Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident is terrible. This is especially true if you were riding a motorbike when the collision occurred. Motorbikes provide less protection than other vehicles, so injuries are often more severe. And since the at-fault driver fled the scene, you are left to deal with the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath on your own.
If you have recently been the victim of a hit-and-run motorbike accident in Ohio, here is what you need to do next.
Seek Medical Attention
The first thing you should do after any motorbike collision is get checked out by a doctor. Even if you think you escaped unharmed, some injuries like concussions, internal bleeding or spinal damage may not be obvious right away. The adrenaline rushing through your body immediately after the crash can also mask pain temporarily.
Getting prompt medical care can diagnose any hidden injuries so they do not worsen. It also documents your condition shortly after the accident, which can help if you need to make an injury claim later. Go to the emergency room or visit your doctor as soon as possible after the collision.
Report the Accident
After seeking medical care, you should report the hit-and-run accident to the police. Provide them with as many details as you can remember, like the time and location of the crash, any identifying details about the fleeing driver or vehicle, and the direction they drove off in. This information can help the police identify the at-fault motorist.
In Ohio, it is a misdemeanor criminal offense for a driver to leave the scene of an accident that resulted in injury or property damage. So, the police will investigate if they have enough information to track the hit-and-run driver down.
Gather Evidence
While waiting for the police to arrive, and any time after the crash, try to gather as much evidence as possible. If your motorcycle has a dash cam or other recording device, save the footage. Take photos of any vehicle damage, skid marks on the roadway, debris from the collision, and your own injuries. Get contact info for any witnesses who saw the accident occur.
All this evidence can help the police locate the at-fault driver. It can also help prove your injuries and losses were directly caused by the hit-and-run collision if you need to make an insurance or injury claim.
Consult an Experienced Motorbike Accident Attorney
An experienced motorbike accident attorney can help protect your rights after a hit-and-run. For example, they can deal with the insurance companies and use evidence to demand full and fair compensation on your behalf. This allows you to focus on recovering from your injuries.
An attorney can also investigate the collision and work with the police to help identify the driver who fled. If found, they can be held both criminally and civilly liable for the accident. This means they may face fines or jail time, and will have to compensate you for your losses.
File an Insurance Claim
You should contact both your own motorbike insurance company and the insurer of the vehicle that hit you to start insurance claims. Provide details of the accident and your injuries, and ask what steps you need to take to get compensated for damage and medical bills.
Unfortunately, claims involving hit-and-run drivers are often more complex. But an experienced attorney can help maximize your payout and deal with any denial or delays.
If the at-fault driver is eventually found, their liability insurance should cover your losses. If not, you may need to rely on your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Focus on Healing
In the days and weeks after your motorbike accident, be sure to listen to your doctor’s advice and focus on healing. Get plenty of rest, take time off work if needed, attend all follow-up medical appointments, and avoid strenuous physical activity that could aggravate your injuries.
Proper recovery helps ensure your injuries do not have lasting effects. It also shows insurers just how serious your injuries are, strengthening your claim. Avoid posting on social media about activities that go against your doctor’s recommendations.
Being injured in a hit-and-run motorbike crash can leave you facing extensive medical treatment, lost wages, vehicle repair/replacement costs, higher insurance rates and more. But following these steps helps protect your rights and positions you to demand maximum compensation for your losses.
Our firm has years of experience helping injured motorcyclists recover fair compensation after Ohio accidents. If you were the victim of a hit-and-run, contact our skilled motorbike accident attorneys today for a free consultation. We have 32 offices in 19 states including Ohio, South Carolina, and Utah, and are ready to help you seek justice after this difficult collision. Call now at (888) 477-0597.