When two vehicles collide, the people involved cannot simply drive away, especially where there is serious damage or injury. A forensic collision investigator can review what happened and help establish the facts.
What Does a Forensic Collision Investigator Do?
A forensic collision investigator is someone trained to examine vehicle collisions. Using technical evidence and an understanding of vehicles, they can reconstruct the event.
They do this by collecting evidence from the scene, including scene images, accounts from witnesses, vehicle parts and damage to surrounding property.
What Happens During the Investigation
Investigators begin by assessing the scene. They take photographs from several angles, as the area will often need to be cleaned and made safe soon afterwards.
They may then take witness statements from drivers, passengers and anyone who saw the collision. Physical evidence is also collected, such as parts of the vehicles, road marks and damage to nearby objects.
Where needed, investigators may also use biological evidence to help confirm vehicle occupants at the time of the crash.
The evidence can then be used to create a technical reconstruction of the crash. This may be produced using computer software to check whether reported events are physically possible. For example, if someone gives an account that does not match the physical evidence at the scene, the reconstruction may help show that inconsistency.
Once the investigation is complete, the findings are set out in a report. This explains the likely sequence of events and the evidence behind it.
The Benefits of Collision Investigation
If you are involved in a collision, you may need evidence for your insurer. A forensic collision report can help show who was at fault and provide the key details needed to support a claim.
It may also be useful in court. If there has been damage to another vehicle, injury or damage to public property, a forensic collision investigator can prepare a report and give evidence before a judge or jury.
An investigation can also identify external causes, such as poor road markings, faulty street lighting or road defects. When these issues are found, they may need to be addressed to help improve road safety.
Key Takeaway
Forensic collision investigators help explain the facts behind a road traffic collision. Their work can support claims, court cases and safer roads.
To learn more about click here investigative services after accidents, visit the GBB UK website.