California Private Investigator Practice Exam

What is the best way for a private investigator to determine the speed of a party involved in a crash?

1. By estimating visually

2. By interviewing witnesses

3. By getting an expert opinion

4. By analyzing traffic camera footage

The correct answer is: By getting an expert opinion

The most effective method for determining the speed of a party involved in a crash is by obtaining an expert opinion. Experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, employ a combination of scientific principles, engineering formulas, and methodologies to accurately assess the speed at which vehicles were traveling at the time of the incident. This can include examining physical evidence from the crash scene, such as skid marks, debris patterns, and vehicle damage, alongside factors like road conditions, vehicle specifications, and even witness accounts. Their analysis will typically yield a more precise and credible determination of speed than alternative methods. While analyzing traffic camera footage can provide vital information, including visual records of the crash, it may not always offer sufficient detail to conclusively determine speed without expert interpretation. Similarly, although interviewing witnesses can yield valuable perspectives on the event, human perception is often unreliable when it comes to estimating speeds. Visual estimation also tends to be highly subjective and prone to error, making it less reliable than an expert's thorough investigation and methodology. Therefore, seeking an expert opinion stands out as the most effective and scientifically sound approach to establish the speed of a vehicle involved in a crash.