How police officers conduct an Auto Accident Investigation

When an auto accident occurs on the road, police officers are usually seen first at the scene to conduct an investigation.

Police officers immediately conducts an inquiry on the accident, and secure important information such as parties involved, probable cause of the accident, witnesses available, and information on the site.

Police officers will try to determine who violated traffic laws and cites charges to involved motorists. Police authorities may require the involved or crashed vehicles to be impounded. Involved parties are required to exchange contact information for a potential insurance claim or lawsuit.

If one of the drivers violated a clear traffic violation such as driving under influence (DUI), the police can warrant an arrest.

In Los Angeles, police officers can investigate the following issues:

1.  Speed rate of driver/s involved
2. Blood Alcohol Content of driver/s
3. Road design and location of accident
4. Possibility of impaired driving

The investigator can further inquire on the following issues:

1. Point of impact
2. Skid marks
3. Gouge marks
4. Final resting position

These accident aspects can be measured or determined by using electronic surveying equipment. Investigators can use digital scale diagram to reconstruct the accident.

These equipments are used to measure vehicle damage. Forensic engineers can also help in reconstructing the accident. Tires, suspension, brake, steering, and lights can be inspected and analyzed to figure out the exact cause and secondary cause of accident.

If you are involved in an auto accident, and the police investigation report shows that you are liable in the crash, you will face legal consequences. One of these is an insurance claim from the plaintiff. You can ask your insurer to cover the medical expenses and losses of the injured party.

Should the injured party want to pursue the matter in court; you will face a Personal Injury lawsuit. You may hire a professional defense lawyer in Los Angeles to help you clarify the percentage of your fault in the accident.

Your defense lawyer may ask a re-investigation of the accident and hire experts to look at secondary causes of accident. If the investigation and analysis report shows that the plaintiff has contributed to the cause of accident, you may have a legal defense in the form of comparative or contributory negligence.

This will allow you to pay a percentage of your fault only. This will lessen the penalties you might face in court.

Your defense lawyer can also offer a negotiation to settle the matter amicably with the injured party. Your insurer can also help you with auto accident settlement.


The Mesriani Law Group has a wide range of legal resources as we work with the best lawyers and litigators in each state across the United States. We offer a unique attorney directory where you can find a lawyer's location and area of practices. For more information contact Mesriani Law Group at 310-826-6300 or visit the main office at 12400 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 810 Los Angeles CA 90025.