Pennsylvania accident investigation

Depending on the facts of your accident case, an investigation may be necessary. Our investigators review the extent of any injury along with any hospitalizations or stays at a rehabilitation center; the accident location; the vehicle location; possible witness accounts; and, if relevant, what police department responded to the accident.

Step One: Extent of Injury. An investigator will set an appointment with our client to gather specifics of the case and to receive any needed authorizations. Photographs may be taken in order capture the severity of the injuries. These photos may be essential to preserve the evidence for the case.

Step Two: The Accident Scene. Through photos and videotape, our investigators are able place the attorney at the accident site. Accident scenes are photographed, measured, and the scene is drawn for the attorney assigned to the case. In some cases, an expert could be needed. The law firm of Edgar Snyder & Associates has the resources to provide various experts in different fields for whatever need arises.

Step Three: Vehicle Location. The condition of the vehicles after an accident is crucial to our client's case. Although the defendant's insurance company may take photos, our attorneys also need photos. If our client signs the vehicle over to the insurance company, it is often difficult to locate and photograph the vehicle. Vehicles that are considered to be "totaled" by the insurance company are often cut up and sold at auction within weeks of the accident. Once this happens, the only remaining physical evidence is the photos. This is one reason why it is so important to contact an attorney quickly after an accident.

Step Four: Contacting Witnesses. When the attorney assigned to the case decides that a witness may support the client's case, our investigators are instructed to obtain a witness statement. Our investigators are trained to get the necessary information.

Step Five: Contacting the Police Department. If the police were called to the accident scene, we need to know which department responded so that we can order a copy of the police report and/or any supplemental reports issued by the police department. The report will provide additional details to the case.