Crash-Scene Investigation and Documentation
Crash-scene investigation — also called collision scene or accident scene investigation — documents roadway conditions, physical evidence, traffic-control information and available visual evidence related to a collision. Thorough scene documentation can help preserve information for later analysis, reconstruction, claim evaluation or litigation.
Included Capabilities
- Scene photography
- Drone scene documentation
- Traffic-signal sequence and timing documentation
- Witness canvassing
- Onsite canvassing for available video
- CAD scene diagrams
- Video documentation
- 3D scene scanning when applicable
Areas of Expertise
Crash-scene investigation documents the physical evidence and conditions at the location of a collision. The scope depends on what evidence exists at the time of the investigation.
- Crash scene investigation and documentation
- Collision scene evidence preservation
- Roadway evidence measurement and mapping
- Physical evidence documentation
- Vehicle evidence and scene photography
- Drone and ground-level scene documentation
What a Crash-Scene Investigation Includes
A crash-scene investigation documents the physical evidence and conditions at the location of a collision. This may include photographing and measuring the roadway, recording skid marks, gouge marks and debris, documenting traffic-control devices and signal timing, canvassing for witnesses and available video, and producing CAD diagrams or 3D scans of the scene.
Why Early Scene Documentation Can Matter
Physical evidence at a crash scene can change or disappear quickly. Skid marks fade, debris is cleared, vehicles are moved and roadway conditions change. Documenting the scene as soon as possible after a collision helps preserve information that may be important for later analysis or litigation. Once evidence is lost, it often cannot be recovered.
Roadway, Visibility and Traffic-Control Evidence
Scene documentation may include roadway geometry, surface conditions, sight lines and visibility factors, and the status and timing of traffic-control devices such as signals, stop signs and lane markings. This information can help evaluate what drivers could see and how the roadway may have contributed to the collision.
Witness and Video Canvassing
Witness canvassing involves identifying and interviewing people who may have seen the collision or its aftermath. Video canvassing involves checking nearby businesses, residences and traffic cameras for recordings that may have captured the collision or relevant events. Witnesses and recordings are not always available.
Drone and Ground-Level Documentation
Drone documentation provides an aerial perspective of the scene, capturing the overall layout, roadway configuration and the relationship between evidence and the surrounding area. Ground-level photography and video capture detail that may not be visible from above. Together, these methods provide a more complete record of the scene.
CAD Diagrams and Scene Mapping
CAD (Computer-Aided Design) scene diagrams are scaled drawings that show the roadway, vehicles, evidence and other relevant features of the crash scene. They are created using measurements taken at the scene and can be used to illustrate the spatial relationships between evidence and vehicles for analysis, reports and trial exhibits.
How Scene Information May Support Later Reconstruction
Scene documentation provides the foundation for collision reconstruction. Measurements, physical evidence and visual records from the scene are used in speed analysis, time-and-distance analysis and other reconstruction methods. Without accurate scene documentation, reconstruction may be limited or impossible.
What Information Clients Should Provide When Requesting an Investigation
- The location of the collision (address or nearest intersection)
- The date and approximate time of the collision
- A description of the collision and vehicles involved
- Whether the scene is still accessible or has been altered
- Whether law enforcement responded and a report is available
- Any known witnesses or nearby cameras
Questions We Address
What does a crash scene investigation examine?
A crash scene investigation examines and documents the physical evidence and conditions at the location of a collision. This may include roadway conditions, skid marks, gouge marks, debris, vehicle positions, traffic-control devices, signal timing, sight lines and available video.
What physical evidence may be important at a collision scene?
Physical evidence may include skid marks, yaw marks, gouge marks, debris patterns, vehicle damage, roadway geometry, surface conditions and the status of traffic-control devices. The evidence available depends on the scene and how quickly it is documented.
Why is crash scene documentation important?
Physical evidence at a crash scene can change or disappear quickly. Skid marks fade, debris is cleared and vehicles are moved. Documenting the scene as soon as possible helps preserve information that may be important for later analysis or litigation. Once evidence is lost, it often cannot be recovered.
What roadway evidence may be relevant to collision reconstruction?
Roadway evidence may include geometry, surface conditions, sight lines, visibility factors and the status and timing of traffic-control devices such as signals, stop signs and lane markings. This information can help evaluate what drivers could see and how the roadway may have contributed to the collision.
How does crash scene investigation support collision reconstruction?
Scene documentation provides the foundation for collision reconstruction. Measurements, physical evidence and visual records from the scene are used in speed analysis, time-and-distance analysis and other reconstruction methods. Without accurate scene documentation, reconstruction may be limited or impossible.
Professional Credentials & Testimony
M&M Security Services has provided collision reconstruction, vehicle-data retrieval and expert-witness testimony in state and federal matters since 2000. Review the documented qualifications and testimony history that support this work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Focus Areas
Request a Scene Investigation
For crash-scene investigation and documentation, contact M&M Security Services directly by email or phone. Early documentation can help preserve evidence.