Experiencing a motorcycle collision is always stressful. However, a hit-and-run motorcycle accident can bring about additional stress.
Fortunately, you do not have to handle your hit-and-run accident claim alone. Allow a West Virginia hit-and-run motorcycle accident lawyer to help you.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
When there is an accident, all parties involved should stay at the scene. If your accident is a hit-and-run, one party has fled the scene of the accident before they can aid the other party or report the accident to authorities. Essentially, the party leaves you to deal with your accident all on your own.
Hit-and-run accidents can include motorcycle, car, truck, or pedestrian accidents.
Hit-and-runs are not only worse for you as the victim, but they often also result in consequences for the party that fled the scene.
Types of Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can happen in the blink of an eye for a variety of different reasons. Some of the most common types of accidents involving motorcycles include:
- Head-on collisions
- Left-hand turn accidents
- Accidents involving speeding
- Lane-switching collisions
- Accidents involving drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving collisions
Drivers are often unsure how to share the road with motorcycles, making it dangerous for motorcycle riders.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents can range in severity, depending on the accident.
Common types of injuries from motorcycle accidents include:
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Fractured or broken bones
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal injuries
- Amputated limbs
- Facial trauma
In the most unfortunate cases, motorcycle accidents can result in fatalities. After a death, the victim’s family can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover financially.
What to Do If You Have Been Injured in a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, you should take certain steps to protect your rights to compensation and build a substantial case.
Call the Police
Immediately after your accident, contact 911. Once the police arrive, give them as much information as possible regarding your accident. Officers will record details and compile everything into an accident report.
Seek Medical Attention
Getting immediate medical treatment after an accident is one of the most important steps to take. You may get medical aid at the scene of the accident if required. Otherwise, be sure to visit an emergency room or your primary care physician as quickly as possible.
Even if you believe you haven’t sustained serious injuries, it is best to be sure. When your body goes through a stressful experience, like an accident, you release adrenaline. Adrenaline can temporarily hide any pain you may otherwise feel, and you may be injured without knowing it. A thorough medical examination can reveal hidden injuries, allowing you to start medical treatment right away.
Collect Evidence
If possible, gather evidence at the scene of the accident, such as:
- Photos and video
- Information about the other driver, including a vehicle description or license plate number
- Witness information
You can also gather more evidence as it becomes available, including police reports and medical records. Evidence can help your motorcycle accident lawyer strengthen your case.
Consult With a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Contact a qualified West Virginia injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. An attorney will ask questions to understand the details of your hit-and-run collision better and provide legal advice. A lawyer can protect your rights and fight for financial recovery.
How to Bolster Your Hit-and-Run Accident Case
If you wish to bolster your motorcycle accident case, you can:
- Follow through with all medical treatment – While seeking immediate medical attention is critical, following through with all medical treatment provided by your physician is equally important. Completing treatment allows your body to heal as much as it can, and medical records play a vital role in building your case.
- Document accident-related expenses and lost wages – After a motorcycle accident, you will undoubtedly have expenses, and your injuries may cause you to miss time from work. Be sure to keep track of all of your expenses and time lost from work. Doing so can help your accident lawyer calculate your damages.
- Get witness testimony – If anyone witnessed your accident, their testimony is beneficial for your case.
- Request a copy of your police report – A copy of your car accident report provides details of your accident and can help strengthen your case.
Your motorcycle accident attorney will know what steps to take to bolster your case and seek maximum compensation for your injuries.
How a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
A hit-and-run accident can mean severe injuries and mounting expenses. Fortunately, you do not have to handle your case alone. A qualified West Virginia motorcycle accident attorney will work diligently to help get you fair compensation.
Contact us today, and let’s get started on your case.