If you’re a motorcyclist involved in an accident caused by a car, SUV, or truck, you’re entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company for your property damage, lost income, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Due to the differences in size and weight between the vehicles and your lack of physical protection, your injuries are likely to be severe, your pain and suffering extreme, and your medical bills high.
This means your insurance claim will be an expensive one, and insurance companies do not stay in business by simply paying out expensive claims. Instead, the at-fault driver’s insurer will look for every possible way to dispute your claim or offer you an unfairly low settlement to save money for the company. In order to seek fair compensation, you need strong evidence of the other driver’s fault for the wreck and your present and future medical expenses.
Evidence Needed in a South Dakota Motorcycle Crash
If you’re physically able to do so, you should begin collecting evidence immediately after your accident. The evidence you need includes:
Photographs
Take pictures of all vehicles involved in the wreck, showing their license plates and damage, as well as the accident scene, the weather conditions, and your injuries.
Police report
Stay at the scene and call 9-1-1 so that the police can come and make an official report of the accident. This proves that it occurred and provides strong evidence of liability.
Witnesses’ statements
Get contact info from any witnesses to the crash and pass it on to your attorney.
Video footage
Note the presence of nearby security cameras that might have footage of the wreck.
Repair estimates
Get estimates as soon as possible but do not rush to repair your bike. Its damaged condition is evidence for your claim.
Medical bills
Keep receipts from your visits to the doctor or hospital, as well as documentation of all treatments and prescriptions.
Contact and insurance info
Exchange this information with the other driver but do not discuss the accident or argue. Do not admit any fault to anyone.
Description and diagram of the crash
Write down the details of how the crash occurred and include a basic diagram to make it as clear as possible.
Have You Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in South Dakota?
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you gather and organize evidence, present it convincingly, and overcome any biker bias you encounter in the claims process or in court. Contact us online or call us at 605-644-5003 to schedule a free consultation. You pay no attorney fees until we win your case.