When vehicles are involved in a crash, the scene can hold key evidence about what happened. This is especially important where there is injury, major damage or a dispute over responsibility.
What a Forensic Collision Investigator Does
A forensic collision investigator examines road traffic collisions using physical evidence, technical knowledge and witness accounts. Their aim is to recreate the sequence of events.
Reviewing the Collision Scene
The investigation often begins with a careful inspection of the location. Photographs are taken before the road is cleared or repaired, giving investigators a record of the scene.
They may gather broken parts, road marks, impact points and damaged objects. Statements may also be taken from people involved in the crash and those who saw it happen.
Where appropriate, biological evidence may be used to help confirm the occupants of the vehicles at the time of the collision.
Reconstructing the Incident
Using the evidence collected, the investigator can produce a collision reconstruction. This may involve computer modelling to test whether the evidence supports the statements made about the incident.
If an account does not match the physical evidence, the reconstruction can help show where the inconsistency lies.
How the Findings Can Be Used
A forensic collision report can help with claims made through an insurer by setting out how the crash appears to have happened. It can also support court action where there is a disagreement about responsibility.
These investigations can also reveal road conditions or external factors, such as faulty street lights, unclear markings or road defects. Identifying these problems can help reduce the chance of further collisions.
Summary
Forensic collision investigators help explain how and why a road traffic collision happened. Their work can be useful for insurance matters, court cases and road safety reviews.
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