Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in proving causation and fault in personal injury cases, particularly regarding evidence related to the reconstruction of car accidents.
Accident reconstruction is often a consequential aspect of proving fault and determining liability, especially when the cause of a crash is disputed. AI can enhance this process by analyzing large volumes of data quickly and providing detailed insights that human investigators may overlook.
The ins and outs
For starters, AI can help with the analysis of vehicle data. Many modern cars are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), which capture information such as speed, brake usage, seatbelt status and steering angles just before and during a collision. AI algorithms can interpret this data and recreate the moments leading up to an accident, helping to establish how and why it occurred.
AI can also process data from traffic cameras, dashcams and surveillance footage. By using machine learning and computer vision, AI software can identify vehicles, track their movement and estimate speeds and trajectories. This technology can be especially useful in multi-vehicle accidents or when eyewitness accounts are conflicting or unavailable.
In addition, AI-powered simulation tools can recreate the events of an accident using all available inputs, producing a visual model that illustrates how the crash happened. These simulations can be presented in court to support expert testimony and help juries understand the mechanics of the incident. They add clarity and credibility to a personal injury case by turning complex data into a visual narrative.
However, while AI is a powerful tool, it is not without limitations. The accuracy of the reconstruction depends heavily on the quality and completeness of the data available. Moreover, AI should not replace human judgment—experienced accident reconstruction experts and experienced legal teams remain necessary when it comes to interpreting results, validating conclusions and explaining findings in a courtroom setting.