How should an officer determine if a crash caused more than $1000 damage to property?

Determining if a crash caused more than $1000 in property damage relies on a careful assessment of the physical evidence and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Using best judgement to estimate the damage allows the officer to consider a variety of factors, including visible damage to the vehicles, structures, or other property involved in the crash. This approach enables the officer to accurately gauge the extent of the damage, as they are trained to assess these situations on the spot.

While reviewing insurance claims may provide insight into the costs associated with repairs, it is not a primary method available immediately during the crash assessment. Consulting with a mechanic could give more detailed information after the incident but is not practical for an officer on-site. Relying on witness statements can provide additional context about the crash but may not accurately reflect the monetary value of the damage. Therefore, employing best judgement based on visual and circumstantial evidence is the most direct and effective method for determining damage costs at the scene of the crash.