If you are in a motorcycle accident in Ohio, knowing what evidence will be key to proving your case and helping you recover the compensation you need is essential. Some of the most effective pieces of evidence in motorcycle accidents are police reports, photographs, videos, eyewitness statements, expert testimony, and medical records.
Police Reports
While police crash reports typically aren’t admissible as evidence in injury lawsuits, they still play two vital roles in auto insurance claims following a motorcycle accident.
First, auto insurance companies often request a copy of the police report when you file a claim, and this report can back up your version of events. And second, your lawyer can use the information found in the police report to inform their investigation, such as by using it to identify eyewitnesses to interview.
Accident Scene Photographs
Photographs of the accident scene can show the damage done to your motorcycle and the other vehicle involved, skid marks on the road, the road conditions, and relevant traffic signs and signals.
If possible, it’s always a good idea to take photographs directly after a crash occurs. However, due to the severity of many motorcycle accidents, you may not be in any condition to be walking around and taking pictures. Instead, you can have someone else, such as a bystander or the responding police officer, take photographs for you.
Videos of the Incident
Traffic, security, dashboard, or motorcycle helmet cameras may have caught the accident on video. This evidence can be powerful, as it may be difficult for the at-fault driver or their insurance company to dispute.
While accessing your own helmet cam footage is relatively straightforward, you will likely need the assistance of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to obtain other footage to use in your case.
Eyewitness Statements
Bystanders and other motorists can back up your claim by providing statements about what they saw. For example, these statements may provide additional details you didn’t know about, such as whether the witness saw the other driver texting while driving leading up to the accident.
While eyewitness statements aren’t always the strongest evidence on their own, they can be effective when paired with other types of evidence that corroborate them.
Expert Witness Testimony
Expert witnesses are individuals with specialized knowledge or skills that allow them to provide a unique perspective on certain aspects of your case. Some experts your lawyer may hire include:
- Crash reconstruction specialists who can explain how the accident occurred
- Medical professionals who can explain the extent and severity of your injuries and the treatment you need
- Vocational experts who can explain how your injuries will impact your ability to work in the future
Medical Records
Your medical records are the final key piece of evidence. They contain details about your injuries, such as your diagnosis, prognosis, and medical images.
Without your medical records, it can be difficult to prove that your injuries are as severe as you claim they are or that they resulted from the motorcycle accident and not a separate event. These records are also often what expert medical witnesses will base their opinions on.
Contact Our Ohio Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Our lawyers attend several biker events throughout the state year-round and are active members in the community, so we understand the unique challenges motorcycle riders face after getting in an accident.
If you were injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact Flickinger Legal Group for a free consultation with an experienced lawyer. For your consultation, we’re available to meet via Zoom or will travel to meet with you at a location of your choosing.