What To Do After Hit and Run Motorcycle Accident in Florida

Motorcycle riders enjoy the same rights and privileges on the road as any other motorist, and, unfortunately, they face many of the same risks. Experiencing a hit-and-run motorcycle accident is a very real possibility, and ensuring you receive suitable compensation for any resulting injuries requires taking the proper steps.

Our team of experienced Winter Haven motorcycle accident attorneys at JustCallMoe is eager to help injured motorcyclists in and around Orlando, FL. We can guide you through the steps to take after a motorcycle hit-and-run so that you can achieve a favorable outcome for your accident claim.

Defining a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident

A hit-and-run accident occurs when another driver causes a collision but leaves the scene without facing the consequences. In Florida, drivers involved in any crash are legally obligated to remain at the scene and exchange information with other parties involved. If the damage caused by the accident exceeds $500, those involved must also report the accident to the police. Leaving before fulfilling these requirements constitutes a criminal hit-and-run offense.

A hit-and-run motorcycle accident can result in particularly devastating injuries given the rider’s relative lack of protection. Due to a motorcycle’s small size as compared to other vehicles, a negligent driver might believe they can justify leaving the scene by claiming they did not notice the motorcycle even after hitting it.

Causes of Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accidents

When riding a motorcycle, other drivers may fail to notice you due to the smaller profile of a motorcycle compared to a full-sized vehicle. All motorists are responsible for adequately checking for nearby traffic before performing any maneuver on the road, including accounting for motorcyclists who might easily slip into blind spots. Failing to notice a motorcycle and driving aggressively are examples of negligence, especially if the at-fault driver causes an accident and flees the scene afterward.

A driver hitting a parked motorcycle is also a common hit-and-run motorcycle accident. When an at-fault motorist hits a parked vehicle, they may think they can avoid consequences if no one is on the vehicle and if there are no witnesses. A common example of this is when someone backs out of a spot in a parking lot, misjudges the distance between vehicles, and bumps into a parked motorcycle.

Dangers of Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents, like any type of car crash, can cause severe injury and extensive property damage to your vehicle. Many hit-and-run accidents between moving vehicles tend to be sideswipes, in which the sides of the two vehicles become the points of impact. This can occur when one driver attempts to change lanes without checking for nearby traffic.

Common injuries from this type of accident include:

• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal damage

Another challenge of a hit-and-run motorcycle accident is the possibility of not receiving financial compensation due to the difficulty in tracking down a hit-and-run driver. Taking appropriate action soon after the accident can help ensure a positive outcome.

What To Do After a Motorcycle Hit-and-Run

The shock of a motor vehicle accident can leave you unsure of what to do next, especially if the other driver complicates the process by leaving the scene. It is important to remain calm and remember that your well-being is the top priority.

The first steps you should take after a motorcycle hit-and-run are to do the following:

• Contact the police to report the accident
• Seek medical attention if you were on your motorcycle when the collision happened
• Document the accident with photographs and witness information
• Notify your auto insurance provider
• Call your motorcycle accident attorney

Following the appropriate process ensures your safety and helps initiate the insurance claim process as smoothly as possible.

Receiving Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Crash

You can receive compensation after a hit-and-run motorcycle accident. You may even be eligible for compensation beyond the value of your injuries and property damage due to the suffering and inconvenience the other party caused you by fleeing the scene. However, securing the compensation first requires locating the liable party.

Contacting the police immediately after your hit and run can increase the chances of law enforcement identifying the responsible party. Your legal team can also play a role in investigating the accident and acting upon your account of the events. If the authorities find the person who caused your motorcycle hit and run, your attorney can support you in pursuing compensation directly from them and their insurance company.

If the police do not find the at-fault driver or the at-fault driver does not have insurance coverage, you may be able to file a claim for compensation with your insurance provider. If you have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your policy, your provider should compensate you for some or all of your damages in this situation.

The Role of a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

A hit-and-run motorcycle accident is a unique circumstance among vehicle collisions. This means you stand to benefit from having the support of an attorney with specific experience. Having the right legal team on your side enables you to rest and recover while your representatives carry the legal burden.

A Winter Haven motorcycle accident attorney at JustCallMoe can help you by:

• Investigating the cause of your hit-and-run accident
• Collecting evidence to establish fault and track down the at-fault driver
• Helping you file your claim and submit paperwork
• Negotiating with insurance providers on your behalf

Involving a motorcycle accident attorney early can make a significant difference, especially in a hit-and-run case.

While Florida provides a relatively generous statute of limitations of four years after a vehicle accident, it is important to account for the time it may take to find the at-fault driver. Your legal team can help your case remain on a healthy schedule.

Contact Our Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

It can feel like the odds are against you after a hit-and-run motorcycle accident. At JustCallMoe, we level the playing field for injured motorcyclists in Winter Haven and other cities in the Orlando, FL, area. Contact us today for a free consultation.