Motorcycle riders are uniquely vulnerable when they share the road with cars.
In an instant, you could lose your motorcycle, your health, your livelihood, and in severe cases, your life.
If someone else’s negligence caused your motorcycle crash and the driver who caused the accident left the scene without offering help, you don’t have to suffer the consequences alone.
In this article, the California motorcycle accident lawyers go over the ins and outs of hit-and-run accidents that involve motorcycles.
If you have any question, please contact the team at Wells Call Injury Lawyers today.
What Exactly Is a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident?
A hit-and-run motorcycle accident happens when a driver hits a motorcycle rider and speeds away, leaving the victim devastated and confused.
Staying until the police arrive after an accident ensures the injured parties receive proper medical attention and that those responsible for causing the collision are held accountable.
Not to mention, California law requires it.
Specifically, California law requires a person to stay at an accident scene if they believe an injury occurred.
It is also important that the driver renders reasonable assistance, including calling for medical attention or even transporting the person to the hospital if necessary.
Furthermore, a hit-and-run driver may face criminal charges if they flee the scene of an accident without reporting it.
If an accident occurs, and no one is injured, but there is property damage, it’s sufficient to leave contact information with the damaged property.
This situation might occur when a vehicle runs into a parked motorcycle. However, the negligent party must still report the incident to the police.
Why Do People Leave an Accident Scene?
For most people, leaving the scene of an accident would never cross their minds. But, for hit-and-run drivers, saving their skin matters more than the penalties for fleeing.
More often than not, hit-and-run drivers have some underlying issue that keeps them from staying at the scene.
Hit-and-run drivers might flee an accident scene because of the following:
- An outstanding warrant for their arrest,
- A bad driving record,
- Panic or anxiety, and
- Not wanting to get served with a personal injury claim.
Whatever the reason, it’s always awful for the victim and can leave them in great danger.
Motorcyclists are susceptible to serious injuries and can face prolonged medical treatment and long-term psychological trauma after being in an accident.
Delaying treatment only makes matters worse.
It’s important to remember that you’ll be better off if you can remain calm and collect as much information as possible about the accident.
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, anything you can do to document how the collision occurred or how the hit-and-run driver caused the collision is helpful.
Using a cell phone to snap a picture of the responsible driver leaving the scene is sometimes all that is needed to win your case.
If there were witnesses who stopped, get their contact information so that your attorney can contact them later.
The more information you have about the accident, the better the chance law enforcement will be able to catch the driver who injured you.
Were You In a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident?
If you were in a motorcycle hit-and-run, you’re probably experiencing intense distress on top of dealing with medical bills, repair expenses, and lost time from work.
Wells Call Injury Lawyers can help get you the compensation you deserve for your losses.
We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and have recovered over half a billion dollars for our clients.
Contact us today for a free consultation to find out more about how our motorcycle accident attorneys can help you.