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Written by TK Injury Lawyers, reviewed by Trent Kelly on April 12, 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, a total of 42,939 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2021. When someone dies in a crash and someone else was to blame, the victim’s family members have the right to seek compensation for wrongful death. They must prove the cause of the accident and the other driver’s negligence, however, which requires investigation of the fatal accident.
Anyone who suffers this type of tragic loss should immediately consult an experienced Austin car accident attorney for legal support and guidance for investigating fatal car accidents and proving a wrongful death claim.
A driver should report a car accident to the police if there is an injury or fatality, the vehicle cannot move, or if there is property damage worth more than $1,000. Once the police arrive at the scene, they will investigate the cause of the accident and write an accident report.
Here are the steps involved during investigations:
The police officer who responds to the scene sets the foundation for the successful investigation of a fatal car accident. First, the police officer will assess the scene, request medical attention for injured victims, and secure the area to preserve evidence.
The police officer must speak to those directly involved in the accident, including bystanders who witnessed it. An interview with the driver or an eyewitness will offer insights relating to the incident and create an objective view of the fatal accident.
Investigations are only considered complete with supporting documentation related to the scene.
A police officer will capture the following details to conclude the cause of the accident:
A police officer usually conducts an in-depth examination of the vehicles involved in the collision to understand contributing factors such as improper vehicle maintenance and the force of impact.
For instance, they may inspect service brakes or tires, whose failure often leads to fatal car accidents.
A police investigation also includes any criminal actions that led to the fatal car accident. The investigating officer scrutinizes criminal actions such as reckless driving, impaired driving, overspeeding, and violations of road safety regulations.
A police officer will finalize the investigation by completing a vehicle accident report. The document captures all aspects of the accident, including date, time, drivers involved, accident cause, fatalities, and injuries.
Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident is a scenario that causes emotional distress, loss of financial support and loss of companionship for the victim’s family members. If you find yourself in this situation, you deserve the representation of an experienced attorney who will aggressively protect your interests and seek justice.
TK Injury Lawyers is a team of legal professionals with decades of experience representing injured victims. Contact us online for a free consultation.
Trent Kelly obtained his law degree from the University of Arkansas in 2007. He is licensed to practice law in Texas and regularly assists clients with their legal matters. Trent’s practice is primarily focused on personal injury matters – particularly those involving motor vehicles (such as cars, commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, and motorcycles) and wrongful death – but he also handles various business litigation matters as well. Click here to take a look at some complex cases Trent has resolved. Years of experience: +15 years Location: Austin, TX
Trent Kelly
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Trent Kelly, who has more than 15 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury trial attorney.
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