Who Investigates Car Accidents and Determines Fault?

Car accidents happen every day, from minor fender-benders to catastrophic collisions. When they happen, an investigation is often necessary to determine the cause, assess liability, and ensure justice for those involved. 

But who exactly investigates car accidents? 

The answer depends on the circumstances of the crash, the severity of the incident, and whether criminal activity or negligence is suspected. Below, we’ll explore the key parties responsible for investigating car accidents depending on these factors.

The important thing to remember, however, is that regardless of who investigates your accident, Morgan & Morgan is here to help. If someone else caused your accident, we can fight for your rights and the compensation you need and deserve to move forward with your life. We have our own team of investigators who will hear your side and help recover evidence, witness testimonies, and more to help ensure that you get what you’re owed.

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.

Who Investigates Car Accidents? Law Enforcement Agencies

Police Officers at the Scene

One of the first responders to a car accident is often the local police or state highway patrol. If the accident results in injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage, officers will arrive at the scene to conduct an initial investigation. Their responsibilities include:

• Securing the accident scene to prevent further incidents.
• Assessing injuries and calling for emergency medical assistance if needed.
• Interviewing drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
• Examining vehicle damage and road conditions.
• Issuing citations for traffic violations if applicable.
• Conducting field sobriety tests if intoxication is suspected.

Accident Reports

After completing their on-site investigation, officers will file an official accident report. This report includes crucial details such as:

• The time, date, and location of the accident.
• Statements from involved parties and witnesses.
• The officer’s observations regarding the cause of the accident.
• Any citations or arrests made.

This report plays a key role in insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Who Investigates Car Accidents? Insurance Companies

Claims Adjusters

After an accident, insurance companies conduct their own investigations to determine liability and assess damages. Insurance adjusters typically:

• Review police reports and witness statements.
• Inspect vehicle damage and repair estimates.
• Analyze medical records related to injuries.
• Assess whether policy coverage applies to the accident.
• Interview policyholders and any other involved parties.

Insurance investigations are primarily focused on determining how much compensation, if any, will be paid to the claimant.

Independent Investigators

In complex cases, insurance companies may hire independent accident investigators to provide expert opinions. These professionals use scientific methods and forensic analysis to reconstruct accidents and determine liability.

Who Investigates Car Accidents? Accident Reconstruction Specialists

What They Do

Accident reconstruction specialists are experts who analyze the mechanics of a crash. They use tools such as:

• Skid mark analysis: Helps determine vehicle speeds and braking distances.
• Vehicle damage analysis: Assesses impact points and the force of collision.
• Computer simulations: Creates digital reconstructions of accidents.
• Surveillance footage and dashcam reviews: Provides real-time evidence of events leading to the crash.

Who Hires Them?

These specialists may be hired by law enforcement agencies, attorneys, or insurance companies when liability is disputed or when a case goes to trial.

Who Investigates Car Accidents? Government Agencies

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

While the NTSB primarily investigates aviation and large-scale transportation accidents, it may get involved in high-profile or complex car accidents, especially those involving autonomous vehicles, multiple fatalities, or commercial transportation.

State and Local Departments of Transportation

Government agencies often analyze accident data to identify dangerous road conditions. If a roadway design flaw or lack of signage contributed to an accident, they may conduct further investigations.

Who Investigates Car Accidents? Private Investigators

When Are Private Investigators Hired?

Private investigators are sometimes retained by attorneys or insurance companies to gather additional evidence in disputed cases. Their role may include:

• Surveillance of involved parties.
• Examining prior accident history.
• Investigating potential fraud claims.
• Uncovering hidden evidence such as undisclosed injuries or witness statements.

Who Investigates Car Accidents? Morgan & Morgan

How We Investigate Car Accidents

Morgan & Morgan conducts our own investigations to build strong cases for our clients. This may involve:

• Reviewing police reports and insurance claims.
• Gathering medical records and expert opinions.
• Deposing witnesses and securing sworn statements.
• Working with accident reconstruction specialists.
• Identifying negligence or misconduct by other drivers, companies, or government entities.

The Role of Discovery in Legal Cases

If a car accident case goes to court, our attorneys use the legal discovery process to obtain evidence from the opposing party. This can include:

• Interrogatories: Written questions requiring sworn responses.
• Depositions: Formal interviews conducted under oath.
• Requests for production: Obtaining documents, photos, and videos related to the crash.

How We Can Help

Our winning reputation is known across the country, and when you work with us, you send a message that you mean business. As the largest personal injury law firm in the country with over $23 billion recovered, we have the size, experience, and resources to take on a case of any size, handling our own investigations to ensure that your side of the story gets told.

Car accident investigations are carried out by multiple entities, each with a unique role in determining fault and liability. The good news is that you don’t have to face this alone.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, contact us today for a free case evaluation to learn how we may be able to help.