Security Tape From Gas Station Turns Case Around For Motorcycle Victim!
Hi, I’m Shane Smith from Shane Smith Law. Welcome to this week’s case review. Today, I’m joined by Alex Katz, one of our attorneys here at Shane Smith Law, to talk about a motorcycle accident case where surveillance video and extra investigation completely changed the outcome for our client.
How the accident happened
Our client was riding his motorcycle when another driver cut him off. The impact caused him to flip violently, traveling across multiple frames of surveillance footage captured by a nearby gas station camera. That video ended up becoming one of the most important pieces of evidence in the case.
The injuries
The injuries were catastrophic. Our client was transported by ambulance to the emergency room and diagnosed with:
- A concussion
- Two broken arms and two broken wrists
- Fractures to the T3 and L1 vertebrae
- Two broken tibias
- A broken left femur
- A broken right ankle
While undergoing surgery, he also developed blood clots in his lungs. He was extremely lucky to survive.
Initial fault issues
Although police identified the other driver as at fault, the crash report also noted that our client was allegedly speeding. That detail was dangerous, especially in North Carolina, where contributory negligence can bar recovery entirely.
How video evidence changed everything
Once Alex obtained the gas station surveillance footage and provided it to the insurance company, liability became clear. The video showed the other driver cutting off the motorcycle. After reviewing it, the insurance carrier accepted full responsibility for the crash.
Finding additional insurance coverage
At first, it appeared there was only $30,000 in available liability coverage. Alex dug deeper and noticed that the driver and the owner of the vehicle were two different people. After researching DMV records, he discovered that the driver had her own separate insurance policy with $100,000 in coverage.
That investigation increased the total available insurance from $30,000 to $130,000.
Reducing massive medical bills
The client’s medical bills exceeded $233,000. With limited insurance funds available, Alex contacted the hospital directly and negotiated a pro rata resolution. The hospital agreed to accept approximately $38,000 as full and final payment.
The result
After resolving the medical liens and securing every available insurance dollar, the client walked away with roughly $45,000 in his pocket and no outstanding medical debt. Given the severity of his injuries, timing, and personal circumstances, it was a life-changing result.
Key takeaway
Video evidence can be the difference between no recovery and full accountability. Insurance investigations should never stop at the first policy found. And when injuries are severe, experienced negotiation with medical providers matters just as much as dealing with insurers.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a serious crash, remember:
In pain, call Shane at 980-999-9999.
You can also get our free Victim’s Survival Guide to Car Accidents here:
https://www.shanesmithlaw.com/car-accident-victim-survival-guide/
Stay tuned for more real case reviews and client victories from Shane Smith Law.
