Motorcycle accidents are some of the most devastating types of motor vehicle accidents. Because motorcycles have limited safety features, motorcycle accidents often result in life-altering injuries. The prospect of lifelong disability is bad enough. But it is made worse when the other driver flees the scene of the accident.
While you can’t stop another driver from fleeing, you can take steps to protect your rights and your ability to recover compensation after a hit-and-run accident. If you are ever unlucky enough to be the victim of a hit-and-run motorcycle crash, you can take several actions to protect your rights.
Move Yourself and Your Vehicle to a Safe Location
A motorcycle lying on its side has a small profile. If you don’t move yourself and your vehicle to a safe place after an accident, another vehicle might hit you. That makes a bad situation worse.
If you can safely move without causing yourself further injury, you should. You also want to move your motorcycle off the road. However, if you can’t, turn on the hazard lights if they still work.
Immediately Call 911 to Report the Hit-and-Run Accident
Once you are safe from further injury, call 911 immediately. Report the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the fact that the other driver fled the scene. This will result in police and medical services being dispatched to the accident scene.
Gather Information About the Fleeing Vehicle
While you should never pursue the fleeing vehicle, you should try to gather information about it.
For example, if you saw the car color or part of the license plate, you should record that information to ensure you don’t forget it. This is particularly important because brain injuries are common in motorcycle accidents, which could easily affect your memory of events. Share this information with the responding police officer.
Document the Accident Scene
Take pictures of the accident scene, damage to your motorcycle, and any injuries you suffered. This documentation will be helpful when you make an insurance claim or if you end up in court.
Additionally, speak to anyone who witnessed the accident, and get their contact information
Inquire About Getting a Copy of the Police Report
In Texas, you can get crash reports by purchasing them from the Texas Department of Transportation. While the police officer will start writing the report at the scene of the accident, it will not be complete before they leave the scene.
Despite this, you should inquire about getting a copy and what is in the report. The police officer can help guide you through the process and let you know when it will be available.
Notify Your Insurance Provider of the Accident
This is one of the trickier steps. You must inform your insurance provider of the accident as soon as possible, but you don’t want to provide them with a recorded statement. You should contact your provider, notify them of the factual details of the accident (where, when, etc.), and inform them that the other driver fled the scene.
However, when they inevitably request a recorded statement, you should refuse to provide it. Don’t give a recorded statement until after you have hired an attorney and they are available to advise you.
Get Additional Medical Attention
Motorcycle accidents often result in devastating injuries. The medical care you receive at the accident scene will likely not be enough. You must follow up and get additional medical attention as soon as possible.
This has two benefits. First, it protects you from serious or hidden injuries that could be life-threatening. Second, it creates medical records that are critical to pursuing compensation for your injuries. Carefully preserve these documents.
FAQ
When Should I Contact a Motorcycle Accidents Attorney?
The best time to contact a motorcycle crash lawyer is as soon as possible after the accident. Your injuries will likely impair your ability to pursue compensation, and the insurance process is complicated.
An experienced personal injury attorney will act in your stead throughout the insurance claims process. This gives you time to focus on recovering from your injuries while a skilled individual fights to secure compensation for you.
Can I Get Compensation if the Driver Is Never Identified?
If the driver is never identified, you can still get compensation from your insurance provider through your uninsured motorist policy. However, you must have this type of policy before the accident occurs to receive any compensation. Since hit-and-run incidents are common in motorcycle accidents, you should purchase this policy.
Will the Driver Face Criminal Charges?
If the police identify the driver who fled the scene, that person will almost certainly face criminal charges. Texas law requires all drivers to stop their vehicles and remain at the accident scene to render aid and share contact and insurance information.
If a driver fails to do this, they can be charged with a criminal offense, which can result in penalties up to a $5,000 fine and up to five years in prison.
However, whether the other driver faces criminal charges does not affect your ability to receive compensation. At best, a criminal conviction for fleeing the scene may be evidence that helps support your insurance claim or civil case.
Contact Our Houston Motorcycle Accidents Lawyers Today
Were you seriously injured in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident in Houston, Texas? Don’t attempt to get compensation for your injuries without assistance. Contact the experienced motorcycle accident attorney at Ramsey Law Group today to schedule a free consultation.