Traffic Accident Investigations. CSI. Really?
What happens on CSI doesn't resemble what occurs in the usual Coachella
Valley traffic accident investigation. As a
motorcycle accident
attorney representing injured riders throughout the desert, I have to
review traffic accident reports. I often find what appears to be a bias
against the motorcycle rider that becomes evident when I read the accident
reports. When I visit an accident scene and examine evidence that resulted
from the accident, I am on occasion able to locate physical evidence that
completely discredits the conclusion of the investigating officer. I am
not suggesting that most police officers don't spend the necessary
time to thoroughly investigate motorcycle accidents. But because of budget
cutbacks and a rising crime rate, the CSI approach isn't often followed.
In a recent La Quinta motorcycle/pickup
truck accident
that we were asked to investigate we learned that the police report favored
the truck driver based on alleged statements and physical evidence. Fortunately,
I was made aware that the physical evidence still remaining at the accident
scene cast doubt on the accuracy of the police report. I visited the scene
with an expert. We found markings on the roadway that disproved the story
told by the truck driver. I also discovered that several witnesses that
came to the scene after the accident took photographs of the vehicle positions
and conditions of the roadway. These photos help our client and will assist
the jury in their fact-finding mission. This case confirmed what I have
learned in more than 40 years practicing personal injury law. Don't
rely on traffic accident reports without getting all the evidence that
may still be available.
Posted By
Barry Regar APLC
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