After a motorcycle accident, you may need compensation to pay for medical bills and make up for lost wages. In this case, you must prove that the other party involved in the accident behaved negligently, which requires the right evidence.
Evidence can be powerful during personal injury cases, especially when fault is hotly disputed. This guide explains why you must have the right evidence going into a case, and what information will be the most impactful.
Why Evidence Gathering Is So Important
Motorcycle accidents are often complex and can include many distinct factors. As a result, the process for determining fault is often equally complicated. In addition to driver negligence, factors can include road conditions, traffic patterns, and weather at the time of the collision.
When it’s one person’s word against another, determining fault becomes even more complex. While insurance adjusters can sometimes determine fault from reviewing the accident scene and assessing vehicle damage, this process might not be enough to establish negligence. And some drivers will lie or misrepresent their actions during an accident to avoid having fault placed on them.
How to Effectively Gather and Preserve Evidence
The more evidence you gather after an accident, the stronger your case will be. The following forms of evidence are often quite useful during injury cases:
- Police Report – Police reports provide an objective perspective on the accident. You can request a copy of the report at the accident scene or contact your local police station after the fact.
- Witness Statements – Like police reports, witness statements are considered to be an objective version of events. If you notice bystanders at the accident scene, ask if they’d be willing to provide a statement on what occurred.
- Images – Taking pictures of vehicle damage, road conditions, and other contributing factors can shed a lot of light into the cause of a collision. Just be sure you’re taking pictures safely when in proximity to traffic.
- Medical Records – Medical records establish injuries, which is an important factor when it comes to proving negligent actions. Ultimately, it will be up to your attorney to link your injuries to the conduct of other drivers involved in an accident.
- Repair Bills – If you’re trying to recover money for damaged property (i.e., your motorcycle), a repair bill can be helpful. By showing the extent of repairs and what it costs to fix damage, you can legitimize the amount of compensation you request.
Help Is Just a Phone Call Away
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Albuquerque, Hinkle Law Offices is the team to call. Our compassionate attorneys have extensive experience with motor vehicle accidents, including those involving motorcycle crashes. As a result, we’re happy to serve as your trusted guide during a case. Please contact us for more information or call (505) TUF-HELP to schedule a consultation.