What Happens During Auto Accident Investigations?

Auto accident investigations play a critical role in determining what happened after a crash, who may be at fault, and how insurance claims should be resolved. With thousands of collisions occurring every day across the United States, these investigations help ensure claims are handled accurately, fairly, and efficiently.

According to data from the National Safety Council and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly 16,248 car accidents occur each day in the U.S., resulting in approximately 6,235 injuries and more than 100 fatalities daily. In 2023 alone, motor vehicle incidents led to 5.1 million medically consulted injuries and an estimated $513.8 billion in total costs, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and administrative costs. Given this scale, thorough claims investigations are essential.

Step 1: Initial Accident Reporting

Auto accident investigations begin when a claim is reported to an insurance carrier. This first step, often called the First Notice of Loss (FNOL), sets the foundation for the entire investigation.

At this stage, insurers typically collect basic details such as the date, time, and location of the accident, the parties involved, vehicle information, and a preliminary description of what occurred. Accurate and timely reporting is critical, as inconsistencies or missing information early on can complicate later claims investigations.

Step 2: Evidence Collection in Auto Accident Investigations

Once a claim is opened, investigators begin gathering evidence to understand the circumstances of the accident. This may include:

• Police and crash reports
• Photographs or videos of vehicle damage and the accident scene
• Witness statements
• Medical records related to reported injuries
• Repair estimates or vehicle inspections

Evidence collection is a core component of auto accident investigations, helping insurers verify damages, assess injuries, and establish a clear timeline of events.

Step 3: Determining Fault and Liability in Auto Accident Investigations

Determining fault is one of the most important outcomes of auto accident investigations. Investigators analyze physical evidence, statements from drivers and witnesses, traffic laws, and accident reports to assess liability.

In more complex cases, such as multi-vehicle collisions or disputed accounts, claims investigations may require additional review or expert analysis to determine how and why the accident occurred.

Step 4: The Role of Claims Investigations

Claims investigations focus on validating the accuracy and legitimacy of the claim. This includes identifying inconsistencies, verifying injury claims, and evaluating whether damages align with the reported accident.

Given that motor vehicle crashes generate billions of dollars in annual costs, effective claims investigations help reduce unnecessary expenses, prevent fraud, and ensure that legitimate claims are resolved appropriately.

Step 5: Resolution and Claim Outcomes

After the investigation is complete, the claim moves toward resolution. Outcomes may include claim approval, denial, settlement negotiation, or further review if additional investigation is needed. In some cases, claims may be referred for subrogation or escalated for specialized handling.

Thorough auto accident investigations help protect insurers, policyholders, and other stakeholders by supporting fair and well-documented claim decisions.

Final Thoughts

With over 16,000 auto accidents occurring each day and over $500 billion in annual economic impact, auto accident investigations are a vital part of the insurance process. By combining detailed evidence collection with professional claims investigations, insurers can better manage risk, control costs, and ensure accurate outcomes after a crash.

Missed details in auto accident investigations can mean higher costs and longer claim cycles. Talk to our team today.

Check out our sources:

National Safety Council. Crashes by Time of Day and Day of Week. Injury Facts, National Safety Council, https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/overview/crashes-by-time-of-day-and-day-of-week/.

National Safety Council. Introduction. Injury Facts, National Safety Council, https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/overview/introduction/.