When you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to preserve the helmet and riding gear—not just for your own safety, but also for potential legal and insurance purposes. Here’s how and why it matters:
1. Why Preservation Is Critical
• Evidence of impact and damage: Helmets are designed to absorb and show impact forces. Cracks, dents, or compositional changes serve as physical proof of the crash and helmet integrity.
• Insurance and liability: Insurance companies or opposing parties may dispute the severity of the crash. Preserved gear helps substantiate your account of events and bolster your claim.
• Manufacturer investigation: If defects are at fault, the helmet and gear may be required for product liability analysis.
2. Steps to Properly Preserve Gear
- Leave equipment intact: Avoid cleaning or altering the helmet or gear. Even minor scrubbing can remove vital residue or impact indicators.
- Label and document: Immediately photograph the helmet and gear in their post-accident state (multiple angles, close-ups). Note the time, place, and any visible damage.
- Secure storage: Place each item in separate, clear plastic bags or containers to protect them from dust, pests, and further damage.
- Chain of custody: Track who handles or moves the gear—this may be required if the gear becomes part of evidence in a legal proceeding.
- Avoid implicit admission of liability: Handle documentation—but never admit fault in written notes or heading to insurance without legal advice.
3. Additional Advice for Riders in Alberta
• Police and accident reports: Obtain and keep copies of all official reports.
• Contact a lawyer before speaking to insurance: This protects you from inadvertently weakening your case.
• Document injuries and medical care: Keep a detailed log of treatments, recovery, and related costs.
How WatchMaker Injury Law and David Sowemimo Can Help
Meet the Firm and Its Values
WatchMaker Injury Law, located in Edmonton, Alberta, specializes in accident law—including motorcycle accidents—delivering compassionate and expert legal advocacy.
Led by David Sowemimo, who was recognized among Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers for 2024, WatchMaker operates with deep empathy, legal precision, and strong results.
What David Sowemimo Brings to the Table
• Insurance insider perspective: His background as an insurance adjuster gives him unique insight into how opposing companies assess and devalue claims—turning this knowledge into advocacy advantage.
• Complex injury expertise: From traumatic brain injuries to chronic pain claims, he’s adept at handling severe and nuanced cases .
• Community commitment: Sowemimo promotes legal access and diversity—he funds a scholarship for Black law students at the University of Manitoba, and serves on the Edmonton Police Commission.
• Proven results: They have experience obtaining high compensation amounts for motorcycle injury cases
How the Firm Can Assist You After a Motorcycle Accident
• Free initial review: Contact WatchMaker for a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation.
• Evidence preservation guidance: They will advise you on securing your helmet and gear, documenting evidence properly, and protecting your rights.
• Investigation and documentation management: The firm handles communication with insurers, gathers medical, accident, and device evidence (e.g., gear), and builds your claim.
• Negotiation and litigation: Skilled in both settlement talks and courtroom strategy, WatchMaker ensures your voice is heard, and pushes for fair compensation tailored to the full scope of your losses.
• Client-centered care: Reviews from past clients highlight Sowemimo’s attentiveness, clear communication, and deep commitment during emotional and legal distress.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Alberta:
• Preserve your helmet and gear meticulously—they can make or break aspects of your claim.
• Consult a trusted personal injury lawyer like David Sowemimo at WatchMaker Injury Law.
• Benefit from no upfront fees, caring support, deep legal insight, and a proven ability to secure meaningful compensation.
By taking these steps, you help protect your physical well-being, legal standing—and increase your chances for fair restitution during recovery. Stay safe, informed, and take action early.
