How a Car Accident Lawyer Investigates a Crash
Hurt in a car accident? Then you’re probably struggling with intense pain compounded by the financial uncertainty that comes from big medical bills and lost time at work. If the accident was the result of another party’s negligence, you deserve to receive compensation for these and other losses. But to be successful, you’ll need to gather evidence that can prove who was liable. An experienced Riverside vehicle accident injury lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation on your behalf, recovering evidence you might not even know to look for as they build a stronger claim than you could alone.
What Does an Investigation Involve?
Conducting an accident investigation requires knowledge, skill, and resources. After consulting with you about the crash, your attorney will take the following steps to gather the evidence your claim needs.
Assessing the Accident Scene
Your attorney will start by visiting the scene to see the remaining traces of the crash first-hand. They’ll look for the location of any traffic or security cameras that might have captured the wreck, observe skidmarks that suggest when brakes were applied, and note any road conditions that could have contributed to the wreck, like potholes or missing signs.
Reading the Police Report
Police officers who respond to collisions are required to file reports documenting the following information:
- Date of the accident
- Time of the accident
- Location of the accident
- Names of drivers and occupants
- Names of witnesses
- A diagram of the accident
- An initial assessment of who was at fault for the crash
- Any citations issued
Your lawyer will review the report with you to determine whether it contains any mistakes. If so, they can promptly request to have the record corrected.
Interviewing Witnesses
If anyone witnessed the accident, your attorney will interview them as soon as possible. Memories can fade quickly, and your lawyer will want to ensure that they get a disinterested third-party account that can support your side of the story.
Consulting with Experts
Your lawyer might find it helpful to enlist the services of experts who can help them better understand the implications of the evidence they’ve recovered. For example, a medical expert can provide insights into how your injuries occurred, and an accident reconstructionist can decode the evidence to determine how and why the other driver’s actions caused the crash.
Accessing Onboard Computer Systems
Most modern vehicles come equipped with onboard data-collecting computer systems. By analyzing this data, your lawyer can understand factors such as:
- How fast the vehicle was traveling
- Whether the driver was braking
- How long the motorist was behind the wheel
- Whether the occupants were wearing seatbelts
- Whether certain vehicle components were out of spec
A thorough assessment of this data can help your attorney and accident reconstructionists determine fault.
Contact an Experienced California Car Accident Attorney
Many accident victims wrongly believe they can handle their insurance claims alone. However, most people lack the resources to conduct thorough investigations that can yield the necessary evidence to support their claims. Enlisting the services of a qualified legal professional can give you the peace of mind that an experienced lawyer is building a solid case on your behalf. Not only will your case be stronger, but you’ll be able to spend your time and energy on your recovery.
The experienced Riverside personal injury lawyers at Wagner Zemming Christensen, LLP, have proudly helped injured Californians recover the compensation they deserve for more than forty years. Our legal team has over 100 years of combined experience, and we are passionate about providing each client with personalized attention and care. With us on your side, you can optimize your chances of receiving full and fair compensation for your injuries. Call us today or contact us online for a free case evaluation to learn more about how we can help you.