When a crash occurs, there are many pieces of evidence left behind indicating how the crash occurred and who was at fault. When police respond to a crash, they often begin drafting an unbiased report of what happened.
Tire marks in the road (or lack thereof) are often documented in police reports. Moreover, they often serve as key pieces of evidence for crash reconstruction experts. Tire marks can often indict the speed and impact, as well as the direction, at which a crash occurred.
What do tire marks in the road indicate?
The length of tire marks, or the lack of them, can provide clues as to how a crash occurred. For example:
- Longer tire marks can indicate that a crash was caused by speeding. The at-fault driver may have made an attempt to stop, but ended up skidding with wheels locked.
- Shorter tire marks can indicate that the at-fault driver made an attempt to stop, but had little time and distance. This is common with distracted drivers or drivers attempting to blow through red lights.
- No tire marks can indicate that the at-fault driver made no attempt to stop. This is often seen in crashes caused by drowsy driving, impaired driving, and distracted driving, when there is significant damage.
- Tire marks that appear from a stopping point (a red light or stop sign) can indicate that a driver accelerated too quickly. This often leads to spin outs and fishtailing, especially on wet or slippery roads.
- Tire marks that appear in waves or curves can indicate that a driver lost control and began to spin out at the time of a crash. This can also indicate that a driver was broadsided at an intersection.
How can this evidence benefit my car accident claim?
If you were involved in a crash, you will need someone to investigate the crash scene in order to gather supporting evidence for your car accident claim. This evidence will likely already be documented in the police report, which you can obtain online at the Kansas Highway Patrol’s website. You can also obtain visual evidence at the crash scene by taking pictures and videos from various angles.
When you begin pursuing a claim, it’s best to speak to an experienced Kansas car accident attorney. That’s because it’s often your word against the at-fault driver’s. The insurance companies will also look for any leverage they can to avoid compensating you. Your attorney may hire a crash reconstruction expert to further examine the crash scene and provide strong evidence to support your claim.
To learn more about the legal options available to you, contact Bretz & Young Injury Lawyers. We serve clients across the state of Kansas and offer free and confidential legal consultations.
