According to the most recent available data, California leads the nation in fatal hit and run accidents. There has been a steady uptick in the total number since 2009. And unfortunately, many of these are after motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycle riders, unlike other vehicles on the road, are much more vulnerable to serious injuries after an accident. On some occasions, a “no contact” accident occurs where the bike and other vehicle don’t even collide. The exposure riders have can lead to death, dismemberment, brain damage, spinal cord damage, and other life-changing conditions.
The biggest concern when it comes to hit and run accidents is that if the driver is never located, then the personal injury damages may never be compensated. Even if the driver is located, many times they will have little or no insurance coverage, be driving illegally, or have no assets. This is typically why they flee the scene after a motorcycle accident.
Can you recover damages if you’re injured in a motorcycle hit and run accident?
Not being able to locate the negligent party after a bike crash can be scary. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may be facing mounting medical bills from treatment, lost wages from missed work, a damaged bike, and extensive pain and suffering during the recovery.
However, if you have the proper insurance coverage , you will still be able to receive financial compensation for your injuries from the bike accident. Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) pays for hospital bills, damage to your bike, and other expenses you’ve incurred because of the hit and run bike accident. We always recommend carrying Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) with your auto insurance. This helps to protect in these situations.
Unfortunately, many insurance companies have tricks they use to try to deny claims, especially those of motorcycle riders. Insurance companies will lull victims into a false sense of security, tell them they don’t need a personal injury attorney, and then use information provided by the injured victim to deny their claim.
Do you need a lawyer after a hit and run bike accident?
A personal injury lawyers’ help in these situations can be invaluable. The best California motorcycle accident attorneys will immediately launch an investigation into the crash. This would include hiring a private investigator to look into the wreck, see if they can locate any witnesses, and possibly even try to track down the at fault party.
Your motorcycle accident lawyer will also become a point of contact with the insurance company and stop any tricks from getting your claim denied or value diminished. They will review your medical records, figure out fair payment for medical and hospital related bills, lost wages from missed work, and other expenses from your bike crash. Additionally, bike accident lawyers will know how to evaluate pain and suffering after a crash to be properly compensated.
A personal injury attorney will also look into other avenues for who could be liable. There may be a local government or municipality to be found negligent, motorcycle manufacturers, or another person or company that contributed to the injuries.
If you’ve been the victim of a hit and run motorcycle accident, we may be able to help. We will take a look at the facts and circumstances of your motorcycle wreck, the damages you’ve suffered, and give a free and honest opinion of your options.
Please give us a call at (916) 619-5452or fill out our form online.
