Example of Legal Animation Services From This Case
“Courtroom Animation played a crucial role in strategizing effective visuals for this case. They were able to visualize multiple perspectives to show how the truck driver was at fault, not my client. Not only did they show multiple perspectives, but we also showed altered scenarios in which the truck driver diverted from hitting my client. The case went from 100% plaintiff’s fault to almost a 7-figure settlement for the plaintiff. This would not have been possible without Courtroom Animation’s help.”
– Jon Teller, Attorney at Wilshire Law Firm
Summary:
Courtroom Animation was asked to provide legal graphic services on behalf of the plaintiff in an accident reconstruction case. A sedan, avoiding a truck ahead of it, braked and abruptly changed lanes. The tanker truck driver, located behind the sedan, did not change lanes or sufficiently brake, resulting in a rear end collision with the truck in front of the sedan.
The rear-ended pick-up driver sued the tanker truck driver, claiming that the tanker truck driver had enough time to react to the car braking and changing lanes. This civil case settled, and our legal graphic services helped the Wilshire Law Firm’s plaintiff attorney, Jon Teller, secure a 7-figure settlement for his client.
Challenge: Speed, Timing, and Positions
In traffic collision cases, it can be quite difficult for a party to verbally describe the position of moving vehicles and the progression of events. Without clear visuals, explaining the timing between various cars and their interactions on a highway to an audience can be very difficult.
For example, an attorney in this case could explain to the various legal parties that the sedan braked and changed lanes, but it’s important that they fully understand the precise timing of that lane change to show that the truck driver had enough time to react. Technical data can explain what car was in what position and what their relative velocities were, but without a visual, this data and testimony can be difficult to follow.
Due to the parties and factors involved, this case presented complex challenges in regards to positioning, speed, and timing. These key details were vital to pin down in order for the jury to understand the extent of liability and damages.
Solution:
In all aspects, the Courtroom Animation team focused on ensuring that these trial graphics were scientifically accurate to help Jon Teller validate the accident data, strengthen his core arguments, and ensure admissibility. We created these trial animations from Google Earth and Google Maps data, depositions, eyewitness testimonies, and traffic collision reports. The 3D models of vehicle assets were based on accurate reference photos.
In addition to the animation shared above, our team provided three other animations for the plaintiff. These animations showed the accident from the driver’s perspective, as well as “alternative timelines” and “braking scenarios.” They depicted the driver’s view, and what the driver could have done to avoid the motor vehicle collision, such as braking or changing lanes.
This was instrumental for the plaintiff attorney’s argument by helping demonstrate how the tanker truck driver was liable — they had ample opportunity to take a different action, but instead, caused an accident. These types of forensic animations are known as right-way wrong-way animations.
For accident reconstruction cases, it’s important to explore the various viewpoints to help mitigate the defense’s arguments. The specific camera angles of the environments were also critical for the jury to get a proper understanding of the incident. This perspective provides more context for the jury of the timing the person was experiencing, what they were able to see at the scene, and more.
The animation below captured the driver’s view inside the tanker truck. In a different video, the animation showcased other alternate scenarios in which the tanker truck driver took an action that would have avoided the accident:
By adding realism and visual cues that do not take technical context to understand, such as the brake lights from the sedan, the jury is able to experience the situation first-hand, almost as if they were real-time witnesses. From the driver’s view, it’s obvious that the person could see the brake lights for several seconds. These visuals helped the plaintiff attorney visually present their argument.
Results: Legal Graphic Services Aids Plaintiff’s Settlement
The legal graphic services and accident reconstruction animations provided by our team heightened the core argument of the plaintiff attorney. The plaintiff party received a nearly 7-figure settlement.
By coupling precise, scientifically accurate animations with expert witness testimony, we were able to strengthen the expert analysis and further reinforce the facts of the case.
No matter what phase of the legal process your case is in, an accident reconstruction animation can help the jury understand your complex case.
Courtroom Animation’s team of visual strategists, designers and developers can create and customize your digital presentation for any case involving personal injury, medical malpractice, birth trauma, and more.
Learn how our legal graphic services can help your case and receive a no-obligation quote today!