How Long Does it Take the Police to Investigate a Car Accident?

When police investigate a car accident, the length of the investigation can vary based on several factors. In this article, we’ll explore these factors and discuss how a seasoned car accident lawyer with Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP can further bolster your case and get you the compensation you deserve.

Factors Affecting How Long it Takes for Police to Investigate a Car Accident

The time it takes for the police to investigate a car accident depends mainly on the case’s complexity. If an accident is minor, and it’s obvious how it happened, the investigation might only take a few days. However, for more severe accidents involving serious injuries or fatalities, the investigation can take weeks or even months. Factors determining an investigation’s length include the following:

• The accident’s severity: Police officers must thoroughly investigate accidents involving significant injuries or fatalities. They must collect detailed evidence from the scene, interview witnesses, and possibly reconstruct the accident. Fatal accidents, in particular, require meticulous documentation and may involve collaboration with other agencies, such as forensic teams.

• The availability of evidence: If there are clear, easily accessible pieces of evidence, such as surveillance footage or numerous eyewitness accounts, the investigation can proceed more quickly. However, a lack of evidence or conflicting witness statements can prolong the process.

• The number of vehicles and victims: Multi-vehicle accidents complicate the investigation. Police must account for each vehicle’s driver and passengers and take their statements. Determining the sequence of events in multi-car pile-ups can also be complex and time-consuming.

After gathering all necessary information, the police will compile a report detailing their findings. This report is critical for insurance claims and potential legal actions.

A Car Accident Lawyer Will Work to Uncover Additional Facts to Support Your Case

While police investigations are crucial, they might not cover all aspects necessary for a personal injury claim. This is where a car accident attorney becomes invaluable.

Conducting an Independent Investigation and Witness Interviews

A car accident lawyer conducts their own investigation to uncover all details. They gather additional evidence, such as traffic camera footage, data from vehicle black boxes, and expert witness testimony. This thorough investigation helps build a strong case for the victim.

Lawyers will also re-interview witnesses to gather more detailed statements. Witnesses might provide additional information police didn’t initially capture, offering a more comprehensive view of the accident.

Expert Witnesses

Attorneys often collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and other professionals who can provide insights into the cause of the accident and the extent of the injuries. These experts can testify on behalf of the victim, strengthening their claim.

Contact An Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP Lawyer

It’s difficult to determine how long a police investigation of a car accident will take. However, even a thorough investigation might not be enough to ensure you receive fair compensation.
A car accident attorney can conduct a comprehensive investigation and gather additional evidence, helping you receive the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life. Contact us online or call 832-402-6637 for a free case review.

Scott Armstrong

Scott Armstrong obtains remarkable results for his clients. He has successfully tried numerous cases to favorable verdicts and reached significant settlements on his clients’ behalf, recovering millions for them. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.

Scott is known for his aggressive approach to every case. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, an accolade awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys under forty and practicing for less than ten years. Houstonia Magazine, H-Texas Magazine, and others have recognized Scott as a “top lawyer” in Houston.

Get in touch with Scott Armstrong now.