Did you know that there are more than seven million traffic accidents in the United States every year?
No one expects to get into an accident, but it is good to be prepared if you do. Even seemingly minor collisions could produce problems down the road.
If you are in a motorcycle accident, you may have the right to compensation for damages. This involves a complicated legal process.
There are things you can do to help support claims your attorney will bring. Think in terms of proof. In the event of a motorcycle accident documents that demonstrate or prove what happened is what your lawyer will need.
Here are a few things to keep in mind that can help you and your lawyer should you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
Basic Accident Information
Motorcycle fatalities have been dropping each year. That’s promising news. But accidents still happen, and they are often unavoidable.
One of the most important things to retain is the attending police officer’s accident report, also known as an “incident report.” This includes a summary of the officer’s initial perception of what happened.
Most information relevant to the crash will be in the accident report, including the other motorist’s personal and insurance information.
Other Accident Information
With the ubiquitous use of smartphones, it is not hard to capture all aspects of an accident – snap away. Take pictures of the damage done to your motorcycle and any other vehicles involved.
Also, take photos or videos of the surrounding environment. This could include a wet road if it had been raining, or an obscured traffic sign.
In addition to collecting information from motorists involved in the accident, do the same for anyone who witnessed circumstances surrounding it. If a bystander saw what happened, ask them to give you their contact information. Statements from witnesses can be vital in resolving disputes where it is your word against someone else’s.
Proof of Repairs
Be sure to keep receipts for repairs done to your motorcycle related to the accident. This includes towing expenses.
Also keep any equipment, including clothing, that was damaged. If your helmet is cracked, don’t throw it away. Pictures of these can be useful, but the ability of your lawyer to examine the items themselves could be vital in establishing the viability of a claim.
They could also be essential if a lawsuit requires a trial.
Proof of Personal Injuries
Document all medical treatment you receive related to injuries from the accident. Have the names and contact information of the medical professionals that treated you, and receipts for medical bills.
This goes for psychological or psychiatric treatment as well. Have the names and contact information for any mental health providers.
If you have to miss work due to injuries related to the accident, be sure to have income information available for your attorney. This can be as simple as past and present pay stubs or tax returns.
Since events surrounding an accident can be emotional and disorienting, it may be a good idea to write down things as you recall them. This could provide clarity down the road of events that become hazy in memory.
You also may consider documenting any physical or mental-health-related difficulties as they occur. Having a journal of the injuries you have experienced can go a long way to helping your attorney understand the details of what’s going on.
Have Motorcycle Accident Documents Ready
Being involved in an accident can be frightening and disruptive to your life. But collecting and retaining relevant motorcycle accident documents can be the difference in whether you are compensated for damages done to your vehicle and to yourself.
Technology, like the smartphone in your pocket, can be extremely useful in capturing the events surrounding a motorcycle accident. Be sure to check out our blog for other ways that technology can help improve your everyday life in unexpected ways.
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