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How We Investigate Auto Accident Injury Cases: The Truth Is in the Details

Attorney Gary Christmas helping with a car accident claim

When you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident, it can feel like everything is stacked against you—your injuries, your bills, your anxiety, and a smooth-talking insurance company that acts like they’re on your side.

We’re here to tell you: they’re not.

At Christmas Injury Lawyers, we know that the only way to hold an insurance company accountable is to build a case so solid, so detailed, so undeniable—that they can’t talk their way out of it. That’s why our investigation process doesn’t cut corners. We dig deep—photos, witnesses, experts—to crush the insurer’s excuses and get you the medical care and financial recovery you deserve.

Why a Deep Investigation Matters

Lawyer filing a car insurance claim after reviewing a accident scene

Insurance companies are masters of delay, denial, and distraction. Their goal? Pay you as little as possible.

And they’ll twist the facts to make that happen unless we take control of the narrative immediately.

A strong legal investigation:

Proves who was truly at fault

Documents your injuries in full detail

Preserves evidence before it disappears

Strengthens your negotiating position—or your trial case

This isn’t just paperwork. It’s power.

Step-by-Step: How We Investigate Your Auto Accident Injury Case

Attorney reviewing insurance details after an accident investigation to determine fault

From the moment you contact us, our legal team kicks into high gear. Here’s how we build your case from the ground up:

We Secure the Scene—Fast

After a crash, the clock starts ticking—and fast. Critical evidence that could prove fault, support your injury claims, and strengthen your case can disappear in a matter of days or even hours. That’s why at Christmas Injury Lawyers, we jump into action immediately after we take on your case. Our team works tirelessly to lock down key evidence before it’s lost, altered, or overlooked by the insurance company.

Here’s what we focus on securing right away:

Photographs and Videos from the Crash Site

We collect all available visual evidence from the scene, including images captured by first responders, bystanders, or you. These photos and videos often reveal vital details—like vehicle positions, damage patterns, weather conditions, and road signage. They help create a visual timeline of the accident that supports your version of events.

Any and All Reported Injuries Sustained

Early documentation of your injuries is crucial. We make sure that all visible injuries, complaints of pain, or emergency medical responses are properly recorded and preserved. This step helps prevent the insurance company from later claiming your sustained injuries were minor—or unrelated to the crash.

Skid Marks, Debris Patterns, and Traffic Light Sequences

These seemingly small details can tell a big story. Skid marks indicate braking points and speeds. Debris patterns can help pinpoint the moment of impact. We also investigate traffic signal cycles to determine whether someone ran a red light or failed to yield. All of these elements play a role in proving liability.

Surveillance Footage from Nearby Businesses or Traffic Cameras

Time is critical here—many surveillance systems auto-delete footage after just a few days. We act fast to request and preserve any nearby camera recordings that may have captured the crash from multiple angles. This objective, third-party video evidence can be one of the strongest tools we have to show what really happened.

Dash Cam Footage, If Available

If you or anyone else involved had a dash cam running, we’ll track it down and secure the footage. Dash cams often provide real-time documentation of the collision, including road conditions, driver behavior, and impact moments. This footage can serve as a powerful rebuttal to any conflicting claims made by the at-fault driver or their insurer.

Our investigation doesn’t stop there. We frequently bring in professional accident reconstructionists—experts who analyze the evidence and recreate the car crash with advanced modeling. Their accident reports can clearly demonstrate how the accident happened, why it happened, and why you weren’t at fault. This is especially important when the insurance company tries to shift blame or downplay what really took place.

At Christmas Injury Lawyers, we believe that the truth is in the details—and we don’t leave anything to chance. From the very start, our job is to build a case so airtight that the insurance company has no room for excuses. While you focus on healing, we’ll be out in the field, collecting the facts and protecting your future.

We Talk to Every Witness

In the chaos following a serious accident, details fade quickly. People's memories can become clouded, distracted by the trauma or stress of the moment. But eyewitness testimony—especially when gathered right away—can be the difference between a strong case and a shaky one. At Christmas Injury Lawyers, we move fast to find and interview everyone who saw what happened before the details are lost to time.

Here’s how we go to work for you:

Interview Drivers, Passengers, Pedestrians, or Business Owners Who Saw the Accident

Whether someone was in one of the vehicles involved, walking nearby, or working at a business along the road, we track them down and listen to their account. Each person may have seen something different—a traffic light color, a reckless lane change, a sudden brake. These perspectives often confirm that you were not at fault and provide independent support for your valid claim.

Get Written Statements and Recorded Interviews

Memories are fragile. That’s why we lock down witness recollections early with detailed written statements and recorded interviews. These formal accounts can be used in settlement negotiations or, if needed, as trial testimony. Getting a witness on record immediately helps prevent the other side from twisting the facts later on.

Locate Hard-to-Find Witnesses the Insurance Company Never Bothered to Contact

Many firms settle without ever digging deeper, and insurance companies certainly don’t go out of their way to find the truth. We do. Our team uses every tool available—from canvassing neighborhoods to pulling incident reports—to track down people who may have seen something important. Even a witness the insurance company overlooked could be the key to turning your case around.

When it comes down to your word versus the other driver’s, having a credible witness on your side can tip the scales in your favor. It’s not just about gathering names—it’s about building a narrative that’s backed by people who saw what really happened. At Christmas Injury Lawyers, we believe your story deserves to be heard—and believed. That’s why we leave no stone unturned when it comes to witness testimony.

We Bring in Medical Experts

You’re hurt—and it’s not just a matter of paperwork. We want to show how your injuries impact your life now and into the future.

