Riding a motorcycle should be a joyous activity in sunny Tampa, FL. But as a motorcyclist, you understand the risks of this hobby as well. You leave yourself vulnerable to serious injuries every time you ride.
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, you may feel particularly disheartened. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate this process and seek compensation, whether or not you can track down the at-fault party.
Here are a few essential steps to follow after a hit-and-run accident.
Record As Much As You Can Remember About the Vehicle That Hit You
If you were lucky, the driver may have stopped briefly or even talked to you before leaving the crash scene. If not, they may have hit you and immediately driven away.
In either case, take a few seconds to document as much as you can remember about the at-fault driver and their vehicle. Make a note of:
- Any characters you can remember from the license plate
- The color, make, and model of the vehicle
- A physical description of the driver
- Any other vehicle characteristics, such as bumper stickers or damaged areas
Contact the Police
Your next step should be to call 911 and request that an officer come to the scene. If your injuries are severe, you will need an ambulance as well.
An officer will create a police report. Committing a hit-and-run is a crime, and local law enforcement may want to conduct an investigation if they have any evidence to go on.
Seek Medical Treatment
Walking away from a motorcycle accident with no significant injuries is fairly rare. You’ll likely have at least a few bumps and bruises. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible can help you begin treatment and prevent your injuries from worsening.
Your medical provider will also give you valuable documentation that you can use in your insurance claim. If you are able to file a case against the driver, your motorcycle accident lawyer can make good use of this evidence.
File a Claim With Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
Florida requires all motorists to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This coverage pays for your own medical costs and lost income after a crash, no matter who was at fault.
You likely carry at least the minimum required coverage of $10,000. If your medical expenses and lost wages exceed your coverage limits, you will need to explore other compensation methods to supplement your insurance claim.
See Whether Other Insurance Coverage May Apply
Talk to your insurer or motorcycle accident lawyer about whether you have any other insurance coverage that could provide you with a payout. For example, uninsured motorist coverage for bikers pays for your expenses in an accident where the other driver is uninsured.
The insurance company would prefer to verify that the at-fault driver does not have insurance, but this would require knowing their name and contact information. In some cases, insurers may be willing to apply this type of coverage toward hit-and-run motorcycle accident claims.
Hire an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Above all else, hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer is key in your hit-and-run case. These professionals have extensive experience gathering evidence for motorcycle accident claims and lawsuits. They can walk you through the legal steps after a motorcycle crash and help you track down the driver.
At Hancock Injury Attorneys, we have extensive experience helping bike crash victims navigate their claims, including those in which the at-fault driver fled the scene. Contact us today at 813-544-7398 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.