What is a critical question that a collision investigator might ask during their investigation?

A collision investigator focuses on gathering evidence and understanding the factors that contributed to the incident. Among the options provided, determining "who was at fault" is a critical question, as it helps to establish liability and responsibility. Understanding fault is essential for legal purposes and for reconstructing the events leading up to the collision. The investigator analyzes evidence, witness statements, and the positions of vehicles involved to draw conclusions about fault, which can influence insurance claims, legal outcomes, and future prevention strategies.

While questions about the vehicle type, weather conditions, and the timing of the collision are certainly important aspects of the investigation, they primarily serve as contextual factors that aid the understanding of the collision dynamics rather than directly addressing liability and responsibility. Therefore, identifying who was at fault is the most crucial question in evaluating the overall incident and informing next steps.