What To Do After a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident in Kentucky?
A hit-and-run accident is one of the most shocking, confusing, and emotionally charged experiences you can face as a motorcycle rider. One moment, you are cruising on your motorcycle, and the next, you’ve been hit, most likely, violently, by a vehicle that then speeds away, leaving you alone, injured at the scene. Because motorcycles lack protective safety features like those on passenger vehicles, often the injuries sustained are severe. Unfortunately, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents are pretty common in Kentucky.
Hit-and-run motorcycle accidents often bring about serious financial and legal challenges. You are most likely facing significant medical bills and lost wages while wondering how you will pursue compensation when the at-fault driver is nowhere to be found. If you’ve been in a Kentucky hit-and-run motorcycle accident, below are some crucial steps to protect your rights.
- Call 911 and Report the Accident
The first, most vital step after a hit-and-run motorcycle accident is to call the police and report the accident. The police will document the scene, speak to witnesses, and try to locate the fleeing driver. Provide the police with every detail you can about the vehicle and driver that hit you, including the car’s make, model, color, and any part of the license plate you might have seen. The police report is also vital evidence in any insurance or legal claim you file later.
- Seek Prompt Medical Care
Even if you feel “fine” or your injuries seem minor, it is crucial to seek prompt medical attention. Motorcycle crashes can lead to hidden or delayed injuries, such as internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries. Getting prompt medical attention can protect your health. It can also protect your legal rights by creating vital documentation that connects your injuries to the accident, which is essential for any insurance or legal claim you file later.
- Gather Evidence
If you can, document the following;
- The time and location of your accident
- The road and weather conditions
- The fleeing vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate (even if partial)
- The damage to your motorcycle
- Witnesses’ names and contact information
Take pictures of the entire scene, your damaged motorcycle, skid marks, debris, and injuries. Also, try to locate nearby surveillance cameras that may have captured footage of the hit-and-run. This evidence can help the police locate the driver who took off and support your case.
- Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance company of the hit-and-run accident as soon as possible. Kentucky law requires insurance companies to offer policyholders uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. You can file a claim with your insurance company if you purchased this type of coverage while getting your auto insurance. UM/UIM coverage is designed for situations where the at-fault motorist does not have insurance, has insufficient insurance, or cannot be located, such as in a hit-and-run accident.
- Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Last, but definitely not least, contact a motorcycle accident attorney. An attorney with experience handling hit-and-run motorcycle accidents can;
- Investigate the accident and work with the police to find the fleeing driver
- Identify all possible sources of compensation
- Deal with insurance companies
- Calculate the value of your case
A skilled attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact Us for Legal Help
Don’t wait to speak to an attorney if you’ve been in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident. Contact our skilled London & Southeast Kentucky motorcycle accident attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm for help seeking the compensation you deserve.
Source:
apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=45815
