What is typically expected of police officers at an accident scene?

At an accident scene, police officers are primarily responsible for directing traffic and managing the overall investigation. This involves ensuring the safety of all individuals involved in the accident, which may include rerouting traffic to prevent further incidents, securing the scene to preserve evidence, and taking statements from witnesses and those involved in the accident. They assess the situation to determine the necessity for additional emergency services and gather the necessary information to compile an accident report.

While some of the other roles such as handling legal documentation or providing medical assistance may be relevant, their primary duty remains focused on traffic management and conducting the investigation. Officers may support other responders if medical assistance is required, but it's not their main role at the scene. Additionally, notifying insurance companies is generally the responsibility of the involved parties rather than law enforcement.