Forensic Accident Reconstruction of a Preventable Semi-Truck Rear-End Collision | $20 Million Settlement

The client was involved in a catastrophic motor vehicle collision after being rear-ended by a semi-truck. Post-incident reports indicated the truck driver was under the influence at the time of the crash.
This forensic accident reconstruction case required a precise and visually compelling way to objectively analyze the collision and determine whether the crash was avoidable. The primary focus was evaluating sightlines, traffic conditions, and driver behavior to establish fault and clearly demonstrate the sequence of events leading to the collision.

Case Overview

	Case Type - Accident Reconstruction, Motor Vehicle Accident
	Visual Type - Defendant Point-of-View, Witness Point-of-View, Aerial Motion Graphics/3D Animations
	Results - $20 million dollar settlement

Challenge

The key challenge in this case was reconstructing the collision in a manner that was both technically accurate and easily understood by non-technical audiences.

This case presented significant technical and evidentiary challenges. Our team conducted intensive on-site surveys using drones and LIDAR scanning technology, generating massive data sets that needed to be processed into multiple, highly accurate 3D models.
The challenge was twofold:
Ensuring every visual element precisely matched police reports and physical evidence

Building a compelling, credible narrative that demonstrated the driver’s distraction without exaggeration or speculation

Accuracy was critical. Any deviation from the evidence risked undermining credibility. The visuals needed to clearly communicate a critical conclusion: the semi-truck driver had unobstructed visibility, ample stopping distance, and no reasonable justification for failing to stop.

Visual Strategy

Iconographics collaborated closely with accident reconstruction experts from the outset, beginning with a detailed on-site inspection of the crash scene and involved vehicles.

Using drones, LIDAR scanners, and high-resolution photography, we captured precise measurements of the roadway, traffic control devices, sightlines, and surrounding environment. This data was then converted into a comprehensive 3D reconstruction of the scene and vehicles.

The collision sequence was meticulously recreated to align with police documentation and expert analysis, illustrating that the traffic signal was red, surrounding vehicles were stopped, and the semi-truck driver had sufficient time and distance to react. Multiple perspectives were used to ensure the incident could be evaluated from every relevant viewpoint, leaving no ambiguity as to causation or fault.

Our Work

Defendant Point-of-View Animation
Witness Point-of-View Animation
Aerial Motion Graphics and 3D Accident Reconstruction Animations

Each visual was designed to clearly illustrate the mechanics of the collision, the driver’s actions, and the devastating consequences of the crash.

Results

The accident reconstruction visuals played a pivotal role in clarifying fault and communicating the severity of the incident to decision-makers.

Case Outcome:
💼 Settled for $20 million

By transforming complex data and evidence into a clear, compelling visual narrative, the reconstruction strengthened the case and supported a successful resolution.