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What Evidence Should I Gather After a Motorcycle Accident to Support My Case?
Motorcyclists face unique risks on the road, especially as the number of motorcycle-related traffic fatalities has dramatically increased in recent years. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as many as 5,932 motorcyclists were killed in the United States in 2021, which is the highest number of fatalities recorded since the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) began collecting data in 1975.
In the event of a crash, it is crucial for motorcycle operators to gather sufficient evidence to establish the facts of the accident in order to support their claims and protect their rights. The attorneys at Armada Law discuss the types of evidence a motorcyclist may want to gather following an accident and explain when to seek legal representation for a motorcycle crash case.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Crash?
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, your priority is to seek medical attention for any serious injuries. Even if you don’t feel hurt and don’t think you need to see a doctor, being examined by a healthcare professional shortly after your accident is crucial because some types of injuries may show delayed symptoms. In other words, you may feel fine immediately after the crash but begin experiencing pain and other symptoms days or weeks after the crash. If you are seen by a doctor after the accident, you will be able to link the symptoms you are experiencing to the accident and have sufficient medical records to document your injury.
Be sure to gather information about the accident scene, contact the at-fault party’s insurance company as well as your own insurance company, and report the accident to law enforcement. You will also want to reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your case.
Is It Mandatory to Call the Police After a Motorcycle Accident in South Carolina?
In most cases, motorists are legally required to call the police and report any accident that results in personal injury, death, or property damage totaling $1,000.00 or more. That applies to motor vehicle collisions with any vehicle, including motorcycles.
Reporting the accident to law enforcement is not only required but can also be extremely important in documenting what happened in the moments before, during, and after the collision. If a police officer is dispatched to the accident scene, they will document important information that can be helpful in determining liability for the crash.
What Kind of Evidence Should I Gather After a Crash?
There are many types of evidence that may be extremely helpful in pinpointing liability, documenting your damages, and supporting your claim following a motorcycle accident. These include:
- Witness statements: If possible, gather the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the crash. Witness testimony can provide valuable information about the accident and help confirm your side of the story.
- Photos and videos: Take as many photos and videos as possible of the crash scene, including the surrounding area, damage to both vehicles and any visible injuries. Dash camera footage can also be very helpful in reconstructing the incident and proving your case.
- Copies of police reports: Obtain a copy of the police report filed after the accident. This report will contain important details such as the date and time of the crash, the sequence of events, and any relevant information provided by the responding officers.
- Medical records: Keep copies of all medical documents relating to your injuries, including any diagnostic tests, treatment plans, and doctor’s notes. These records will serve as evidence of the nature and extent of your injuries and treatments.
- Insurance information: Collect the name, contact information, and insurance policy details of the other driver (s) involved in the crash. This information will be crucial in settling any insurance claims or pursuing legal action against the responsible party.
- Repair estimates: If your vehicle was damaged in the crash, obtain repair estimates from reputable mechanics or body shops. These estimates can provide evidence of the expenses associated with repairing or replacing the motorcycle.
Finally, consider contacting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney shortly after your crash. You may only have a limited amount of time to file a claim, and your attorney can assist you with the steps needed to build a strong case and seek maximum compensation for your injuries.
When Do I Need to Call a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
If you suffered significant injuries and have reasons to believe a negligent or reckless driver may have caused your accident, it is important to contact a skilled personal injury attorney shortly after your accident. Your attorney can help you protect your rights to fair compensation and can handle all aspects of your claim for you, including gathering evidence to support your case and negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf.
Your attorney may also strengthen your case by giving you access to expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction experts, who can analyze the crash scene, examine physical evidence, and develop a comprehensive explanation of what happened. Their expertise can be invaluable in establishing liability and determining fault, and they may not be easily accessible to an accident victim who is not being represented by an attorney.
At Armada Law, motorcycle accident victims can feel confident that their cases are being handled by a team of skilled motorcycle accident lawyers who have their client’s best interests at heart. We have represented countless injured motorcyclists and helped them fight for maximum compensation, and we are here to help you protect your rights. Contact us today at (864) 633-3739 to discuss your case.
