How Do I Prove a Driver Was at Fault for a Motorcycle Accident?

Determining who was at fault is one of the most important parts of a motorcycle accident claim. Because motorcyclists can suffer serious injuries in collisions with passenger vehicles, establishing what happened and who caused the crash may is critical when pursuing compensation. A motorcycle accident lawyer from Williams DeLoatche, P.C. can investigate the circumstances of a crash and gather evidence to help establish liability.

What Evidence Can Prove Fault in a Motorcycle Accident?

Several types of evidence may help establish that another driver caused a motorcycle accident, including:

• Police and accident reports: Documents regarding the location, circumstances, statements, and initial findings surrounding the crash.
• Witness statements: People who saw the collision may provide important information about how the vehicles were moving and who had the right of way.
• Photographs and video: Pictures of vehicle damage, the motorcycle, road conditions, traffic signals, and the accident scene.
• Traffic or surveillance cameras: Available footage may provide direct evidence of a driver’s actions before the collision.
• Medical records: Medical documentation can establish the injuries caused by the accident and the treatment required.
• Accident reconstruction: In more complicated crashes, an accident reconstruction professional may help determine vehicle movements, speeds, points of impact, and other factors.

Common Examples of Driver Negligence

Motorcycle accidents may occur when; drivers fail to see a motorcycle, failing to yield the right of way, making an unsafe lane change, following too closely, driving while distracted, or turning left in front of an approaching motorcycle. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Williams DeLoatche identify these occurrences and other negligent driving behaviors among the common causes of motorcycle crashes in the Tidewater area.

What If the Driver Says the Motorcycle Rider Was at Fault?

Insurance companies may investigate whether the motorcyclist contributed to the collision. In Virginia, this can be particularly important because Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence rule. A finding that an injured person contributed to an accident can affect their ability to recover compensation. For this reason, preserving evidence and accurately establishing how the crash occurred can be extremely important.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help?

A motorcycle accident lawyer can review the police report, investigate the accident scene, collect witness information, examine photographs and video, review medical records, and work with experts when necessary. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Hampton Roads, contact Williams DeLoatche, a motorcycle law firm serving the Tidewater area. The experienced and compassionate team of motorcycle accident lawyers from Williams DeLoatche can help you understand your legal options and evaluate the evidence surrounding your accident.