Civil courts once saw accident reconstructions as “more art than science.” But since the first national traffic accident reconstruction guidelines in 1985, technology has transformed the field. Reconstructions now appear in more cases, and courts increasingly accept them as credible evidence.
These reconstructions, however, involve complex data. Jurors often struggle to see the full picture. That’s where visualizations come in. They turn raw reconstruction data into clear, accessible visuals. Research shows that when jurors receive both visual and verbal information, they recall up to 700% more than hearing testimony alone.
While an accident recreation can bring a substantial return on investment for your case, how long does one take to create? Below, we answer this question and break out the different forms of accident reconstruction visuals that have seen real-life success in litigation.
So how long does it take to create an accident reconstruction visual? Let’s break down the timelines and types.
Types of Accident Reconstruction Visuals and General Timelines
When working with an experienced forensic animation firm to develop a visualization, the process can vary. If you’re limited to a tight deadline and do not require complex visuals, the timeline can be as short as a few weeks.
However, the timeline can vary depending on the type of visuals your case requires, as well as the complexity of the animation.
3D Still from Car Crash Animation by Courtroom Animation
2D Accident Reconstruction Visualizations
2D graphics are the simplest and fastest option. They rely on photos, radiographic images, and medical records rather than 3D modeling software. These courtroom visuals can take only weeks to create.
Despite their simplicity, they still build a compelling narrative. They establish perspectives, clarify positions, and highlight the critical details of an accident. Costs depend on the complexity of the image and the data sets involved.
Curious about costs? Download our free pricing guide to see how different visuals compare.
3D Accident Reconstruction Visualizations
3D animations bring a crash, collision, or fall to life. They take more time than 2D stills because animators must build detailed models and environments. The timeline depends on the number of perspectives, objects, and people shown.
While they require a larger investment, 3D visuals can yield major returns. One reconstruction animation helped trial attorney Brad Wallace raise a settlement offer by $550,000, achieving a final settlement of $1 million. That’s a 2,000% ROI.
Injury Animations with Reconstructions
Injury animations from your case’s reconstruction can play a crucial role in assisting jurors in understanding the viewpoint presented by both plaintiff and defense attorneys. These animations provide your case with a significantly higher level of insight compared to the base-level graphics described above.
3D Medical Recreation Depicting Injuries After a Motor Vehicle Collision
Accident cases often involve surgery or complex medical treatment. Injury animations show procedures step by step in seconds. They combine medical evidence with accident reconstructions to create clarity jurors cannot ignore.
For example, plaintiff attorney Myles Lenz used a short medical animation alongside a crash reconstruction. It highlighted the most critical details while staying within budget, leading to a favorable outcome for his client.
The more complex the motion, the longer the timeline. Cost drivers include the type of procedure and the detail required to portray it accurately.
General Accident Animation Production Schedule
Several factors drive production time and cost:
- Duration of the animation
- Complexity of the scene
- Quality of detail
Typical ranges include:
- 2D stills: $1,000–$3,000
- 3D illustrations: $2,000–$5,000
- Full 3D animations: $7,000–$100,000 (depending on technical or medical details)
Some providers deliver late without communication until the final product is “done.” That delay risks trial preparation. A reliable forensic animation firm will build milestones into your proposal. These checkpoints keep you, your expert, and the animation team aligned.
Please feel free to reference our pricing guide for more details on different types of animations and their associated price.
A production schedule or timeline to completion is an important element regarding any proposal.
This will minimize the number of change orders, ensure the recreation is technically accurate as well as a timely completion for mock trials, focus groups, exhibit list deadlines, and mediation. Communication and clearly defining your visual needs is essential as any necessary changes should be brought up as soon as possible to reduce cost and maintain a timely completion.
Taking these variables into account, as well as others mentioned in this article, will help you identify which visual will be most beneficial to your case. Consider whether your needed graphic could be simplified or even used for your own purposes, as some attorneys find it helpful to use legal graphics during their own preparation before they go to trial.
What Accident Reconstruction Exhibits Do You Need for Your Case?
Accident reconstructions are a powerful tool for defense and plaintiff attorneys, and can have an even greater impact with a visual. While developing an accompanying data visualization may take time and an initial investment, this valuable tool can help you attain a more favorable verdict or settlement by educating your audience.
Now that you have a more detailed understanding of how long legal graphics take to create, where can you start in the pursuit of your own visuals?
There’s a reason why Courtroom Animation has maintained a 99% admittance rate and collaborated with over 2,000 cases. This experienced understanding of how 2D and 3D recreations can support you and your client is a crucial factor in executing your visual needs as quickly as possible.
Contact us to receive a data visualization quote based on your case’s needs today!
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