Being involved in a motorcycle accident is a terrifying experience, no matter what. These collisions can be even more frustrating when the other driver flees the scene. Victims of Sacramento hit-and-run motorcycle accidents may be left with limited options for recovering compensation for their losses. And unfortunately, the financial costs of a motorcycle accident tend to be much higher because motorcyclists are more likely, in general, to suffer serious injuries.
If you’ve been hurt in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident in Sacramento, get help from Demas Law Group, P.C. Our legal team has more than 25 years of experience handling personal injury cases for injured Californians just like you. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with an acclaimed hit-and-run accident attorney.
Motorcycle Hit-and-Run Laws in Sacramento
Under California law, all drivers must stop and provide assistance if they’re involved in an accident, even if one of the vehicles involved was parked and no one is injured. Leaving the scene of an accident is a misdemeanor if no one suffered injuries. Hit-and-run drivers can be charged with a felony if someone sustained injuries or died in the crash.
After an accident, all drivers should check to see if anyone was injured, then provide their name, driver’s license number, insurance information, and other key information to the other parties.
Common Injuries in Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Crashes
Common types of injuries from a motorcycle hit-and-run accident include:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Deep cuts
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Facial injuries
- Disfigurement
- Amputation
- Burns
- Emotional distress
Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident
Obtaining hit-and-run compensation can be difficult, especially if the driver who fled the scene is never found. If you can’t identify and catch the driver who hit you, you may be able to file a bodily injury claim if you purchased uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your motorcycle insurance policy. But if you don’t have UM coverage under your policy, you may have a hard time getting compensation for your injuries.
If you can identify and find the hit-and-run driver, you can potentially recover substantial compensation for your losses. This can include money for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
What Happens If There Was No Contact Between Vehicles?
Sometimes a hit-and-run accident happens when one driver’s actions cause another vehicle to lose control. The catch with these cases is that many insurance companies deem them single-vehicle crashes, making it harder for accident victims to recover compensation.
To recover compensation after a no-contact crash, you’ll need proof that the other driver’s actions led to your injuries, even if there was no direct collision between the vehicles. Eyewitnesses, surveillance video, and other evidence can help substantiate your claim after a no-contact motorcycle accident.
What To Do After a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Crash
Here’s what to do after a motorcycle hit-and-run accident.
- Call 911 to summon medical help and law enforcement.
- Document the accident scene as best you can by taking photos, collecting driver information, and
- gathering witness names and contact information.
- Seek medical treatment immediately.
- Keep all your medical records, bills, and other proof of your accident-related losses.
- Don’t talk to the insurance company until you’ve spoken with a hit-and-run accident lawyer. Check your insurance policy for notification deadlines. If you must contact the insurer before speaking to an attorney, keep it brief. Don’t agree to make a statement until you’ve gotten legal advice.
How Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help After a Hit-and-Run
Getting help from a personal injury lawyer is crucial to pursue compensation after a motorcycle hit-and-run in Sacramento. The team at Demas Law Group, P.C., can investigate your case, work to identify the driver responsible for your injuries, and fight to hold them accountable for their recklessness. Our attorneys will also explore all other avenues of potential compensation if the driver is never located.
If you suffered injuries in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, you’re not alone. Call or contact us today for a free case evaluation with a skilled injury lawyer.