There is a greater chance of crashing a motorcycle than a truck, car, or SUV. Riding on two wheels instead of four makes motorcycles less stable and more susceptible to dangerous situations.
If you were in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to reach out to a lawyer to receive the compensation you deserve. Before they can start building your case, they need to obtain motorcycle accident documents.
Keep reading to learn what documents to bring to a meeting with your lawyer.
Police Report
One of the most important motorcycle accident documents to have is a police report. To get this report, you’ll need to involve the police after the accident.
After a motorcycle accident occurs, no matter how minor it may seem, call the police. When they arrive at the accident scene, they can record details about what happened.
This third-party account will become important as the case filing process continues. The police report will include witness information, injuries, and property damages.
You can request this document to give to your lawyer. Some states have different laws on obtaining a police report. In Texas, you can file a request for the report in person or mail a request.
Accident Images
Photos and videos also act as evidence that can be used to value a motorcycle accident case. Lawyers will use this evidence to build your case and put a dollar amount on what it’s worth.
It’s also proof for the insurance company that you were injured when you said you were. Be sure dates and times on this type of evidence are easily accessible.
Photos and videos should detail:
- Motorcycle damage
- Personal injuries
- Weather conditions
- Road conditions
Photograph as much as you can after the accident. If you are unable to do this yourself because of a sustained injury, ask a witness to do it for you.
Witness Information
Statements from witnesses serve as evidence documents that your lawyer can use to build a case in your favor. If you are physically capable of meeting with witnesses at the scene of the accident, jot down their names and contact information.
Your lawyer can use this information to reach out to witnesses to get their perspectives on the crash. This sometimes brings new details to light that you might have forgotten.
The police report will contain witness statements, but it’s beneficial for your attorney to talk to these individuals as well. If you are unable to gather witness information, the police report should have these details outlined.
Medical Records
It’s likely that you sustained a motorcycle injury because you don’t have a lot of protection while on the road. Even if you don’t feel hurt or have sustained minor injuries after the crash, it’s always a good idea to get medical care.
Injuries can creep up on you days or weeks after the accident. By this time, you may have already filed an insurance claim that won’t cover those late medical bills.
When you visit the doctor, you can be sure your injuries are taken care of. If you need long-term care, you’ll receive an estimate of the cost, which your lawyer can use to help you settle for more money.
While receiving treatment for injuries, it’s important to keep copies of your medical records. Physicians can also print out after-care reports that detail your injuries and treatment. This should include the physician’s name and the date of the visit.
These documents are useful when a lawyer needs to prove the extent of your injuries. A judge might also require proof of medical records to match the timeline with the date of the accident.
Along with medical records, keep every medical bill you receive.
Lost Wages
If a motorcycle accident injury keeps you from working, you need to include lost wage documentation in your list. If you missed work because of an accident, you might be eligible for compensation for the wages lost.
Lost wage documentation involves proving the number of hours you’ve missed and getting a written letter from your employer that states your hourly or yearly payment amount.
Copies of pay stubs and recent tax documents can help a lawyer prove your earnings before an accident as well.
Repair Estimates
Photos of motorcycle damage can prove that an accident caused the damage, but not how much the repairs will cost. To get this documentation in writing, take your motorcycle to a mechanic for repair estimates.
Keep receipts for towing charges as well.
This documentation provides your lawyer will a realistic estimate of the prices you dealt with after the crash occurred. These receipts are necessary to be fully compensated for your expenses.
Insurance Information
During your consultation with your motorcycle accident lawyer, bring in your insurance documents and proof of payment.
If you are diligent about paying premiums on your coverage, you’ll be able to receive compensation for your damages and injuries.
If you’ve communicated with a claims adjuster before speaking to your lawyer, it’s important to recall this conversation so that your lawyer is aware. Letters and emails with your insurance company can serve as evidence.
When a lawyer has the details of your motorcycle insurance policy, they can fight for the compensation you deserve. If the accident was not your fault, it’s important to get the other driver’s information.
The police report should have this written out, but it’s best to ask the other driver yourself. This way, you can get their insurance information to your lawyer as soon as possible.
Motorcycle Accident Documents to Bring to Your Lawyer
Don’t show up empty-handed to a consultation or meeting with your lawyer. After a motorcycle crash, it’s essential to gather and send off motorcycle accident documents that can act as evidence for an insurance claim.
Without these documents, it’s difficult for a lawyer to put together a winning case. If you want to receive the compensation your case is worth, use this documentation guide.
Contact us today to discuss the details of your case or call us at 866-577-0861 if you want to speak with a lawyer confidentially.
