A traffic accident investigation is essential after a car accident in Las Vegas. Several parties will investigate the collision when someone is injured or killed, particularly the police and the auto insurance company(s) for the drivers involved. If you’ve been hurt, you need someone on your side conducting an independent crash investigation ― an experienced car accident lawyer.
Investigations are often complex and time-consuming, requiring skilled professionals who know what evidence to look for and how to secure it. Here, THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys explain what to expect during a car accident investigation.
What Happens in a Traffic Accident Investigation?
A traffic investigation is intended to recover all possible evidence and witness testimony after a crash. This information is later pieced together to determine how the accident occurred and identify the party(s) at fault for the collision.
Several things happen in an investigation:
- Physical and photographic evidence will be taken and preserved.
- Drivers and witnesses will be interviewed.
- The vehicles involved will be thoroughly examined and towed, if necessary.
Once all of the evidence is collected and analyzed, investigators will then determine fault or liability for the accident.
How Long Do Accident Investigations Take?
Three separate groups may perform motor vehicle accident investigations:
- Law enforcement
- Insurance companies
- Private investigators or experts, typically hired by the people involved in the crash or their legal counsel
Most law enforcement accident investigations are completed at the crash scene, with the investigating officer filing a report that day or soon after. However, if an accident involves serious injury, fatality, or other indications that a crime may have been committed, law enforcement may take days or even weeks to complete an investigation.
Insurance companies and private investigators also typically take several weeks to conduct their own investigations, as these parties have other interests in determining liability for the accident. Identifying who is liable is crucial before any compensation can be awarded.
How Is the Accident Scene Examined?
Police and other accident investigators go through several important steps when examining a car accident scene, including:
- Visual observation: Investigators will look over the entire scene to see what details should be examined more closely, such as skid marks, traffic controls, road lines, or obstructions that could have impacted each driver before the crash.
- Drivers and witnesses: Police and investigators will talk to each driver involved in the accident along with any passengers. If any bystanders who saw the accident remain on the scene, investigators will also speak to them.
- Evidence: A thorough investigation will always involve taking photographs or video of details of the crash scene, such as vehicle damage, positions of the cars after the collision, the road surface, traffic conditions, and weather and lighting conditions.
- Vehicle damage: After the cars involved in the accident are removed from the scene, they should be examined by mechanics or other engineering experts to document the damage and any underlying problems that may indicate what caused the crash. For example, a truck accident investigation may show failed brakes caused the accident due to a lack of maintenance.
Vehicle Accident Report
If police investigate a traffic accident, they will fill out a vehicle accident report. This report will include:
- The identities of the drivers involved in the accident, along with insurance information
- Summaries of driver and eyewitness testimony
- Descriptions of noted vehicle and property damage and personal injuries
- A diagram of the accident scene, or photos or videos taken by the officer
- Whether any drivers were ticketed or arrested for the crash
In some cases, the officer may offer their personal opinion of which driver caused the accident.
Determining Liability
The results of a traffic accident investigation will help insurance companies, or possibly the courts, to determine liability for the crash. While the police accident report’s determination of fault is not admissible in court, it may persuade insurance companies during their investigation.
Similarly, investigations performed by insurance company investigators or accident reconstruction experts can help determine liability, as their reports and opinion will be based on engineering or other scientific principles.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help You
If you have been hurt in a car wreck, a Las Vegas car accident lawyer from THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys can:
- Conduct an independent investigation of the crash
- Help you get the medical treatment you need
- Work with your healthcare providers to document your injuries
- Collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case showing how the crash happened and who caused it
- File your claims for compensation with the insurance company
- Work on negotiating a full and fair settlement for your losses
- Take your case to trial, if necessary, to pursue maximum compensation for you
Ready to learn more? Contact THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
