What does accident scene documentation include?
Photographs, video and measurements that show the scene as it was, from the points of view that matter. Early work counts because a scene changes: marks and debris are cleared, temporary signs and construction move, vegetation is trimmed, and business video is often recorded over.
For a car accident investigation in Oklahoma City or anywhere in the state, Daniel documents:
- each driver's approach and sight lines;
- traffic controls, signs and lane markings;
- the lighting at the same time of day;
- the road surface and any obstructions;
- nearby cameras.
For a slip and fall investigation or another injury on a property:
- the floor or ground surface;
- the lighting and any warning signs;
- the weather, where it matters;
- the route the person took;
- the cameras, and who controls them.
Daniel asks the owners of nearby cameras early to keep their video and to share it voluntarily. If an owner will not, counsel can send a preservation request or a subpoena.
Daniel looks for witnesses in the collision report, in a canvass near the scene and at nearby businesses. Finding and interviewing witnesses has a page of its own.
Who asks for an accident investigation?
Attorneys handling an injury or accident claim, their case managers, and liability adjusters. The first conversation starts with a conflict check on every party and insurer.
The sooner the scene is documented, the more there is to document. Legal deadlines exist, and counsel tracks them.
What is lawful in Oklahoma, and how are collision reports obtained?
Oklahoma collision reports come from Service Oklahoma. A report that is not the requester's own is released only for the reasons its form lists, or with the driver's written consent.
One listed reason is a request by a licensed private investigative agency for a purpose permitted under 18 U.S.C. § 2721(b). The requester states the reason under penalty of perjury. Service Oklahoma says a collision report may take up to 30 days to appear in its system. Service Oklahoma form 303RM-C
Daniel uses a collision report only for the purpose stated in the request.
Federal law lets licensed investigative agencies use motor vehicle record information only for permitted purposes, such as litigation, and allows it to be passed on only for permitted uses. 18 U.S.C. § 2721(b), (c)
Willfully entering someone's yard, garden, pasture or field after being told not to, or without the owner's permission, is an offense in Oklahoma. The statute has no exception for investigators. 21 O.S. § 1835
Daniel photographs private property from public areas or with permission, and a vehicle only with the permission of its owner or custodian.
In Oklahoma, a person who is part of a conversation may record it, and so may someone who has the prior consent of one participant, unless the recording is made to commit a crime. 13 O.S. § 176.4(5)
An interview is recorded only with Daniel as a party to it.
Under Oklahoma's evidence code, a photograph or a measurement is authenticated by evidence that it is what its proponent claims, such as the testimony of a witness with knowledge. 12 O.S. § 2901
Daniel is available to testify about how each photograph and measurement was made.
Nothing on this site is legal advice. Ask your attorney how the law applies to your situation.
What will counsel or the adjuster receive?
- A written report of what was done and found, with dates, times and sources.
- A photo index: the location, direction, date and time of each image.
- The measurements taken at the scene.
- The original photo and video files, preserved.
- The collision report, where one was obtained.
- A witness list, with statements in the format counsel chooses.
- A video preservation log: who was asked, when, and the answer.
- Daniel, available to testify about the work performed.
The report records what was seen, measured and said. How it is used in a claim or in court is a question for counsel.
What should you have ready?
The first consultation is free. A written agreement and a retainer come before any work, as how it works explains. For the first conversation, have ready:
- the date, time and exact location;
- the collision report number, if known;
- photographs already taken;
- the names of known witnesses;
- every party and insurer, for the conflict check;
- the questions counsel wants answered.
What it costs depends mostly on travel to the scene and the number of visits, including a return at a matching time of day. Witness canvass hours, records fees and mileage add to it. Each is set out in the written agreement before work begins. The cost guide explains how a price is built.
When should you call 911 or the police first?
If someone is in danger right now, call 911. Fuller Investigations is not an emergency service.
If a collision has just happened or anyone is hurt, call 911 and let the police and medical responders work. Daniel documents a scene afterwards and does not respond to emergencies.
Daniel Fuller is a licensed private investigator, not a law enforcement officer. Where a collision report exists, law enforcement wrote it. Daniel's documentation adds to that record and does not replace it.