Who is generally responsible for investigating traffic collisions?

The police are generally responsible for investigating traffic collisions because they are trained to assess the scene, gather evidence, and document the incident. Their role includes interviewing witnesses, collecting statements from those involved, and determining the circumstances surrounding the crash, including factors such as traffic violations or unsafe driving conditions. This thorough investigation is crucial for establishing facts that may be necessary for legal purposes, including fault determination and potential criminal charges.

While other individuals, such as civilian investigators, tow truck operators, and insurance adjusters, play important roles in the aftermath of a collision (with tow truck operators focusing on vehicle recovery and insurance adjusters handling claims), they do not typically have the authority or training to conduct official investigations like the police.