car accident lawyers often use many tools and techniques to recover damages for their clients, including hiring car accident investigators. The role of a car accident investigator is to delve into the accident and identify its causes and contributing factors. The investigator’s findings may help your lawyer identify the at-fault party, document your recoverable damages, and collect evidence for your car accident case file.
Personal injury law firms that represent car accident victims often offer free injury claim consultations. This allows you to learn about the legal merits of your claim. You can also learn more about the role of a car accident investigator, how they can benefit your case, and how they can help you get compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
The Essential Role of Car Accident Investigators in Identifying Negligence
One of the primary roles of an accident investigator is determining whose negligence caused the collision. That means proving the following legal elements of negligence:
- Duty of care—Proof that the at-fault party owed you a duty of care to follow the rules of the road and drive safely
- Breach of duty—Any action the responsible party took that breached their legal duty (speeding, reckless driving, failure to yield, etc.)
- Causation—Evidence that the accident would not have occurred without the liable party’s actions
- Damages—Proof of the accident’s financial and non-financial consequences, including economic, non-economic, and wrongful death damages (if applicable)
Investigating car crash liability and proving negligence are key components of a car accident claim. The investigator will collect evidence that establishes negligence and allows your lawyer to build a strong case file.
How an Investigator Builds a Comprehensive Car Accident Evidence Collection
A strong case file will tell the story of the accident and the sequence of events that led to the collision. The evidence an investigator may collect for your case file can include:
- Medical records and bills that describe the cause of your injuries and their known and anticipated costs
- Photos and video footage that capture the accident, its aftermath, the condition of both cars, and the severity of your injuries
- Comprehensive reports from police officers, medical professionals, etc. that contain notes, diagrams, and witness statements
- Testimonials from eyewitnesses and others who may support your compensation request, such as medical, financial, and accident reconstruction experts
- Employment and salary history records that prove the value of your lost wages and earning capacity
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
A car accident investigator may play a vital role in your claim or lawsuit. They will focus on building the strongest possible case for you so you can focus on getting better.
What You Need to Know About the Car Accident Investigation Process
When you choose a personal injury lawyer to represent you, they listen to your version of events with compassion and kindness. The investigator they choose will review the circumstances that caused the crash and collect various types of evidence. Their investigation process may include the following:
- Analyzing the accident scene (including tire marks, road conditions, and more) and vehicle damage
- Inspections of both involved vehicles to uncover any manufacturing flaws that may have contributed to the crash
- Identifying and interviewing eyewitnesses who can provide testimony from multiple points of view
- Preparing a report for you or your attorney to understand the crash and its consequences
Your investigator’s report can carry a lot of weight. Be aware, though, that the at-fault driver’s insurance company might also hire an investigator to try to prove their client was not at fault for the accident.
Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Attorney Even if You Have an Investigator
The role of an accident investigator is vital. In most cases, a car accident attorney will hire an investigator for you. They may also consult additional experts, such as law enforcement officials, healthcare providers, and economists.
In addition to hiring an investigator, your car accident lawyer will do all of the following to support your personal injury claim:
- Handle verbal, written, and electronic communication
- Protect you from a speedy (but too small) settlement
- Obtain, complete, and submit insurance claim forms
- Clarify legal and insurance jargon
- Reply promptly to your legal questions and concerns
- Provide ongoing updates on your case’s progress
Your motor vehicle accident attorney will also handle the negotiation process. While the final decision to accept or reject an offer is yours, your lawyer will fight for the best possible financial recovery on your behalf.
Pay Nothing Upfront to Get a Car Accident Lawyer and Investigator on Your Side
When you are involved in an accident, you do not have to go without legal support because of concerns about the cost of hiring a lawyer. According to the Legal Information Institute, most personal injury lawyers will represent you on a contingency fee basis. They will cover the costs of:
- Preparing your claim and lawsuit
- Expert consultations
- Hiring a car accident investigator
You will compensate the personal injury law firm only when they recover damages for you. If you do not receive compensation, you will not owe any legal fees.
Learn More About How Car Accident Investigators Can Impact Your Case
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we will use every tool at our disposal to get the compensation you need and deserve. Find out how a car accident investigator can impact your claim and how hard we will work to recover damages for you and your family.
Do not delay, as Florida Statutes § 95.11 places a strict deadline on your personal injury lawsuit. Call 954) 633-8270 for your free claim evaluation now.
