Accident Investigation: Getting the Facts

Because every car accident is unique, we have a detailed process we use to investigate an accident. The more our car accident attorneys can learn about your accident, the better we can represent you when it comes time to negotiate with an insurance company.

This process can start with you. Hopefully you'll never need to use this advice. But if you are in a crash, there are a couple of steps you can take that will be good for your case. First and foremost, though, take care of yourself. If you've been hurt, you need to get medical attention.

If you can, ask the police when they arrive for a copy of any documentation they make concerning the accident. Make sure you get the name and badge numbers of any police officers at the scene.

Take as many photos as possible - the cars involved, the road conditions, skid marks and other photos can be invaluable in reconstructing an accident. With virtually all cell phones having cameras in them, you'll always have a camera handy.

Try to talk to the drivers of any other vehicles involved in the crash and get their names, phone numbers, addresses, drivers' license numbers, license plate numbers and insurance information. If there are passengers in any of the vehicles, obtain their names, telephone numbers and addresses as well. If there are witnesses at the scene, ask them what they saw and obtain their contact information, if possible. It's important when talking to other persons in the accident to be cooperative and exchange contact and insurance information.

Once we begin investigating the case, we will order the full police report and any supplemental reports that may be issued. We also will order ambulance and emergency room medical records, if you were transported to the hospital. We will also have a private investigator contact witness.

Depending on the case, we may call on one of our accident reconstruction experts. These people (often specialized engineers) will examine the scene of the accident and the vehicles involved, and check on whether there is data available such as the timing of traffic signals. They also will analyze evidence, reports and witness accounts. From this information, our reconstruction expert will be able to give us a good idea of exactly what happened in your accident.