How To Preserve Evidence From a Seattle Bicycle Accident
March 15, 2024 | Personal Injury
After a Seattle bicycle accident occurs, there will likely need to be an investigation to determine what happened. A bicycle accident victim may be able to recover compensation for their losses, including coverage of their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. However, securing compensation requires proving that the other party was negligent. This requires evidence, and preserving that evidence is supremely important.
Types of Evidence Used in a Bike Accident Claim and Preservation Tips
As we run down this list of the most common types of evidence used to prove liability after a bicycle accident, please know that this may not include all of the types of evidence needed for your particular claim. A Seattle bicycle accident attorney can help guide you through this process and give you tips for Obtaining and preserving the right evidence:
- Police report. A police report provides an official account of the accident, including details about the parties involved and any citations issued by law enforcement. To preserve this evidence, request a copy of the report from the responding law enforcement agency as soon as it’s available.
- Photographs of the accident scene. Photos can document road conditions, vehicle and bicycle damage, and any relevant road signs or signals. Take pictures immediately after the accident if you can, or return to the scene as soon as possible to capture these details before they change.
- Photographs of injuries. Pictures of your injuries immediately following the accident and throughout your recovery can illustrate their severity and impact. Continuously document your injuries with dates to show the progression of your healing process.
- Witness statements. Witnesses can provide objective accounts of the accident that support your version of events. Collect contact information from anybody who stops at the scene, and consider recording their statements if they consent to you doing so.
- Medical records. Medical documentation is vital for linking your injuries to the bicycle accident and for detailing the treatments you receive. To preserve these records, request copies of all medical visits, treatments, and related expenses as you receive care.
- Helmet or gear damage. Damage to your helmet, clothing, or other protective gear can serve as evidence of the impact and help demonstrate the severity of the accident. Preserve these items in their post-accident condition and take photographs.
- Bicycle damage. The condition of your bicycle after the accident can help reconstruct how the collision occurred and the force involved. Do not repair your bicycle until after you’ve thoroughly documented the damage and your attorney advises it’s okay to do so.
- Video footage. Surveillance or dashcam footage capturing the accident can be compelling evidence. If you’re aware of any cameras that may have recorded the incident, act quickly to secure this footage before it’s deleted or recorded over.
- Personal diary or journal. Keeping a daily log (diary or journal style, with dated notated) of your pain levels, mobility issues, and how the injuries affect your daily life can provide personal insight into the impact of the accident. Start this diary immediately following the accident and update it regularly.
To ensure the integrity of your claim, store physical evidence in a safe, dry place, and create digital backups of photographs, documents, and videos. Promptly sharing all collected evidence with your Seattle bicycle accident attorney can also help them build a strong case on your behalf.