Hit-And-Run Motorcycle Accidents- How To Get Compensation?
May 12, 2020Hit-and-run accidents are nothing short of a crime because the guilty drivers often end up endangering the lives of the victims. Just imagine your motorcycle being hit by an unknown vehicle that leaves you or a loved one injured right in the middle of a dark, lonely road. You will certainly want the driver to be punished, apart from getting the compensation you deserve for your injuries and sufferings. However, the legal treatment of hit-and-run motorcycle accidents requires specialized skills and expertise that only a qualified and experienced attorney can offer. Obviously, it gets difficult to seek compensation when the guilty party is nowhere in the picture. Here are some more facts that you need to know before filing for compensation in such a case.
Steps to take right after a hit-and-run accident
Such accidents are a leading cause of automotive deaths because the offender chooses to flee and victims fail to get medical care right away. If you get involved or witness a hit-and-run mishap, calling the police should be your top priority. The sooner they arrive, the better are the chances of the offender being caught! And the police will also make sure that you get medical aid quickly. After calling the authorities, you should also notify your insurance company and give them the details of the accident and your injuries. This is to be done within a reasonable time or the insurer may simply deny the claim on account of reporting it too late. Gathering witness contact details, pictures of the accident spot, a copy of the police report and your medical records should be next on your checklist.
Recovering damages when the guilty driver is not traceable
One of the most challenging aspects of being in such an accident is that you may never be able to get hold of the responsible driver. Can you still recover damages? Fortunately, the answer is yes, provided you have insurance coverage. Basically,
uninsured motorist coverage covers up your hospital bills, damage to the vehicle and other expenses if you get into a hit-and-run accident. Still, your insurance company may attempt to deny payment or reduce it in every way they can. For this reason, having an expert motorcycle accident lawyer to represent your claim is the best bet. From gathering the requisite evidence to calculating the fair settlement you should get and ensuring that you actually receive it, these professionals can handle all aspects of the case.
Know your legal options
The nature of hit-and-run motorcycle accidents makes them a little different from regular crashes. Obviously, your legal options will vary based on the circumstances. For example, the source compensation depends on the fact whether the guilty driver is nabbed or not. An uninsured motorist claim will apply if the other driver does not have insurance or is not located. Hence, it becomes important to seek guidance from a seasoned lawyer right after the crash. They can identify your legal options and also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Although these cases have several legal complexities, they still need to be resolved with greater conviction because you absolutely deserve to be compensated. And the right attorney can get you a fair settlement that brings your life back on track.