Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle riders and their passengers are more susceptible to hazards on the road than occupants of passenger vehicles. Motorcyclists account for 14% of all traffic fatalities, even though motorcycles only make up 3% of all registered vehicles. After a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, victims may be dealing with serious injuries, lost wages, costly medical bills, pain and suffering, and mental distress.

Motorcycle Accident Fatality Statistics

The majority of motorcyclist deaths occurred:

• In urban areas (67%)
• In good weather conditions (83%)
• At night (50%)
• In crashes that involved 2 motor vehicles (53%)

7 Crucial Actions to Take After a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Crash

Call 911

After a hit-and-run motorcycle crash, it’s crucial to call 911 so that medical help and law enforcement are dispatched to the scene quickly. Ensure you file a police report as soon as possible. It’s important to obtain a police report for your records as it can aid in your insurance claim.

Additionally, reporting the incident to the police as soon as possible increases the chances of identifying the hit-and-run driver and holding them accountable for their actions.

Get Medical Treatment

Your safety should be the top priority following a hit-and-run motorcycle crash. Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to seek medical treatment. Adrenaline can sometimes mask injuries, and some symptoms may not be initially apparent.

A medical professional can thoroughly assess your condition and provide necessary treatment. In addition, obtaining medical records is crucial when pursuing a personal injury claim.

Write Down the Details

As soon as you can, write down as many details about the hit-and-run accident as possible. Include any information you can recall about the vehicle involved, such as:

• The vehicle’s make, model, and color
• License plate number
• Note the time, date, and exact location of the accident.

Additionally, jot down any specific circumstances pertaining to the crash, such as weather conditions, traffic signals, or road hazards. Ensure you provide this information to the police and a motorcycle accident lawyer who will thoroughly investigate your case.

Take Photos and Videos

Take photos and videos of the accident scene. Document the damage to your motorcycle, any other vehicles involved, and the scene of the accident. Capture images of skid marks, broken glass, debris, and traffic signs. Visual evidence can be compelling when dealing with the insurance company or presenting your case in court. It may also aid the police in their investigation, increasing the likelihood of identifying the responsible party.

Speak to Witnesses

If there were any witnesses to the hit-and-run motorcycle crash, try to obtain their contact information and ask if they are willing to provide a statement. Witnesses can provide crucial evidence and support your account of the motorcycle accident. They might have observed details that you missed and could help identify the fleeing driver.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the hit-and-run motorcycle crash. Inform them of the incident and provide them with relevant details. Even if you are not able to identify the other driver, you may still be able to seek compensation from your own insurance company.

If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can still collect damages for medical costs, property damage, and other losses. However, the minimum amount of automobile insurance required in California is often too low to cover all losses. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you track down the hit-and-run driver and pursue a lawsuit against them.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Due to the complexity of hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, seeking legal counsel is crucial to protect your rights and best interests. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, advocate on your behalf, and help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

They will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, deal with the insurance company, and navigate the insurance claims process. Securing legal counsel significantly increases your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome and holding the at-fault party accountable for their actions.

Causes of Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accidents

Some of the primary causes of motorcycle crashes include:

Speeding

Speeding is one of the primary causes of traffic deaths and injuries. In 2021, speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic deaths. When motorists exceed the posted speed limits, they significantly lessen their ability to react to sudden changes on the road. Additionally, the force of impact is magnified in accidents that involve speeding. The higher the speed, the more severe the impact, making it more likely for the motorcyclist to suffer life-threatening injuries.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving poses a significant risk to motorists, claiming 3,522 lives in 2021. Drivers who engage in non-driving activities such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting GPS, or conversing with a passenger put others on the road at great risk. Distracted drivers are more likely to miss motorcyclists in their blind spots or fail to notice them altogether.

Raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and implementing stricter penalties for hit-and-run incidents can help reduce these accidents.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving occurs when a motor vehicle driver intentionally disregards traffic laws and the safety of others. Motorists who engage in reckless behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or running red lights, put themselves and others at risk.

When reckless drivers collide with motorcyclists, the chances of sustaining severe injuries are high. Unfortunately, some reckless drivers choose to escape the scene. A personal injury lawyer can investigate the crash scene and gather evidence, like surveillance footage on the hit-and-run driver.

Poor Visibility

Poor visibility is a significant concern for motorcyclists, particularly during low-light conditions or inclement weather. Insufficient lighting on the roads, poorly maintained street lights, or non-functioning vehicle lights can make it challenging for other drivers to spot motorcycles, especially at intersections or during lane changes.

In situations where a motorcyclist is struck due to poor visibility, the driver might not even be aware that they were involved in an accident, leading them to flee. It’s important for motorcycle riders to enhance their visibility, especially in low-light conditions, by wearing bright-colored clothing and reflective gear.

Poor Weather Conditions

Bad weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, ice, hail, or fog, significantly increase the risk of accidents for all road users, including motorcyclists. Slippery road surfaces reduce traction, making it more likely for motorcycle riders to lose control of their bikes.

Motor vehicle drivers may struggle to see motorcyclists in poor weather, which can lead to potential accidents. Drivers and bikers alike must adapt their driving behavior to the weather conditions. For example, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) suggests that on wet roads, drivers should reduce their speed by 5 to 10 mph.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is very dangerous, and leads to numerous accidents each year. in 2021, 13,384 people lost their lives in drunk driving accidents. Each day, about 37 people across the United States die in crashes involving a drunk driver. Intoxicated drivers have reduced reaction times, diminished judgment, and compromised coordination, which significantly increases the likelihood of them causing an accident.

Compensation Can You Recover After a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycles offer little protection comparable to passenger vehicles. Victims of motorcycle accidents often suffer life-threatening injuries such as spinal cord injuries, and head and brain injuries. Injured motorcyclists can pursue damages in a motorcycle accident claim. Compensation available can include the following:

• Medical bills
• Ongoing medical care
• Property damage
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of consortium
• Wrongful death

Most motorcycle accident cases don’t go to court. However, our motorcycle accident attorneys are well-prepared to represent you in a trial, if necessary, to help you recover fair and full compensation.

Contact Our Trusted Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one is involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately, then consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will thoroughly investigate your claim, gather compelling evidence, and protect your legal rights and best interests.

At Alpha Accident Lawyers, were are dedicated to helping injured victims obtain justice for their injuries and losses. We provide the strategic legal advocacy you need to win your motorcycle accident case. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.