What type of evidence should be collected during a crash investigation?

In a crash investigation, it is essential to collect a wide range of evidence to build a comprehensive understanding of what transpired during the incident. Collecting physical, documentation, and forensic evidence allows investigators to form an accurate, objective account of the crash and its contributing factors.

Physical evidence includes tangible items from the scene, such as vehicle parts, debris, skid marks, and the measurements of the crash site. This type of evidence can help determine the dynamics of the crash, including the speed and direction of the vehicles involved.

Documentation evidence encompasses police reports, accident reports, and any documentation related to insurance claims. These documents provide crucial context and official accounts of the situation, which assist in piecing together a timeline and the legal aspects surrounding the incident.

Forensic evidence may involve analysis of vehicle data recorders (black boxes), blood samples in the event of suspected impairment, or even analysis of electronic evidence such as cell phone records. This type of evidence can provide insights that are not readily apparent from observations alone, especially in understanding driver behavior and causes of the crash.

In contrast, relying solely on eyewitness statements, conducting only visual inspections, or reviewing traffic laws in isolation does not provide a complete or reliable picture of the circumstances surrounding the crash. Each of those