After a motorcycle accident, the conversation you have with a Lafayette motorcycle accident attorney can shape the entire direction of your case. The more information you can provide upfront, the faster your attorney can evaluate your claim, identify the at-fault parties, and start building a strong case on your behalf.
Be prepared to share the following information.
Details About the Accident
Start with the basics of where and when the crash happened. Tell your attorney about the road and weather conditions at the time, and give a clear description of what you remember leading up to the collision.
Even small details, like which direction each vehicle was traveling, whether a traffic signal was involved, what the other driver did right before impact, can matter more than they seem to at the time.
If you’re not sure about every detail, that’s okay. Your attorney’s job is to fill in the gaps through investigation. But the more you can recall and share, the sooner that investigation can get underway.
The Police Report and Report Number
If law enforcement responded to the scene, bring your accident report or the report number and the name of the responding agency. The report typically includes the other driver’s information, witness contact details, and the officer’s observations. Your attorney will want to review the report closely.
If you don’t have a copy yet, your accident attorney in Lafayette can usually request one on your behalf.
Contact and Insurance Information for Everyone Involved
Provide any contact and insurance information you collected from the other drivers at the scene, including their name, phone number, insurance company, and policy number if available.
Photos and Videos
Any photos or videos you took at the scene are valuable evidence. Evidence of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and your own visible injuries all help paint a picture of how the crash happened. If you didn’t take photos yourself but know of nearby businesses with security or traffic cameras, mention them as well. Footage like this can disappear quickly, so your attorney may need to act fast to request and preserve it.
Witness Information
Share any names, phone numbers, or other contact information you gathered from witnesses at the scene.
Medical Records and Treatment History
Bring whatever medical documentation you have so far. Your attorney will use this information to understand the scope of your injuries and begin tracking your damages.
It also helps to mention any relevant pre-existing conditions. Louisiana law allows you to recover compensation when an accident aggravates a pre-existing condition. Still, your attorney needs to know about it up front so they can address it properly if the insurance company raises it later.
Lost Wages and Financial Impact
If your injuries have kept you out of work, bring pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or any other documentation showing your income and the time you’ve missed. This becomes an important part of calculating your damages, particularly if your injuries are serious enough to affect your ability to work long-term.
Your Gear and Motorcycle
Don’t repair or get rid of your motorcycle, helmet, or riding gear before speaking with an attorney. Damage to your bike and gear can serve as physical evidence of how the crash occurred and how much force was involved. Photograph everything if you haven’t already, and let your attorney advise you on what to preserve.
Any Communication With Insurance Companies
If an insurance adjuster has already contacted you, let your attorney know, including what was said, whether you gave a recorded statement, and whether you’ve been offered a settlement.
Insurance companies often reach out quickly after a crash, and what you say in those early conversations can affect your claim. Your attorney can take over communication with the insurance company going forward.
Why This Matters
Louisiana follows a modified comparative fault system under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323, meaning the insurance company will look for any opportunity to shift blame onto you to reduce what they pay. The more complete the information you bring to your attorney, the better equipped they are to counter those tactics and build the strongest possible case from day one.
Talk to a Lafayette Motorcycle Accident Attorney
At Anderson Blanda & Saltzman, we know how to take the information you provide and turn it into a compelling case. With over 100 years of combined experience and more than $300 million recovered for our clients, we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (337) 233-3366 or complete the short form on our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.