Knott Laboratory provides forensic engineering and animation, Civil & Structural, and Fire & Explosion Investigation services to reconstruct accidents.


Accident Reconstruction

Our accident reconstructionists use state-of-the-art technology in reconstructing accidents


At Knott Laboratory, we’re at the forefront of bringing clarity and resolution to complex accident cases for attorneys and insurance experts across the country. Our team of seasoned forensic engineers delve into the intricacies of countless vehicle mishaps—ranging from minor fender-benders to large-scale, multi-vehicle collisions, and everything in between. Our expertise isn’t just limited to the roads; we also analyze and reconstruct accidents involving motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, recreational vehicles like ATVs, and even train and railroad crossings. Plus, we’re adept at navigating through the complexities of construction equipment, crane, and forklift accidents.

Our professionals are not only licensed and registered but also possess the unique ability to demystify complex engineering problems, making them understandable and compelling in any legal setting. We pride ourselves on our proven track record, with our engineers serving as expert witnesses in thousands of cases, cutting through technical jargon to present clear, concise arguments in both state and Federal courts.

Leveraging the latest in technology, our accident reconstruction specialists employ an arsenal of tools—from GPS and video evidence to cell phone and vehicle Event Data Recorders (EDR) data—to accurately piece together the events leading up to an accident.

But we don’t just stop at analysis. Our team crafts detailed visualizations that vividly convey our findings, ensuring that the facts stand out clearly whether in courtroom trials, depositions, mediations, or arbitrations.

knott laboratory accident visualization

 

 

 

 

 

We are qualified to investigate:

  • Calculation of vehicle speeds
  • Braking and steering capabilities
  • Impact energy
  • Impact configuration
  • Crash severity
  • Crashworthiness
  • Vehicle dynamics
  • Avoidance scenarios
  • Driver perception and reaction
  • Visibility analysis
  • Occupant kinematics
  • Occupant restraint analysis
  • Component failure analysis
  • Mechanical design
  • Mechanical equipment failures
  • Construction equipment failures

Publications List

The experts at Knott Laboratory have been published in many engineering journals. While most of these essays are quite detailed, these short abstracts express a summary of the overall papers that were published.

The Effect Of Variables On Vehicular Accident Reconstruction

Forensic Engineering, The International Journal, Vol. II, No. 3
1990

Forensic Engineering Use of Computer Animation and Graphics

Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers
December, 2006

Forensic Engineering Evaluation of Physical Evidence in Accident Reconstruction

Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers
December, 2007

Newest Trends in Accident Reconstruction

The Lawyer’s LogBook, Vol. 2, No. 5
2013

Forensic Engineering Investigation of Incidents Involving Corded Window Coverings

Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers
June 2013

Who Can Be a Forensic Expert?

P.E. Magazine, Published by the National Society of Professional Engineers
October 2014

Forensic Engineering Usage of Surveillance Video in Accident Reconstruction

Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers
2014, December

The Forensic Engineer in State and Federal Court

Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers
December, 2014

Experts in the Field

Our forensic engineers are experts in accident reconstruction, failure analysis and cause & origin. Our forensic engineers work directly with our in-house animation department to create state-of-the-art forensic animations for use in court, arbitration, mediation or settlement negotiations.

Richard M. Ziernicki, Ph.D., P.E., DFE

Principal Engineer

(303) 925-1900

Ricky L. Nguyen, M.S., P.E., DFE

Subject Matter Expert

(303) 925-1900

Brandon Stone

Accident Reconstructionist

(303) 925-1900

Seth J. Behrens, P.E., DFE

Engineering Manager

(303) 925-1900

Brent R. Graham

Accident Reconstruction Manager

(303) 925-1900

Jason P. Evans, M.B.A., B.S.

Project Engineer

(303) 925-1900

Henry “Hank” V. Mowry, P.E., DFE

Director of Engineering

(303) 925-1900

View Samples of our Work

Since 1982, Knott Laboratory has been providing comprehensive forensic engineering and computer animation services to reconstruct accidents.

What others have to say about our work


High Profile Cases

Knott Laboratory has become the leader in forensic engineering and computer animation by investigating high profile cases and conveying our analysis effectively during litigation.