How Do Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Investigate a Case?
If you have been wondering how a motorcycle accident lawyer in Newnan investigates a case, it depends on how thorough the lawyer is. While some lawyers settle for a client interview and a look at the police report, the evidence used to compile it, and doctors’ reports, others will go further.
They may actively look for CCTV footage, re-interview witnesses, get experts to forensically examine evidence and reconstruct the accident, and conduct background checks on the motorists involved.
The steps they take will depend on the motorcycle accident in question. For example, if you are convinced that the motorist who struck you was speeding, but cannot prove it, we might look for evidence that they habitually drive too fast. Here is an in-depth look at how motorcycle accident lawyers investigate.
The Initial Consultation with a Client
When you consult a Newnan personal injury lawyer, you should bring along any evidence you have. This includes police reports and any evidence you may have been able to collect at the scene. An experienced lawyer knows how to evaluate police reports, looking for gaps in the evidence or inconsistencies that require clarification.
In some instances, it is clear that the motorcyclist was not to blame for the crash. In others, the finding is not in the motorcyclist’s favor, but there may be evidence indicating that it should be changed. Tell your lawyer about what you think caused the crash. They may be willing to look for evidence supporting your version of events.
Examining Photographic and Video Evidence and Crash Damage to Vehicles
If you or a bystander happened to have a helmet cam or dashcam running, or CCTV recorded the crash, we have strong evidence to examine in minute detail. In the absence of photographic evidence, there is still much to show what caused an accident.
For example, the damage to the vehicles and their location on the scene show impacts, direction of impact, and whether common auto defects that can lead to accidents had a role to play. A lawyer may ask a crash reconstruction specialist to examine this evidence to determine the exact series of events and determine fault.
Witness Statements and Interviews
After checking witness statements, we may have a few extra questions to ask. In that case, we will interview them as soon as possible while their memories are still fresh. If their stories support your version of events, this will be beneficial to your motorcycle accident case. Remembering that accident witnesses also experience shock and may not have shared photographic evidence they had at the time, we will also check whether they have any information to add.
Review of Medical Records
Just as the vehicles involved in an accident have a story to tell, the injuries people sustained can reveal important details about the accident. The doctors who treated you may have opinions, and we can also consult doctors with specific expertise in accident injuries to see whether they can add anything to the body of evidence we are collecting.
Analyzing Traffic and Road Conditions at The Time of the Accident
This covers things like the weather and visibility. We also look at signage and road surfaces to see whether they played a contributing role. Quite often, drivers who claimed a motorcycle “appeared from nowhere” should have been more alert, noticing your approach. If bad weather and visibility contributed, they are still responsible, but this may explain misconceptions included in their accounts of what occurred.
Background Checks on Parties Involved
If you believe one of the drivers involved in your motorcycle accident was driving recklessly, their driving history may be of interest. If they have frequent violations or a history of causing crashes on their records, this can help support a finding that careless or reckless driving was involved.
Insurance Checks
The damages you claim from a motorcycle accident are most often paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. We must determine what their policy limits are and whether their insurance is up-to-date. The Georgia Department of Revenue requires all drivers to have valid insurance, but violations still occur.
If there are issues with the at-fault driver’s insurance or claim limits are too low to cover your damages, we must determine whether the driver’s personal assets can fill the gaps. There is also a possibility of gradual repayment through a garnishing order.
As you can see, an effective motorcycle accident lawyer leaves no stone unturned in their investigations. This can substantially boost your chances of receiving fair compensation after being hurt in a motorcycle accident.