Motorcycle Accident Checklist You Must Follow After an Accident

Motorcycle Accident Checklist

When it’s time to start fighting for compensation, it’s important to provide your attorney with all of the necessary information to help prove your case.  That’s why we’ve put together this motorcycle accident checklist.

The Insurance Information Institute estimates that around 84,000 motorcyclists were injured in accidents in 2019, stating that these drivers tend to be “more vulnerable” than those in closed vehicles.

Of course, vulnerable or not, motorcycles are a popular transportation method in Southern California. If you’re one of the thousands of motorcyclists hurt in a collision, you know how devastating the aftermath can be, especially when it comes to pursuing legal action. If you’re hoping to win your case and get on the road to recovery, you’ll need to bring the documentation below to your lawyer.

 

Accident Scene Documentation

In the aftermath of a collision, there are steps to take at the scene to document the crash, such as compiling visual evidence and collecting contact information.

Photo and Video Evidence

The first thing to sign off a motorcycle accident checklist is objective photographic evidence can go a long way in proving your case. There are a few specific things you’ll want to capture including: 

• The position of your motorcycle and the other vehicle
• Damage to the other vehicle(s)
• All of the damage to your motorcycle
• Physical injuries you sustained
• Road signs indicating the location of the accident
• Weather conditions

Again, bring as much information as possible. However, only take these photos if you can safely do so. Do not further endanger yourself.

In some cases, photos and videos can help establish the objective cause of the accident. Therefore, it’s always better to have too many than not enough photos/videos.

Contact Information for Any Witnesses

If any witnesses saw the accident happen, they could provide valuable information for your case.

Therefore, get a statement of what they witnessed. Then, collect their contact number. Even if their version of the story does not appear favorable to your case, still collect their information. Your attorney will contact witnesses at a later time to further investigate.

 

Law Enforcement Documents

One of the most important documents in your motorcycle accident case is the collision report from the authorities. At the scene of the crash, a police officer should have documented their objective report of the accident.

In most cities in Southern California, you’ll need to request the report after the incident at a later time. Sometimes, the officer does not hand you a copy of it at the scene. However, using the information they provide, get a copy of the report and bring it to the meeting with your lawyer.

In addition, you’ll want to bring any traffic tickets you received from the officer on the scene. Note that getting a ticket does not mean that you won’t be eligible for compensation. A speeding ticket or another form of reckless driving that results in a ticket should be given to your attorney. Your lawyer needs to know all relevant details surrounding your accident in order to effectively represent you. 

 

Written Notes About the Accident

Jotting down your notes about the accident after it occurred is always a good idea. It’s very easy to forget or misremember details, especially after a traumatic event.

As soon as you can after the accident, make a written record of everything you remember. Here are a few details you will want to be addressed:

• What were the road, weather, and traffic conditions like at the time of the accident?
• Did you notice anything unusual about the other vehicle (e.g. swerving, a damaged tire, etc.)?
• What did you hear and see?
• How were you physically feeling during and after the accident?
• If you spoke to the other driver, what did they say about the accident?

Some of these details may appear insignificant. However, all of this information can give your motorcycle accident lawyer a clear picture of the events as they happened.

It’s also a good idea to continue documenting the effects of your accident in the days and weeks that follow. Taking notes about the development of your injuries, your meetings with doctors and insurance adjusters, and your financial losses can help keep the record straight.

 

Medical Documentation

Right after the accident, you’ll want to take photos to document your motorcycle accident injury. However, it’s easy to forget to continue documenting your injuries as they develop. Some injuries—especially bruising—may not appear right away.

Therefore, continue to take photos of your physical injuries and give them to your attorney.

In addition, whether or not you believe you were hurt in the accident, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor. Again, some injuries don’t show up right away, and subtle damage, like internal bleeding, might not be easy to identify without professional help.

When you meet with your attorney, you’ll want to show them medical records from your healthcare team. In most cases, you’ll receive reports after each appointment, but you can always request this information at a later time. In addition, be sure to keep the contact information of any doctors or specialists you’ve seen.

Lastly, don’t forget to bring all of your medical bills, as this can help establish a timeline and show how much you’ve spent treating your injuries.

 

Insurance and Employment Documents

The last piece of information you will need from your motorcycle accident checklist is official insurance and employment documents. When fighting for financial compensation, you’ll need evidence of your current standing in terms of insurance and wages. Note that if you’re unsure how to find any of the documentation below, your attorney can assist.

Insurance Policy Information

If you have coverage for your motorcycle, your lawyer will need to see your policy details. This will help them understand what kind of payout you should be able to get. In addition, don’t forget to bring evidence that you’ve been paying your premiums. 

Proof of Lost Wages

If your injuries have made it hard or even impossible to work, bringing documentation about your lost wages can help. This can mean proof of income, like pay stubs, as well as W-2 information, documentation about the hours you’ve missed, and other work-related info.

 

Use This Motorcycle Accident Checklist for Success

It’s safe to say that your documentation will make or break your case. Having as many photos, reports, statements, and other forms of paperwork can help your lawyer create the best strategy to earn you compensation. Be sure to bring what you can to your first meeting.

If you’re not sure whether or not certain documents are necessary—or how to get them—feel free to reach out to The Law Offices of Daniel Kim for advice. As the top motorcycle accident lawyers, we’ll help you get ahold of the paperwork you need to succeed. Schedule a free consultation with us today.

 

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