Clear, well-documented evidence in proving fault and the extent of your injuries is the key to winning a motorcycle accident claim. With strong evidence, motorcycle accident victims can win fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Attorneys specializing in motorcycle accidents know how to collect and present the proof you need for your case. The sections below list the key types of evidence that can strengthen your claim.
Police Reports
The police report will generally contain the following information:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Statements from drivers and witnesses
- A diagram of the accident scene
- Any citations or violations issued
This report is generally regarded as an authoritative account of what happened and could be crucial to determining liability.
Photos and Videos
Visual evidence, taken at the scene right after the accident, can be very effective. Make sure to document the following:
- Damage to all involved vehicles
- Your visible injuries
- Road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and surroundings
These visuals can help describe how serious the accident was and serve as supporting documentation for your statements regarding fault and damages.
Eyewitness Statements
Get contact information and statements from all those who witnessed the accident. The testimony of independent eyewitnesses might prove very useful in proving how the collision occurred, and they may confirm your version of the events.
Gathering these statements immediately after the incident ensures that all details are still fresh and vivid.
Medical Records and Bills
You should document all your injuries and medical expenses to show the extent of your damages. These medical records will include hospital admission and discharge summaries, and can state the level of sustained injury and treatment offered. Make sure you preserve the following pieces of evidence.
- Physician notes and treatment plans give context to your recovery process and any long-term medical needs.
- Medical test results, like X-rays or MRI scans, are physical proof of internal injuries that may not be directly apparent.
These are clear evidence of your distress and will help tremendously in determining how much compensation you are entitled to.
Documents of Employment and Wages
If your injuries have affected your ability to work, obtain proof of your lost income, including:
- Recent wage statements
- Statements from your employer outlining the time taken off;
- Any correspondence showing the receipt of disability benefits.
Damaged Personal Property
Do not have your motorcycle, helmet, and clothing repaired or cleaned until after your attorney has had an opportunity to evaluate them as physical evidence of the force and damage of the impact.
Expert Witness Testimonies
In complicated cases, expert witnesses can provide specialized insight. Consider consulting:
- Accident reconstruction specialists can explain the dynamics of the crash
- Medical experts testifying about the extent and long-term effects of your injuries
- Economic experts testifying about the amount of your long-term financial losses.
Personal Journal
Also, keep a diary of your pain, frustrations, and struggles through recovery; it shows how the accident really affected your life.
This could favor your case, as it will be not only proving the medical bills but also your actual emotional and physical agony. The documentation being more detailed and consistent, the chances of obtaining reasonable compensation for suffering and losses would be better.
