Guide to Accident Investigation Services

Hire an accident investigation provider to help you sort out fraudulent insurance claims
By Niki Hampton

An accident investigation firm specializes in the cause, effects, injuries, damage and laws surrounding an auto accident. They are often former members of the local law enforcement agency. An accident investigation can save you time, money and wasted resources when a fraudulent claim is filed.

Create and add a solid accident investigation list at your fingertips for claims that need extra attention. Gather accident investigation information pertinent to the claim before calling for the fastest service. To find accident investigation agencies, you should:

1. Find accident investigation services agency for help with your minor claims.

2. Contact accident investigation agencies that handle more in-depth investigations.

3. Consider accident investigations firms that offer accident analysis reports and diagrams for inclusion in the claim or court records.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find an accident investigation firm that handles minor accidents Not all claims will require a thorough accident investigation, they may only need a damage and injury assessment and statements. While these are still important pieces of the claim file, you do not need to pay a larger firm to complete them.

I recommend: Caliber Consulting, located in Michigan, specializes in accident reconstruction and alcohol breath testing. Delta V Forensic Engineering specializes in heavy equipment and commercial accidents, but offer services in all other areas, including passenger vehicles, as well. Use their rapid response service to get vital information before it is removed from the scene.

Consider a more in-depth accident investigation for more complex claims Accident investigation firms with more experience may offer a more in-depth investigation and analysis of the claim and situation. They could provide an accident analysis showing how the accident occurred and who was responsible, regardless of the testimonies of those involved.

I recommend: MV Engineering concentrates on the mechanical aspects of an auto accident and has experience and training in assessing accidents in which fires occurred. They offer accident reconstruction, low speed impact analysis, evaluation of potential highway defects, fire cause and origin determinations and vehicle mechanical defects. ARC Forensic is a biomechanical accident investigation firm offering too many services to list, but cover chemicals, environmental, biological and other causes of auto accidents.

Use a specialty accident investigation firm for official investigations For specialty needs or the most inclusive accident investigations, find a firm who provides all the services available. In addition to those above, an expert accident investigation agency can also provide expert testimony on paper and in court, can submit legal documents based on their analysis and run scenarios to find the responsible party.

I recommend: Kevin & Kennedy Associates specialize in rapid response investigations and offer expert testimony and reports to back up their investigative finds for a more solid claim file. Systems Engineering and Laboratory (SEAL) offers services for safety, mechanical, fire, arson, product testing, accident, ATV/UTV and other investigations. They also provide expert testimony based on their findings, if needed. All of their investigator's resumes are posted on the site for you to view before requesting services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

All fees and expenses paid to an accident investigation professional or firm may be tax deductible. Pass all receipts and service orders on to your tax professional.