Senior Accident Reconstructionist

Knott Laboratory LLC•Nashville, TN

2d•$120,000 - $165,000

About The Position

The Senior Accident Reconstructionist investigates, analyzes, and reconstructs complex motor vehicle collisions using advanced principles of physics, engineering, vehicle dynamics, and accident reconstruction. The role independently manages complex cases and develops objective, scientifically supported, and defensible conclusions based on available evidence and established methodologies. The position communicates findings to clients and other stakeholders, prepares technical analyses and reports, and provides expert testimony in depositions, hearings, arbitration, mediation, and trial as required. It also serves as a technical resource and mentor to less experienced professionals, supports client relationships and business development, and contributes to Knott Laboratory’s professional reputation through technical excellence, integrity, and high-quality client service.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or another relevant engineering or technical discipline appropriate to the individual’s practice; alternatively, experience as an Accident Reconstructionist in a law enforcement capacity with crash reconstruction training.
Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR) certification.
Professional Engineer (PE) licensure when applicable to the individual’s education, discipline, and scope of practice.
At least 10 years of professional experience in accident reconstruction, forensic engineering, collision investigation, vehicle dynamics, or a closely related technical field.
Experience providing deposition and/or trial testimony as an expert witness.
Demonstrated ability to independently conduct and manage complex accident reconstruction investigations.
Experience preparing technical analyses, reports, and professional work products.
Strong written, verbal, analytical, and presentation skills.
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to investigation, inspection, deposition, and trial locations.
Advanced knowledge of accident reconstruction principles, methodologies, and investigative practices.
Strong understanding of physics, mechanics, vehicle dynamics, and collision analysis.
Advanced analytical, critical-thinking, and technical problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate complex and sometimes conflicting evidence.
Ability to develop objective, scientifically supported, and defensible technical opinions.
Professional judgment, attention to detail, and technical accuracy.
Ability to communicate confidently and professionally in adversarial environments, including depositions and courtroom proceedings.
Strong project, time, and case-management skills, including management of multiple complex assignments and competing deadlines.
Strong client-service and relationship-management skills.
Commitment to professional ethics, continuous learning, technical excellence, and objective scientific analysis.
Ability to travel, work indoors and outdoors in varying environmental and weather conditions, walk, stand, bend, kneel, climb, navigate uneven terrain, and carry and operate investigative and measurement equipment as necessary.
Ability to travel outside the local area, including overnight travel, when case assignments require it.
Ability to accommodate work schedules that occasionally vary due to inspections, travel, litigation deadlines, depositions, trials, or other case requirements.

Nice To Haves

Advanced training in vehicle dynamics, event data recorders, light timing, commercial vehicle investigations, pedestrian or bicycle collisions, photogrammetry, vehicle inspections, or 3D documentation.
Demonstrated experience mentoring or developing less experienced technical professionals.

Responsibilities

Lead complex accident reconstruction investigations involving applicable transportation-related incidents.
Inspect and document accident scenes, vehicles, roadway conditions, physical evidence, and other relevant information.
Collect, preserve, analyze, and interpret physical, electronic, photographic, video, and vehicle-related evidence.
Perform advanced accident reconstruction analyses using accepted scientific and engineering principles and methodologies.
Analyze vehicle speeds, trajectories, braking, impacts, visibility, perception-response considerations, vehicle dynamics, and other collision factors.
Review and critically evaluate case materials, including reports, photographs, videos, witness statements, vehicle records, medical information, and technical data.
Use accident reconstruction software, electronic data, photogrammetry, 3D documentation, measurement equipment, and other investigative technologies as appropriate.
Develop technically sound opinions and conclusions supported by evidence, calculations, testing, and established scientific principles.
Prepare and review technical reports, calculations, exhibits, demonstratives, and supporting documentation.
Communicate technical findings to attorneys, insurance professionals, clients, other experts, and non-technical audiences.
Provide expert testimony in depositions, hearings, arbitration, mediation, and trial as required.
Manage assigned cases from engagement through resolution, meeting deadlines, budgets, and client expectations.
Participate in client meetings, strategy discussions, inspections, and other case-related activities.
Provide technical guidance, peer support, and mentorship to Accident Reconstructionists and developing technical professionals.
Review colleagues’ work as appropriate and contribute to the quality and consistency of technical work products.
Collaborate with engineers, reconstructionists, visualization professionals, and other technical experts.
Support business development and client relationships through technical service, professional relationships, presentations, industry involvement, or other appropriate activities.
Maintain current knowledge of accident reconstruction, vehicle technology, investigative techniques, standards, research, and professional practices.
Maintain complete and organized case files in accordance with company practices and professional standards.
Demonstrate professional ethics, objectivity, confidentiality, technical integrity, and Knott Laboratory’s core values.
Maintain and expand professional credentials, share technical knowledge, contribute to colleagues’ development, and support the company’s professional reputation.