Motorcycle crashes can be devastating, especially when the responsible driver flees the scene. Hit-and-run motorcycle accidents present unique challenges, leaving victims unsure of how to seek justice or compensation. At The Hayden Law Firm St. Louis Accident & Injury Lawyers, we understand the complexities of these accidents and can help you seek the compensation you deserve. Call our firm at (314) 480-3100 for an appointment with a St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer.
If you were injured by a hit-and-run driver, the key is to act quickly and responsibly. These actions can help protect your safety and legal rights:
Find a Safe Place
Immediately after your accident, your top priority should be to ensure your safety. Move away from traffic and get to a safe location if you are physically able. This step can prevent further injury to yourself or others and will allow you to assess the situation without being in harm’s way.
Seek Medical Attention
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries, even if you don’t feel immediate pain. Call 911 or ask a bystander to do so, and seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Traumatic injuries, such as head trauma or internal damage, may not present symptoms right away but can be life-threatening if left untreated. Receiving medical care as soon as possible safeguards your health and establishes a clear record of your injuries for your insurance claim and potential legal case.
Document the Scene
Once you are safe and receiving medical attention, if you are physically able, gather as much information as possible about the accident. Take photographs of the scene, your motorcycle’s damage, and any visible injuries you sustained. Try to remember as many details about the hit-and-run vehicle as possible, including its make, model, color, and any distinguishing features. If witnesses are present, collect their contact information and ask if they saw the driver or if they can provide additional details. If you’re unable to handle this step, your lawyer can cover this ground later.
Get a Copy of the Police Report
One of the most important steps after a hit-and-run accident is to get a copy of the police report. The police will investigate the incident, document your account, and look for any nearby surveillance cameras or witnesses that could help identify the driver. Be sure to provide the police with all the information you’ve gathered, as well as any footage from your helmet camera, if applicable. Ask them where you can get a copy.
Contact a St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Attorney
When you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run, you need the assistance of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. Your lawyer can investigate the accident, contact the police to see if they can determine who caused the crash, and find ways for you to secure the compensation you need for your injuries and losses.
The more evidence you collect after a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, the stronger your claim will be. This evidence is essential to building your case and recovering compensation, especially if the at-fault driver is found.
Medical Records and Bills
Keep detailed records of any medical treatment you receive following the accident. This includes hospital visits, medications, surgeries, physical therapy, and any future medical expenses you may incur as a result of your injuries. These records help quantify your losses and establish the extent of your injuries.
Accident Scene Photos and Videos
Photographic evidence is invaluable in hit-and-run motorcycle accident cases. You, a friend, or your lawyer should take photos of the accident scene from multiple angles, highlighting skid marks, road conditions, and damage to your motorcycle. If possible, look for nearby surveillance cameras that may have captured the incident and request copies of the footage.
Witness Statements
Witnesses play a critical role in hit-and-run cases. Their testimony may help identify the fleeing driver or provide additional context to the accident. If you weren’t able to gather their contact details at the scene, the police may have noted them in their report.
Your Own Testimony
Write down your account of the accident as soon as possible while the details are still fresh in your mind. Include everything you can remember about the hit-and-run vehicle, the events leading up to the accident, and any immediate actions you took afterward.
A hit-and-run accident leaves victims facing uncertainty, especially when the responsible driver cannot be immediately identified. Fortunately, you have options to help you recover compensation even if the driver is never found.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
In Missouri, all drivers are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage, which can be a lifeline for hit-and-run victims. This coverage allows you to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses from your own insurance company when the at-fault driver is unidentified.
Filing a Claim or Lawsuit
If the at-fault driver is eventually identified, you can file a claim with their insurance company to cover your losses. If that is unsuccessful, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them. This lawsuit seeks compensation for your accident-related losses, including medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and property damage. The Hayden Law Firm St. Louis Accident & Injury Lawyers has extensive experience representing victims of motorcycle accidents and we work diligently to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions.
Government Liability for Road Hazards
In some cases, road hazards like potholes, missing signs, or unsafe road conditions may have contributed to the accident. If so, you may have a claim against the government agency responsible for maintaining the roadway. These claims can be complicated, requiring a thorough investigation to prove liability, but they may offer an additional avenue for compensation.
If the hit-and-run driver is found but does not have insurance, you may still have the option to recover compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage. You could still try to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, but if they have no insurance, they may not have many resources.
Dealing with hit-and-run motorcycle accident injuries can be overwhelming. The Hayden Law Firm St. Louis Accident & Injury Lawyers can support you in various ways:
Conduct a Thorough Investigation: We’ll work with accident reconstruction experts, review traffic camera footage, and interview witnesses to piece together what happened and try to identify the responsible party.
Handle Insurance Negotiations: Our skilled negotiators will handle all communications with the insurance companies on your behalf, and make sure you’re not pressured into accepting an unfair settlement.
Maximize Your Compensation: We’ll calculate the full extent of your losses, including your future medical expenses and lost earning potential, and fight for fair compensation.
Provide Legal Representation: If your case goes to court, we’ll present a strong case on your behalf and fight for your rights.
If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, you likely feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. The Hayden Law Firm St. Louis Accident & Injury Lawyers can help. Our team understands the unique challenges of hit-and-run cases. We will work tirelessly to maximize your compensation.
Reach out to the St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyers at The Hayden Law Firm St. Louis Accident & Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the justice you deserve.
