regarding injury, especially when they are significant. No matter how significant you feel the injury or damage is, however, having evidence and details can help. There are numerous repercussions of an accident that victims may not consider in the immediate aftermath, such as lost wages, the need for a rental car, mental anguish, and much more.
According to the Kentucky vehicle law, each driver is assigned a portion of negligence, which further establishes the need to document evidence and ensure accuracy. The statute of limitations, or the allotted time in which a claim must be filed for a car accident, is two years from the accident date.
How Forensics Can Help Kentucky Car Accident Victims
Facing a car accident can feel overwhelming, and many may be concerned about the level of detail they documented initially. There are many things that can ease the burden for victims, such as getting reputable Kentucky car accident lawyers involved and the role of forensics to help reveal all the evidence. Here are a few examples of ways that forensics can be helpful in accidents:
Reconstructing the Accident
One of the main ways that forensics can help in car accident cases is by reconstructing of the accident itself. This will involve considerations of both vehicles' actions, calculations involving speed and direction, and looking at other details to get a big-picture overview of what took place.
Skid Marks
Skid marks may seem minor, but these can actually show a lot about the accident. For example, they can help reveal braking patterns and may be able to indicate speed estimates. The analysis can also help show what the vehicle movements were. Depending on the detail of the skid, they can provide a large amount of detail for the investigator.
Vehicle Dents and Damage
The vehicles’ damages can also be another critical area for forensics in Kentucky car accidents. Major damage can help show various aspects of the incident, but even more minor damage, such as dents in cars or trucks, can be very telling of how the situation played out.
Evaluation of the Vehicles, Including Internal Systems
An auto evaluation can help to determine in any mechanical issue was at play during the collision. This can involve vehicle system analysis, tire evaluation, seat belts, air bags, and more.
Damage to Surrounding Property
Examining the evidence or road signs, poles, or other items in the immediate surroundings can also provide additional detail. Depending on what property is damaged and how, investigators can gain additional clues as to what happened during the collision.
The Injuries of People Involved
If people were injured in the crash, the injury documentation can also be a significant area to look at that will provide additional details. The type and extent of the injuries, along with where any blood or other DNA evidence is on the vehicle, can contribute to the picture of what occurred.
Forensic Evidence Can Help Tell the Whole Story & Get
Justice for Kentucky Car Accident Victims
In a nutshell, forensic evidence can be extremely useful in determining all the logistics and details of what happened in a crash. While the exact circumstances be challenging to determine, the knowledge and technology modern investigators have can go a long way in helping establish what happened during the collision.
By documenting evidence, being proactive and knowing the basics of Kentucky laws, and consulting with a reliable legal professional, Kentucky car accident victims can get a just outcome for their situation. Yet the role of forensics can also help fill in the gaps and provide essential evidence to support claims. This fascinating field of forensics continues to evolve and be an incredibly useful area of science, particularly for those involved in vehicle accidents.
