While every motorcycle accident claim is unique, all those that yield a payout have at least one thing in common: they’re supported by lots of evidence. In order for injured riders to hold negligent drivers or other parties accountable for their damages, they must prove both liability and losses.
Let’s take a look at the most common pieces of evidence that help claimants do just that:
1. Footage from the Scene
Photographs of the wreckage may contain valuable clues about what happened in the moments leading up to the crash. Examples include skid marks, broken glass, and the configuration of all the vehicles that were involved.
If there’s any available video footage of the accident, you can be sure that will contribute to your claim, as well. This might be in the form of helmet cam recordings, dash cam recordings, or videos from surveillance systems overlooking the area.
2. Black Box Data
Nowadays, most vehicles are equipped with “black boxes,” which record a host of variables once the ignition is engaged. There’s a good chance the vehicle that struck you had a black box, and there’s a better chance its data will help you assign blame. If the data indicates the motorist who hit you didn’t apply the brakes, for example, it may corroborate your assertion that they had dozed off just before the crash.
3. Eyewitness Testimony
Statements from those who witnessed the crash can corroborate your own testimony. This is why personal injury attorneys advise accident victims to obtain the names and phone numbers of those who saw what happened before leaving the scene.
4. Official Reports
Depending on the facts of the case, there are a number of reports that can strengthen your claim. Examples include the official police report, any pertinent toxicology reports, and cell phone records. As long as you seek prompt legal counsel, a resourceful lawyer should be able to obtain copies of all such documents before they’re altered, destroyed, or otherwise made unavailable.
5. Medical Records
Your medical records, including diagnostic images, nursing logs, and psychological evaluations, will serve as the foundation of your damages claim. If you have any visible wounds, like bruises, lacerations, or road rash, you’re going to want to supplement these records with photographs of their progression.
To ensure your claim is as comprehensive as possible, make sure to request copies of all relevant documentation at the end of every hospitalization or medical appointment. This includes imaging tests, follow-up exams, and physical therapy sessions.
Discuss Your Case with a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Houston
If you were seriously hurt in a motorcycle wreck through no fault of your own, turn to Chelsie King Garza, P.C. for strategic and attentive legal counsel. For more than 18 years, attorney Garza has been helping injured parties achieve justice.
With a commitment to seeing every claim through to the end, she’s not afraid to take negligent parties all the way to trial. To schedule a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney in Houston, call 713-893-8808 or complete her Contact Form.