After a road traffic collision, the incident cannot be treated as if nothing happened, 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 a specialist who investigates road traffic accidents. Using forensic methods and vehicle knowledge, they can piece together how the collision happened.
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 cleared and reopened soon afterwards.
They may then take witness statements from people involved in the incident or those who observed it. Physical evidence is also collected, such as vehicle fragments, tyre marks, damaged barriers and impact points.
Where needed, investigators may also collect DNA evidence to help confirm who was inside a vehicle at the time of the crash.
The evidence can then be used to create a forensic collision reconstruction. This may be produced using computer software to test witness accounts. For example, if someone gives an account that does not match the tyre marks, vehicle damage or final resting positions, the reconstruction may help show that inconsistency.
Once the investigation is complete, a written report is prepared. 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 an insurance claim. 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 provide evidence and explain their findings before a judge or jury.
An investigation can also identify factors outside the driver’s control, such as unclear signs, defective lights or unsafe road conditions. 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 investigative services click here after here accidents, foresnic collision investigators visit the GBB UK website.