Bicycle accidents that involve motor vehicles often cause serious, catastrophic, or fatal injuries for the cyclists. While most accident victims file claims with their own insurers, Pennsylvania affords victims who’ve been seriously injured the right to submit a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company or file a lawsuit against the driver to recover damages.
Useful Types of Evidence that May Support Your Claim
If you decide to file a claim or lawsuit against the driver, you’ll need to be able to show that the driver was at fault (or at least mostly at the blame) for the accident. If your damages are substantial, it’s very likely that the other party will try to refute error to reduce their liability.
There are numerous types of evidence that you can present to the insurer or courts that can prove the driver was responsible.
- The police report: if the driver receives a citation, it could help support your claim. The police report will include the officer’s impressions of the accident and any citations that were issued.
- Photos of the accident scene and the car and your bike
- Video footage from traffic cams, nearby business surveillance cameras, or eyewitnesses
- Eyewitness reports
- Testimony from an accident reconstructionist who can assess the evidence, reconstruct the accident virtually using computer programs and determine the cause
There are other types of evidence that might be helpful too, depending on the particulars of your accident. For example, if the crash was caused because the driver was distractedly texting while driving, the phone records could help prove motorist negligence. Similarly, if the crash occurred because the driver was intoxicated, the results of the field sobriety test and Breathalyzer test could be useful.
Get the Compensation You Deserve, Call Cordisco & Saile LLC for Help
The more supportive evidence you can compile, the more secure your case will be, and the greater your chances are of obtaining a full and fair settlement. For help preparing your case and pursuing compensation, you are welcome to call a bicycle accident attorney at Cordisco & Saile LLC in Pennsylvania.
Cordisco & Saile LLC has handled numerous types of claims and suits for injured cyclists and for the families of cyclists killed in traffic accidents. For the resources and legal strategies necessary to take on even the most challenging cases, contact the office today: (215) 642-2335.
