If our last post we shared some of the tricks of the trade Philadelphia personal injury attorneys use when investigating car accidents and truck accidents. Investigation is crucial in determining fault and responsibility when serious personal injury car accidents occur. Today, we continue our list of Philadelphia personal injury car accident investigation tips:
Was either driver talking or texting on his cell phone? Police can subpoena cell phone records to determine if calls were made or received during the accident time. Personal injury lawyers can gain access to these records when a legal action is implemented.
Were the car's headlights on? Because headlights make a car more visible in low light, this question is particularly important when car accidents occur during twilight or early dawn hours. Investigators examine the light bulb filament inside the headlamp. The filament would be cold if the headlights were off and would crack or snap into pieces on impact. If the headlights were on, the filament would be hot and would stretch and twist on impact.
Where in the roadway was each car? The location of each car in the roadway at the time of the accident helps Philadelphia personal injury attorneys determine whether either driver was changing lanes, preparing to turn, trying to avoid an obstruction in the parking lane or had, perhaps, ventured outside his lane or over the median. Measurements between the point of impact and lane barriers help investigators determine each vehicle's path prior to and during the accident.
Was either driver drunk or driving impaired? While field sobriety tests are not administered by police in every auto accident, they are usually conducted if the officer has reason to suspect alcohol or drug impairment. When sobriety tests are not conducted, personal injury lawyers may canvass accident witnesses or friends and associates of the drivers to determine whether either driver engaged in alcohol or drug use just prior to the accident.
