When vehicles are involved in a crash, the scene can hold important clues about what happened. This is especially important where there is serious damage, injury or disagreement about fault.
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 explain how the collision took place.
Reviewing the Collision Scene
The investigation often begins with a detailed scene review. Photographs are taken before the road is cleaned, reopened or altered, 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, DNA or other forensic evidence may be used to help confirm the occupants of the vehicles at the time of the collision.
Building a Collision Reconstruction
Using the evidence collected, the investigator can produce a collision reconstruction. This may involve specialist software to test whether the evidence supports the statements made about the incident.
If an account does not match the marks, damage or final vehicle positions, the reconstruction can help show where the inconsistency lies.
How the Findings Can Be Used
A forensic collision report can help with insurance claims by setting out the likely cause of the collision. It can also support legal proceedings where there is a disagreement about responsibility.
These investigations can also reveal issues outside the driver’s control, 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 turn scene evidence into a clear account of events. Their work can be useful for insurance matters, court cases and road safety reviews.
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