Our team will:

  • Work with your doctors to document diagnoses, treatments, and long-term impact
  • Consult independent medical experts for evaluations
  • Get expert testimony about the full extent of your pain, trauma, and prognosis

This isn’t just about getting you treatment. It’s about proving that your injuries are real, serious, and deserve serious consideration—in court or across the negotiation table.

What types of experts might be used in my case?

Every serious auto accident injury case has its own unique set of facts, injuries, and unanswered questions. To truly understand what happened—and how it’s changed your life—we often rely on the insights of trusted professionals with deep expertise in specific areas. These experts play a key role in building a strong case that insurance companies can’t ignore or discredit.

Here are a few of the experts we may bring in to support your claim:

Accident Reconstruction Specialists

These professionals are trained to analyze car crash scenes, vehicle damage, and physical evidence to determine exactly how a collision occurred. Using data like skid marks, road conditions, and black box information, they can recreate the sequence of events leading to the accident. Their findings help clarify who was at fault, and their reports are especially powerful in negotiations or trial.

Medical Experts

We work closely with treating physicians, specialists, and independent medical experts who can clearly explain the nature and extent of your injuries. These professionals can testify to the seriousness of your condition, the long-term outlook, and the necessity of ongoing treatment. Their opinions carry weight in court and can counteract the insurance company’s attempts to downplay your pain.

Vocational Experts

If your injuries have affected your ability to work, vocational experts help us prove just how much your earning potential has changed. They assess your skills, limitations, and job options based on your injuries and education. Their evaluations are vital when seeking recovery for lost wages or future loss of income—especially in cases involving permanent impairments.

Together, these experts give us the tools to present a clear, compelling picture of how your accident happened and how deeply it’s affected your life. Their insights don’t just add credibility—they help ensure your voice is fully heard and your injuries are fully understood. At Christmas Injury Lawyers, we use every resource available to fight for what you need to move forward.

We Dig Through Every Document

Some of the most powerful evidence lives in the paperwork:

  • Police reports and incident logs
  • Emergency responder notes
  • Black box data from involved vehicles
  • Cell phone records if distracted driving is suspected
  • Vehicle maintenance or inspection history

Our job is to connect the dots the insurance company hopes you’ll miss.

We Confront the Insurance Company about your Insurance Claim

We don’t just send demand letters and hope for a response. We show up with facts, experts, photos, and proof.

And when the insurance adjuster tries to lowball you or deny liability? We don’t flinch. We’re ready to go to trial—because that’s what sets us apart.

Most firms settle fast. We prepare every case like it’s going to court—because that’s what gets results.

When you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s important to know that insurance companies investigate every claim—not to help you, but to protect their bottom line. In many cases, they’ll even hire a private investigator to follow you, record your movements, or dig through your social media, looking for any reason to reduce or deny your case. While this is often framed as a way to detect insurance fraud, the truth is, these tactics are frequently used to intimidate honest people like you who are simply trying to recover. That’s why our firm investigates just as aggressively—we build a case so detailed and fact-backed that no investigator, adjuster, or attorney can poke holes in your story.

What This Means for You and Your Car Accident

Police officers taking witness statements after an accident occurred talking about compulsory medical examination

While you focus on healing, we handle the heavy lifting. You won’t have to chase paperwork, track down footage, or argue with an adjuster.

Your job? Follow your doctor’s orders. Focus on your recovery. Let us worry about the rest.

And remember:

  • You pay nothing unless we win money for you
  • We’ve handled serious auto accidents across South Carolina for nearly 30 years
  • We go to court—and that’s why insurance companies take us seriously

FAQs

How soon after my accident should I contact a car accident lawyer?

As soon as possible. Evidence disappears fast—witnesses move, footage gets erased, and memories fade. The earlier we start investigating, the stronger your case will be.

What if I don’t have photos or witness names?

Don’t worry. Our team knows how to track down what you need—even if you don’t have anything yet. We’ll uncover the evidence the insurance company hopes stays hidden.

Will the car insurance company conduct their own investigation?

Yes—but it won’t be for your benefit. The insurance company’s investigation is designed to minimize your claim, not uncover the full truth. That’s why it’s so important to have your own legal team investigating right away—to make sure your side of the story is documented and defended.

Can your team still investigate if the accident happened weeks or months ago?

Yes. While starting early gives us the best shot at preserving every piece of evidence, we can still uncover valuable proof even weeks or months after the accident. We’ll look at medical records, track down surveillance footage, review crash reports, and consult with experts to rebuild what happened—no matter when the crash occurred.

You Deserve the Full Truth. We’ll Find It.

If you were hurt in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you’re likely overwhelmed. You may not know what’s next—or who to trust.

At Christmas Injury Lawyers, we dig deeper because you deserve answers, and we won’t stop until you have them. We’re ready to investigate, fight, and win for you.

Call us now at (843) 380-4112 or click “Contact Us” on this page to get started. We’re ready to go to work. Are you?

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Our Charleston Personal Injury Lawyers are Here to Help You

At Christmas Injury Lawyers, our South Carolina injury lawyers provide representation after collisions, work accidents, construction accidents, accidents on property, and many other types of personal injuries. We believe firmly in the rights of injured victims and we have dedicated our careers to fighting for those whose lives have been derailed by accidents.

North Charleston Office
(843) 874-6564
1495 Remount Road
North Charleston, SC
Summerville Office
(843) 874-6564
105 S Cedar 
Suite D 
Summerville, SC 29483
Mt. Pleasant Office
(843) 874-6564
250 Mathis Ferry Road.
Suite 102
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Columbia Office
(803) 766-0707
3135 Millwood Ave
Suite A3
Columbia, SC 29205
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute client relationship. Every case is different and past results do not mean that the same results can be achieved in a different case. For contingency fees, attorney's fees are calculated before client case costs/expenses. 
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