EVIDENCE & DOCUMENTATION
4 legal terms in this category, with plain-English definitions and real-world car accident examples.
Accident Reconstruction
A scientific analysis that uses physical evidence, vehicle damage, skid marks, and other data to determine how a collision occurred and who was at fault.
After a T-bone crash at an intersection, an accident reconstruction expert measures the skid marks and vehicle crush depth to prove the other driver ran the red light at 50 mph.
Expert Witness
A professional with specialized knowledge who testifies in your case to help prove your injuries, the cause of the accident, or the value of your damages.
An orthopedic surgeon testifies that your herniated disc was caused by the collision, not by normal aging, after reviewing your MRI and medical history.
Police Report
The official document filed by law enforcement officers who respond to an accident scene. It typically includes a diagram, witness statements, and sometimes a determination of fault.
The police report states the other driver was cited for failure to yield, which becomes a key piece of evidence when you file your injury claim.
Spoliation of Evidence
The intentional or negligent destruction of evidence that's relevant to a legal claim. Courts can impose severe penalties on the party that destroys evidence.
The trucking company deletes the dash cam footage from the truck that hit you. Your attorney files a spoliation motion, and the judge instructs the jury to assume the footage would have shown the driver was at fault.
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