Beyond the Crash: The Expert Analysis That Resolved a Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuit

When a seemingly straightforward intersection collision turned into a multi-million dollar liability dispute, it took more than just photos and police reports to uncover the truth.

It took science, engineering and the team at Peter R. Thom and Associates Inc.

The Case: A Disputed Liability Crash with Major Injuries

A delivery driver for a nationwide courier service was involved in a T-bone collision at a controlled intersection. The plaintiff—an off-duty EMT—suffered significant injuries resulting in lost income, physical therapy, and ongoing medical bills.

Eyewitness statements conflicted. Dash cam footage was inconclusive.

Each side claimed the other ran the red light.

The stakes: a $6.2 million claim.

That’s when the defense team brought in PRT’s accident reconstruction experts and human factors engineers.

The Reconstruction: More Than Skid Marks and Damage Points

Using EDR (Event Data Recorder) data, traffic signal timing diagrams, and physical evidence from the scene, PRT’s team reconstructed the collision down to the millisecond.

But this case wasn’t just about mechanics—it was about perception and reaction.

Could the plaintiff have seen the oncoming vehicle in time?

Were the lighting and obstructions consistent with a visibility limitation?

Was distraction a factor?

By applying human factors engineering and biomechanical analysis, the experts were able to simulate what each driver could see, when they could have seen it, and how their actions aligned—or didn’t—with established norms for driver response time.

The Science That Changed the Case

The expert reports revealed several key findings:

The plaintiff’s line of sight was clear for over 6 seconds before impact.

Data from the EDR showed the plaintiff never braked prior to the collision.

The defendant’s actions and speed were consistent with a green light entry and normal braking response.

Biomechanical analysis showed that the plaintiff’s claimed injuries were inconsistent with the vehicle dynamics and loading forces measured in the collision.

These findings formed the basis of compelling expert witness testimony that ultimately shifted the negotiation dynamics.

The Result: Case Settled Pre-Trial — At a Fraction of the Demand

Faced with irrefutable evidence and a thorough breakdown of human limitations and driver behavior, the plaintiff’s legal team opted to settle.

Final outcome: The case was resolved for less than 30% of the initial demand.

Why Expert Analysis Matters — Especially Now

With vehicle technology becoming more complex, and litigation growing more aggressive, attorneys and adjusters need more than gut instinct.

They need:

✅ Accident reconstruction rooted in engineering and physics

✅ Human factors analysis that explains not just what happened, but why it happened

✅ Biomechanical expertise that validates or disputes injury causation

✅ Clear, courtroom-ready expert reports that cut through speculation

This is where Peter R. Thom and Associates Inc. shines. With coverage in all 50 states, and experts in vehicle dynamics, failure analysis, and forensic engineering, PRT provides the insight and clarity needed to resolve cases confidently and cost-effectively.

Ready to Bring Science to Your Next Case?

If you're handling a high-value claim or complex liability case, don’t wait for discovery deadlines to bring in experts. Early analysis saves time, sharpens strategy, and often prevents costly surprises.

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Peter R. Thom and Associates Inc.

Engineering expertise. Courtroom clarity. Nationwide.