Hit And Run Accidents Involving Motorcycles

With minimal protection, motorcycle riders are at risk every time they hit the road. Even a minor accident can result in serious injury. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that over 82,000 motorcyclists were injured in one recent year.

Hit-and-run accidents can be especially devastating for motorcyclists because these crashes often result in severe injuries that lead to significant medical expenses. You may be left injured, overwhelmed, and unsure of your legal rights.

In this article, we will discuss what to do after a hit-and-run, your options for pursuing compensation, and how a personal injury lawyer can help.

What Is a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident?

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver is involved in a collision and leaves the scene without stopping to identify themselves, offer assistance, or call 911. When this happens after a motorcycle accident, a traumatic situation can turn into a deadly one, especially when a rider is thrown from the bike and left injured on the road.

When a motorcycle hit-and-run accident occurs:

• Emergency medical help is delayed, potentially worsening the outcome for the injured rider
• Vital evidence may be lost, making it harder to locate the fleeing driver or build a legal case
• Emotional trauma is often intensified because victims feel left without closure or justice
• Insurance claims become more complex, especially if the at-fault driver is never identified

Understanding Why Drivers Flee the Scene of a Motorcycle Accident

Hit-and-run accidents are an all too common occurrence, even though leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense in every US state.

Drivers flee for a variety of reasons:

• Lack of insurance or license: Many drivers fear financial or legal consequences if they are uninsured or unlicensed
• Driving under the influence: If a person has been drinking, he or she may flee to avoid DUI charges
• Fear of arrest or prior offenses: Drivers with outstanding warrants, criminal records, or immigration worries may panic and leave the scene to avoid police interaction
• Distraction or panic: A young or inexperienced driver may flee out of confusion or fear, not realizing the severity of the crash
• Reckless intent: In some situations, drivers know they have caused serious harm but flee to deliberately try to avoid liability

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident

The steps you take immediately after your motorcycle accident can make a major difference in your physical and financial recovery.

If you are able, take the following steps immediately after the incident:

• Call 911: Report the incident and request medical assistance
• Seek medical attention: Your health is your top priority; even if you feel okay, get checked by a medical professional
• Document the scene: Take photos of your motorcycle, the road, skid marks, and any debris
• Look for witnesses: Ask for the names and contact information of anyone who saw the crash
• Note any details: Write down anything you remember: the color, make, model of the vehicle, or even a partial license plate number
• Contact a personal injury lawyer: Hit-and-run claims are complex; having an experienced lawyer on your side can make all the difference

Legal Options for Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Victims

Even if the driver is not identified, as a motorcycle hit-and-run victim, you still have legal avenues for compensation. Let’s discuss some options.

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM)

Do you carry uninsured motorist coverage? If so, your own insurance company may cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

UM coverage is designed to step in when the at-fault driver is unknown or uninsured.

Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Depending on your policy and state, you may also have MedPay or PIP coverage that can help pay for medical expenses regardless of fault.

Personal injury lawsuit

If the at-fault driver is identified through a police investigation or with the help of your legal team, you may pursue a personal injury lawsuit for damages.

This may include compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Motorcycle Accident Victims

If you have been injured in a motorcycle hit-and-run, you may be feeling discouraged and like you don’t have any way to obtain compensation. You do not have to go through this difficult time alone. A personal injury lawyer can provide the support and legal guidance you need. Here’s how.

Launching a comprehensive investigation

An experienced attorney will act quickly to uncover critical evidence that may help identify the hit-and-run driver who caused your motorcycle accident.

The investigation may include:

• Obtaining surveillance footage: Reviewing traffic cameras, security videos from nearby businesses, or dashcam footage to identify the fleeing vehicle
• Interviewing witnesses: Speaking with eyewitnesses who may have seen the accident or noted the vehicle’s description or license plate number
• Consulting accident reconstruction experts: Using forensic evidence to recreate the collision and provide insight into how it occurred
• Cooperating with law enforcement: Working alongside police investigators to share information and push for the identification of the at-fault driver

Reviewing insurance options

Even if the hit-and-run driver is never located, victims may still have legal avenues to pursue compensation.

A personal injury lawyer can:

• File an uninsured motorist claim: If the victim has uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage, the lawyer can help file a claim under that policy
• Identify other liable parties: In some cases, a third party may share liability; for example, if a road hazard or a defective motorcycle part contributed to the crash
• Challenge insurance denials: If an insurer wrongfully denies or undervalues the claim, the lawyer can dispute the decision and fight for fair compensation

Calculate and pursue full compensation

Hit-and-run motorcycle accidents often cause catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal trauma.

A motorcycle accident attorney can help you seek compensation for your medical bills and other damages. Your lawyer will accurately calculate the value of your claim and ensure you get maximum compensation for your losses.

Negotiate settlements and represent clients in court

While many claims are resolved through insurance negotiations, some require going to court.

A motorcycle accident lawyer can:

• Prepare a strong legal case and present compelling evidence
• Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
• Take your case to trial if a fair settlement can’t be reached

Don’t Navigate a Hit-and-Run Alone – Get Legal Help Today

A hit-and-run motorcycle accident is a traumatic, life-altering event – but you don’t have to face it alone. At Collins Law, we understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face after a hit-and-run.

Our skilled and compassionate lawyers are committed to helping accident victims pursue justice and financial compensation. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay unless we win your case.

Don’t delay. Call (630) 527-1595 or complete the contact form to schedule a free case review today. We are relentless. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will stand by your side, fight for your rights, and help you seek the money you deserve.