Motorcycle Accident Document Checklist
For every mile traveled, motorcyclists are 35 times likelier to have a fatal accident than car drivers. There is always risk involved in being on the road, and that risk increases if you drive a motorcycle. Because motorcyclists have less safety and protection, the rider can sustain serious injuries. If you were involved in a motorcycle crash, hiring a lawyer is the best way to receive the compensation you deserve. To ensure a smooth claims process, it’s important to follow this motorcycle accident document checklist. Keep reading to learn more.
Police Reports
After a motorcycle accident where you are the victim, you need to call the police to the scene. Reporting the incident to police officers is an essential step in receiving a fair claim. Once the police arrive on the scene, they will record details of the incident, collect witness statements, and gather key information. In the police report, the officer might state who the at-fault party is based on their findings. A police report is a must-have in your motorcycle accident document checklist. With one, your lawyer receives an unbiased third-party perspective on injuries, causes, and damages.
Evidence and Witness Testimonies
Although a police report will provide evidence that can help your motorcycle accident case, it’s also important to gather your own. If you can, collect the names and contact information from witnesses. Statements from bystanders confirm accident details from different perspectives.
While on the scene, take photos and videos of the motorcycle accident. You can use your phone to document the scene, vehicle damages, injuries, road conditions, and surroundings.
Because your memory of the event might become fuzzy over time, jot down notes and a description of what happened in your own words to present to your lawyer. If your injuries won’t allow you to document evidence from the scene, ask if someone else is willing to take photos and videos for you. The more evidence you have, the better.
Insurance Information
As the victim of a motorcycle accident injury, you don’t have to use your insurance to cover medical bills and damages. Instead, you should obtain a copy of the at-fault driver’s insurance information. To help match insurance information to the driver, ask for these details as well:
- License plate number
- Vehicle make, model, year, and color
- Vehicle registration number
- Driver’s license number
Your motorcycle accident lawyer will use this information to determine what is covered under their policy. If the other driver did not give you their insurance information after a collision, the police can pull up the information for you. This is yet another reason why obtaining a police report is essential.
As long as you report the accident to the police, they can request proof of insurance from the at-fault driver. They can also use the driver’s license plate to pull up their insurance policy.
If you are dealing with a hit-and-run accident but were able to obtain the license plate number of the at-fault party, you can work with your local DMV to get their insurance information.
Repair Estimates and Lost Wages
Taking care of your injuries is the first priority after a motorcycle accident. Once you’ve received treatment, take your bike to a professional mechanic who can offer you a repair estimate. Receipts and towing estimates provide a realistic estimate of the costs you faced after the accident. Your lawyer will use this documentation to confirm.
If you find yourself out of work because of the injuries you sustained, you are losing income. To recoup some of your lost wages, provide past pay stubs or tax documents to prove how much you were making before the injury.
Medical Records
After a motorcycle accident, it’s necessary to visit a medical center or your primary care doctor even if you don’t think you sustained any injuries. Accident injuries might show up days or weeks later.
If you have sustained an injury, a doctor can confirm that the injury happened due to a motorcycle accident. After receiving medical treatment, obtain a copy of your medical records to show your lawyer.
The records should include the attending doctor’s information and the dates you went to visit. With this additional information, a lawyer can prove the timing lines up with the motorcycle accident.
Keep a copy of your medical bill for your lawyer to have so that they can prove your treatment fees. If you need long-term medical care because of the injury, make sure the doctor includes this in your medical records. Depending on the compensation available, you might receive funds for the psychological impact of the injury and collision. This is referred to as pain and suffering.
Why Is a Motorcycle Accident Document Checklist Important?
When a motorcycle accident lawyer has all of the above information, they can secure you the best possible settlement. To take the strain off you during the case process, they will:
- Meet all legal deadlines
- Represent your voice and requests in legal meetings
- Update you on the progress of your case
- Ensure the claim is submitted before the Statute of Limitations runs out
Gathering documents is a lot of work. However, with the correct information, your lawyer can take on your case without needing additional details. This allows you to focus your energy on healing and getting your life back on track.
Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Now
If you were the victim of a motorcycle accident, it’s important to hire a professional lawyer for help. To ensure you receive what your case is worth, provide your lawyer with a police report, evidence, medical records, and other documentation listed in this guide.
With this motorcycle accident document checklist, your claims process will run smoother. Don’t wait any longer to receive legal help. Get a free case evaluation from Horizon Accident Attorneys today.