What are examples of physical evidence at a crash scene?

Physical evidence at a crash scene refers to tangible objects or materials that can be directly observed, photographed, or collected for analysis. This evidence is crucial for reconstructing the events leading up to and following a collision. Tire marks, road marks, the visible damage to vehicles, and the area of impact all provide critical information about the dynamics of the crash.

For instance, tire marks can indicate how a vehicle was maneuvering just before the collision, while the area of impact can show point-of-contact details and help determine factors like speed and direction. Vehicle damage offers insights into the severity and nature of the crash, assisting investigators in understanding what occurred. Collectively, this physical evidence can substantiate claims, support reconstructions, and help establish liability in the aftermath of an accident.

In contrast, traffic lights and street signage are helpful for contextual clues but do not constitute physical evidence of the crash itself. Testimonies from drivers and pedestrians provide subjective accounts that can complement the evidence but do not replace the need for tangible proof. Vehicle maintenance records are important for understanding the condition of the vehicles involved but are not relevant to the physical evidence present at the scene of the accident.