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Computer Animated Reconstructions & Simulations are only as good as the data that supports them. At the L. K. Parks Company we specialize in creating accurate exhibits, include all available data, and provide the reconstructionist or expert with enough substantive data to insure their opinions. It was only about fourteen years ago when computer generated animations (forensic animations) were becoming a novel way to demonstrate opinions. At this early stage a few firms around the country, including the one started by Mr. Parks, testified numerous times, in many States in an effort to propel this technology into a standardized medium. In the years since, forensic animation has become something fairly common in litigation and it has had the benefit of legal expectations and methodologies. We encourage you to explore this website. Call or e-mail us if you have any questions. Take a look at the work samples provided by the links to the left. If you have dial-up service on the internet, please be patient with the clips. We've tried to run the middle ground between the various bandwidths. Most clips are less than 1 MB.
PRIMER - Forensic Animation Computer Animated Reconstructions: Computer Animated Reconstructions are frequently used as demonstrative evidence. First, the expert would present his investigation. After the foundation was laid as to how he came up with his theory of the accident, and what his theory is, the animation would be presented to make his theory more understandable to the jury. In this situation the computer has made no decisions and produced no facts that the expert relied on as to what occurred. The animation came into being after the expert's opinion was already formed. Computer Simulation: A computer simulation is very different from an animation. In a simulation the expert relies on the computer to provide answers as to what would happen given a specific set of circumstances. Simulations have found wide usage because once set up, it allows the operator to change a variable and run "what if" scenarios. In animation, computer simulation numeric output data can be applied (imported) into animation software, thus allowing for the visual presentation of simulation data. Are Computer Reconstructions (Animations) Scientific Evidence? Basically an accident reconstructionist starts where the accident ends. He surveys the accident scene and examines the vehicles. He speaks to witnesses and drivers. From this point he uses the principles physics, human behavior, and his own experience to determine what happened before, during and after the accident. Although an expert may use science to provide some information, he blends art and science into forming an opinion. If we use the Daubert analysis of what constitutes scientific evidence, at least to the point it is given in the decision, we need to see if accident reconstruction can be tested as to accuracy. If it has been subject to peer review and publication, the known or potential error rate and the general acceptance of the technique among the proper community. The SAE has numerous papers dealing with computer assisted accident reconstruction. These factors alone seem to weigh in favor of accident reconstruction programs fitting inside the nonexclusive test proposed by the court. Of course Daubert is very clear that there are other, as of yet undiscovered tests that may be used to prove a technique is scientific evidence. The sum total of an Accident Reconstructionists opinions based on the factors above applied openly, correctly and substantivly in the medium of Computer Animation are found, in most cases, to be probative rather than prejucial. |
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