Motor vehicle accidents in which someone is injured are investigated either by local police or by a regional Crash Investigation Unit, depending on the seriousness of the accident and the resultant injuries. Crash Investigation Units usually investigate accidents where there has been a death or where the accident has been the result of criminal action.

   The investigating police officer will give those involved in the accident a card that will detail how to contact him/her.

   All parties to the accident and any witnesses will be interviewed and statements taken. The cars involved may be taken away by the police for detailed mechanical examination, particularly if the cause of the accident is unclear or major traumas or deaths are involved.

   When their investigations are completed the police will issue a formal report. The insurer and your solicitor will be interested in the results of police investigation. They may initiate a separate investigation into the accident, perhaps using the services of an engineer who specialises in investigating accidents. Sometimes the police lay criminal charges as a result of their investigations and court hearings ensue.

Back to top