Shaaban & Biedgoly

Hit-and-run accidents are some of the most stressful and confusing types of crashes to deal with, especially for motorcyclists. In a hit-and-run accident, the driver responsible for the crash flees the scene without stopping to provide their information or help. As a motorcyclist, being involved in a hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling helpless, but it’s important to know that you still have options.

In this article, we’ll explore what steps to take after a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, how to protect your rights, and how a Folsom motorcycle accident lawyer at Shaaban & Biedgoly can help you seek compensation.

1. What is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident happens when a driver leaves the scene without stopping to provide their information, help the injured party, or report the accident to the authorities. In most states, hit-and-run accidents are illegal, and the driver can face serious criminal charges if caught.

For motorcyclists, hit-and-run accidents can be particularly dangerous because they are more vulnerable to serious injuries. Without immediate help from the other driver, a motorcyclist may face life-threatening situations.

2. Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident

If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights and improve your chances of identifying the responsible driver. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Get to safety: Your health is the most important thing. If you’re able, move to a safe area away from traffic and check for any injuries. Call 911 right away to report the accident and request medical help.
• Document the accident scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including your motorcycle, any damage, and the surrounding area. These photos can help show what happened and may provide clues about the other driver.
• Write down details: If you saw the vehicle that hit you, try to write down any details you remember, such as the color, make, model, and license plate number. Even small details can help the police in their investigation.
• Talk to witnesses: If anyone saw the accident happen, ask for their contact information and if they are willing to give a statement. Witnesses can provide valuable information that may help identify the driver.
• File a police report: It’s crucial to file a police report after a hit-and-run accident. The police will begin an investigation and try to locate the driver who fled the scene.

3. Can You Still Get Compensation After a Hit-and-Run?

Even if the driver is not found, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Many insurance policies include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which can provide compensation in hit-and-run accidents when the at-fault driver is unidentified.

Here’s how UM coverage works:

• Uninsured motorist coverage: If the responsible driver is never found, your UM coverage will step in and cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
• Underinsured motorist coverage: If the driver is found but does not have enough insurance to cover your losses, your underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can help make up the difference.

In both cases, UM and UIM coverage are extremely valuable when dealing with hit-and-run accidents. It’s important to check your policy to see if you have this coverage, as it’s not always required by law. If you do not have it, a motorcycle accident lawyer at Shaaban & Biedgoly can help explore other options for compensation, such as health insurance or filing a personal injury lawsuit.

4. Challenges in Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident Cases

Hit-and-run motorcycle accidents come with unique challenges, primarily because the responsible driver has left the scene, making it difficult to hold them accountable. Here are some of the main challenges riders face:

• Identifying the driver: The first and biggest challenge is identifying the driver who caused the accident. If you were unable to gather any information about the vehicle or the driver, it can be difficult for the police to track them down.
• Lack of witnesses: If there were no witnesses at the scene or no one saw the accident happen, it may be even harder to gather information about the hit-and-run driver.
• Insurance disputes: Even with uninsured motorist coverage, you may face disputes with your own insurance company about the value of your claim or the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies may try to offer a low settlement or deny your claim altogether.
• Delayed medical attention: In hit-and-run cases, the responsible driver is not there to help or call for medical assistance, which can lead to delays in getting the care you need. This can result in more serious injuries or complications that may affect your recovery and claim.

5. The Role of a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Hit-and-Run Cases

Because of these challenges, having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer is essential in hit-and-run cases. A lawyer can help in several ways:

• Investigating the accident: A Folsom motorcycle lawyer at Shaaban & Biedgoly can assist in gathering evidence and working with investigators to try and identify the responsible driver. This may include reviewing traffic camera footage, speaking with witnesses, and gathering any available data.
• Filing insurance claims: Your attorney will handle the process of filing a claim with your own insurance company under your uninsured motorist coverage. They will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
• Handling legal proceedings: If the hit-and-run driver is found, your attorney can help you file a personal injury lawsuit to hold the driver accountable for your damages. Even if the driver is not found, your attorney can represent your interests in court if necessary.

Your motorcycle accident lawyer at Shaaban & Biedgoly will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the entire process and help you avoid making mistakes that could hurt your claim, such as accepting a low settlement offer or giving a recorded statement to the insurance company without legal guidance.

6. How to Maximize Your Compensation After a Hit-and-Run

After a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, the goal is to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses. Here are some steps you can take to maximize your compensation:

• Seek medical attention right away: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor immediately after the accident. Not only is this critical for your health, but medical records will also serve as important evidence in your personal injury claim.
• Follow your doctor’s orders: Be sure to follow all medical advice and attend any follow-up appointments. This shows the insurance company that you are serious about your recovery and that your injuries are legitimate.
• Keep detailed records: Document everything related to the accident and your injuries. This includes medical bills, repair costs, lost wages, and any other expenses you incur as a result of the accident. Keeping detailed records will help ensure you receive compensation for all your losses.
• Consult a motorcycle accident lawyer: As mentioned before, having a motorcycle accident lawyer on your side is crucial. They will make sure that your claim is handled properly and will fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve.

7. Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, there are several types of compensation you may be entitled to, depending on the specifics of your case:

• Medical expenses: You can recover compensation for medical bills related to the accident, including hospital visits, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any ongoing treatment you may need.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, including future income if your injuries cause long-term or permanent disability.
• Property damage: You can also seek compensation for the repair or replacement of your motorcycle and any other personal property that was damaged in the accident.
• Pain and suffering: In addition to financial losses, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering you’ve experienced as a result of the accident.
• Loss of quality of life: If the accident has caused long-term effects on your ability to enjoy life, participate in activities, or care for yourself, you may be compensated for this as well.

8. The Importance of Acting Quickly

After a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, time is of the essence. It’s important to act quickly to protect your rights and improve your chances of recovering compensation. Here’s why:

• Preserving evidence: The sooner you contact a motorcycle accident lawyer, the sooner they can begin gathering evidence and investigating the accident. Evidence such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and witness statements can fade or disappear over time.
• Statute of limitations: There is a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit after a hit-and-run accident. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation.
• Insurance deadlines: Some insurance policies have specific deadlines for filing claims. Failing to meet these deadlines could result in your claim being denied.

9. Conclusion

Being involved in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident can be a terrifying and frustrating experience. However, it’s important to know that you still have rights, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself and seek compensation. By gathering evidence, seeking medical attention, and working with your Folsom motorcycle accident lawyer, you can improve your chances of recovering the compensation you need to cover your injuries and losses.

Contact Shaaban & Biedgoly today for your free consultation!