Around 5,000 people die every year from motorcycle accidents.
Unfortunately, riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving in a car, with the chance of dying in a crash being 29 times more likely on a bike.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to win your case with the right documents and one of the best motorcycle accident lawyers.
This article will tell you all you need to have with you when you meet your motorcycle accident lawyer.
Critical Documents to Have for Your Motorcycle Accident Case
If you’ve suffered motorcycle accident injuries or property damage, you may be the perfect candidate for compensation for your pain and suffering and property damage.
The more information and evidence you present to your lawyer, the better chance you’ll have at winning your case. Here are 8 things you should make sure you don’t forget to bring when you meet with your lawyer.
1. A Police Report
Anytime there’s a car accident, call the police. When they arrive, they’ll talk to everyone involved and create an accident report. Some of the information found on a police report is:
- Statements from drivers, witnesses, and passengers
- The officer’s opinion as to who was at fault or if any traffic laws were broken, etc.
- A diagram illustrating where the vehicles and pedestrians were
The police report is like a stepping stone for your lawyer, providing them with a foundation on which to build their investigation. To obtain a copy of the police report, contact the local police station with information about the accident, such as who was involved, the name of any officers at the scene, and the date and location of the accident.
2. Any Citations or Tickets
If your accident involved other drivers, there might have been tickets issued. Some citations an officer might write on the scene of an accident are:
- Speeding
- Texting
- Aggressive driving
- Drunk driving
- Driving in an unsafe manner
Any traffic tickets issued on the scene of an accident can be used in a case and the court of law. If any were written against you, your lawyer would be better prepared to know so that they can prepare their argument against the citation.
3. Proof of Insurance
Everyone must drive with a valid insurance policy. If your accident occurred outside of your home state, your insurance policy still protects you.
If your policy has expired or you don’t have enough coverage, however, it could be used against you. Make sure you bring proof of insurance when you meet with your lawyer so they can verify and confirm you were sufficiently covered.
4. Photographic Evidence
At the scene of your crash, if you’re not too injured to do so, take as many photos and videos as you can. It’s important to show the setup of the scene, including cross streets and placements of all vehicles involved.
Take plenty of footage that shows the damage to your vehicle and any other cars. Take photos of markings on the road, weather conditions, and anything else that provides additional evidence about your accident,
If there are any cameras in the road or outside of nearby businesses that may have caught the accident on tape, be sure to tell your lawyer so they can get the footage. Any footage could help prove fault on behalf of the other drivers in court.
5. Information About the Accident
After a car accident, there is some pertinent information you should take down at the scene. Make sure you exchange the following information:
- The names of other drivers
- The names of any others involved in the crash
- The phone numbers of other drivers
- Insurance information
- The license plates of all vehicles involved
- The driver’s license numbers of all parties involved
- Any statements from witnesses and contact information
Make sure that you give your lawyer all information you collect. If you take down contact information for any witnesses, be sure to pass it along to your lawyer so they can gather official statements and potentially bring people in to speak on your behalf.
6. Medical Reports
If there are any doctor care records, emergency room records, rehabilitation reports, or autopsy reports, be sure to give those to your lawyer.
Any submitted reports should include the whole period for which the victim is under medical care. Sometimes these reports could include the medical history of an individual.
If someone involved in an accident had a pre-existing condition that prevented them from driving or reacting properly, and it resulted in the harm of another person involved, those facts could play an essential role in the case. Show all medical records to your lawyer.
7. Bills and Invoices
Keep all your medical bills, even if you think your injury is minor and you have insurance. Keep all receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses related to your accident, too.
Keep everything, from the receipt for medicines to an ankle brace to a receipt for Uber rides, as long as they’re related to or as a result of the crash.
8. Statements to Insurance or Police
If you’ve been in an accident, you shouldn’t make any official statements to your insurance company without first talking to your lawyer. If you do make any statements to your insurance company, other insurance companies, or police, be sure to tell your lawyer exactly what you said.
Any statements you make at any point during the accident process can be used in your case.
9. Employer Documentation
Be sure to keep track of any work you may have missed due to your accident. Even if it was just a few hours, it’s important to have proof of any potential loss of income related to your case. Emails from your work or communication with your employer can help support your case for loss of income.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Are the Best For Your Case
Motorcycle accident injuries are different than other vehicle accident injuries, which is why it’s essential that you hire motorcycle accident lawyers for a motorcycle crash.
The best motorcycle accident lawyers will do everything they can to help and uncover all the evidence to build a proper case. Do you want to find out if you’re entitled to compensation for your accident?
Contact us for a consultation. We are here to help!