Auto Accident Investigations 101
When a person is involved in an auto accident, it is important to understand how the accident occurred in order to achieve a successful result. It is important to demonstrate that the other motorist was at fault for the accident, which will require conducting a complete investigation of the accident.
How is an Auto Accident Investigated?
When a car accident occurs, authorities will usually conduct a preliminary investigation at the crash site. The responding police officer will initially investigate the scene, vehicle, drivers and witnesses. Photographs and measurements may be taken. Party and witness statements will be taken. The responding office and/or reporting officer will prepare a collision report detailing the findings of the accident. In some auto accidents, the officer will determine liability based on his or her professional opinion. In some cases, however, liability is not so clear and it will take much more investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
Unfortunately, many people involved in an auto accident will fail to remember exactly how the accident transpired even minutes immediately after the accident. This will only further complicate a case as the at-fault driver could deny liability for causing the accident. Further, most accident claims will involve insurance companies. These companies have a team of independent investigators whose main purpose is to avoid liability for the accident and the financial responsibility resulting from the victim’s injuries. Since these companies will do everything in their power to attempt to settle the claim for as little as possible, obtaining the support of an experienced attorney is encouraged.
Investigations and Inspections
The purpose of investigating the scene of an auto accident is to gather as much information as possible that can help determine the cause of the accident. This includes the location of the collision, the location of the point of impact, travel path of the vehicles before and after the accident, what time the accident took place, whether authorities were called to the scene, visibility and weather conditions, and the severity of the collision. The parties will be investigated as well, including where they were looking, what they were wearing, whether they were texting or talking on their cell phone, or talking to someone else in the vehicle, where they began their route, etc.
Moreover, the accident site should be inspected by a forensic expert. Information and data from the vehicle and scene inspections can form the basis for a useful technical accident reconstruction analysis. This includes measurement and calculations as to time, speed, placement, impact speed, human factors assessments, biomechanics, restraint system performance, product defect investigation, and vehicle malfunction determination. Other data will be obtained such as number of traffic lanes and lane widths, lane orientations, compass headings, gradient, slope, super elevation, surface materials, traffic control devices, significant landmarks, sightlines, sight obstructions, ambient and artificial lighting sources.
Information from the accident scene may be time-sensitive evidence such as: tire marks, gouge marks, debris, paint or other markings from law enforcement investigations, fluid stains, blood spots, disturbed soil or vegetation, and roadway conditions. Over time, some of this evidence will fade or disappear completely. Therefore, it is important to investigate these matters as early as possible from the date of the accident.
Other data from the vehicle may include identification number (VIN), year, make, model, optional equipment, damage, crush profile, tire condition, occupant witness marks on the vehicle interior, biomechanical evidence, blood or tissue deposits, paint transfers, seat position, physical evidence pertaining to restraint systems, airbag deployment or non-deployment, crash data retrieval (CDR) / event data recorder (EDR) data, lights on/off status, pre-collision conditions, evidence of rollover, cargo, design defects, mechanical defects, electrical defects and other vehicle conditions.
Obtain the Support of an Experienced Auto Accident Law Firm
When involved in an auto accident, obtaining proficient legal representation is crucial. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to assist in determining the cause of the accident and who can be held responsible for causing the accident. If you or someone you love was recently hurt in an auto accident, obtain the support of a skilled attorney right away.
For many years, the dedicated attorneys at the Knez Law Group, LLP have championed on behalf of those injured as a result of someone else’s negligent actions. Through a thorough accident investigation, the firm can help identify all potentially responsible parties. Consider contacting Knez Law Group, LLP to schedule a free consultation at (951) 742-7681.
Andrew J. Knez earned his Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton. During his college years, he was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and interned at the College Legal Clinic, where he assisted underprivileged communities in obtaining affordable legal services. Mr. Knez credits this experience with fostering his appreciation for the law and its positive impact on society. Additionally, during college, Mr. Knez worked as a paralegal, gaining hands-on experience in civil litigation. Learn more here.