Accident Investigation, Headlight testing?

Question

My uncle was involved in a serious car accident last August. The police performed a test on the headlights of the other drivers vehicle, to try and determine if they were on before and during the accident. The police are saying the tests are inconclusive, because their was too much damage to the lights or whatever it is they test in the lights to get a good reading. I'm just wondering if by some small chance there is someone who knows about these things, who can confirm that this is possible. The other driver has many connections in this area, and so far the investigation has been very biased, in his favor.

Answer 1

If the headlights are on, even a minor accident can cause the bulbs inside of the headlights to break.  If the accident is so severe that the headlights are damaged, then there's no way of knowing whether they were on or off at the time of the accident.

Answer 2

Make sure your Uncle has a lawyer to protect his rights. Don't go it alone because in many places, the " Good Ole Boy Network" is in place and honest hard working people do get screwed.

Answer 3

If the headlight isn't completely smashed up, they can tell by the filament. If the headlight was on, when the accident occurred. The filament, would be "HOT", and break differently, than if it was off "cold". Same for tail lights, break lights, turn signals, etc.