Documents for Motorcycle Accidents to Have When Meeting Your Lawyer

Were you recently injured in a motorcycle accident?

If so, an experienced lawyer can help you recoup some of the damages you’ve suffered. When you meet your legal team for the first time, it pays to be prepared. The right documentation can help your lawyer understand what happened and could strengthen your case.

Not sure what to bring? Today, we’re sharing the most important documents for motorcycle accidents, and why they matter. 

1. Police Report

When the police arrive at the scene of an accident, they record details about what happened, who witnessed it, and any physical or property damages suffered. 

Then, they gather all of this data into a comprehensive police report. Depending on where you live, there may be restrictions around how to obtain a copy of this report. For instance, if you’re the victim of an accident in Los Angeles, the LAPD requires you to mail a written request for this report to its Records and Identification (R&I) division.

2. Images Related to Your Case

If you have any photos and videos that relate to your case, then your lawyer needs to see them. This includes pictures that show the damage done to your motorcycle, as well as any damages that the other party might have incurred. You can also include pictures of the landscape, weather, and any other conditions that may have contributed to your crash. 

If you were injured in the accident, it’s wise to photograph these injuries, even as you seek treatment. For instance, if you broke your arm, then you can include images of the break right when it occurred, when you got your cast on, and when the cast came off.

3. Witness Information

If you’re physically able to meet with any witnesses at the scene of your motorcycle accident, then record their name and contact information before they leave. Your lawyer can contact them to get their perspective on what happened, which may include new details that you missed or forgot.

While the police report should also contain statements from witnesses, it’s helpful for your lawyer to speak with them as well.

4. Medical Records

Even if you feel physically fine after your accident, it’s still smart to let a doctor check you out immediately afterward. This is especially the case if you experienced any type of injury. 

As you receive treatment and medical care, keep a record of every visit. Your physician can also print an after-care report that details everything discussed during your time together. These documents can be useful in proving the extent and severity of your injury.

The judge may also require you to show medical records to prove that the timeline of your injury aligns with the date of the accident. If you’ve undergone many extensive treatments and have visited a range of different providers, it can help to assemble the names and contact details of these providers into a succinct list. 

5. Medical Bills

Medical bills are just as important as medical records. Your lawyer needs to be able to clearly explain how much you’ve spent on accident-related medical care, and your bills can serve as concrete evidence in this regard. 

Keep them all together in one place and include them all, even small invoices for quick visits that might seem minor.

6. Insurance Information

In most states, it’s illegal to ride your motorcycle without insurance. At your first meeting with a motorcycle accident lawyer, bring in documents that describe your insurance coverage, as well as proof of payment. 

This will serve as evidence that you’ve been diligent about paying the premiums on your coverage. If you’ve communicated with a claims rep or adjuster so far, you’ll need to include that correspondence, too. This includes records of phone conversations, as well as any letters or emails. 

7. Lost Wage Documentation

Did you have to miss work due to your injuries? This includes taking time off work to allow a treatment to heal. If so, you could receive compensation for these lost wages.

Document the number of hours that you’ve missed, and present this information to your lawyer. You can bring in copies of your pay stubs or your tax documents to prove your pre-accident earnings. 

8. Tickets Received

Did you receive a ticket after your motorcycle accident?

This might include a speeding ticket, reckless driving ticket, or a failure to yield ticket. While you might not feel entirely comfortable discussing the details leading up to the ticket, this is critical information that your lawyer needs to know. 

If you have a physical copy of the ticket, bring it to your meeting.

9. Your Personal Notes and Recollections

As soon as you’re able to write down your version of events, it’s best to go ahead and do so. Over time, your memory can become fuzzy and you might not be able to remember all of the details about what happened. 

In other cases, those details might become clearer to you after some time goes by and you’re able to process what really happened. Either way, keep personal notes as time progresses. Whether you write these thoughts down or keep them in your Notes app, the important thing is to capture them.

10. Personal Contact Information

Finally, your lawyer will need certain documents to verify your identity, such as your driver’s license or another form of photo ID. This way, they can separate your case from others and make sure everything is in the right place. 

Keep These Documents for Motorcycle Accidents

In the days and weeks following a motorcycle accident, you should be able to focus on one primary goal: getting better. Your accident lawyer can handle your case and make sure you receive the compensation that you deserve.

When you meet your lawyer for the first time, you want to make sure you’re using your time wisely and efficiently. By bringing these 10 documents for motorcycle accidents handy, you’ll know you have everything you need. 

If you’ve been recently injured in a motorcycle crash, we’re ready to help. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.