How a Pottsville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Handles Cases Involving Hit-and-Run Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are some of the most devastating and traumatic events a person can experience. Unfortunately, in some cases, the responsible party doesn’t stay at the scene. Instead, they flee, leaving the victim in an even more challenging position. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident where the driver responsible for the crash left the scene—commonly known as a hit-and-run—you may be wondering what steps to take next.
In Pottsville, Pennsylvania, a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can provide the legal support needed to navigate these complex cases. At Metzger Wickersham (MWKE), we understand the difficulties that come with handling a hit-and-run motorcycle accident case. In this blog post, we’ll explore how a Pottsville motorcycle accident lawyer can assist victims of these types of accidents and help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
1. Understanding Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accidents
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver causes a collision and then leaves the scene without stopping to provide necessary details such as contact information, vehicle registration, and insurance details. In Pennsylvania, leaving the scene of an accident is not only a civil violation but also a criminal offense. However, criminal charges don’t directly help you recover damages for your injuries or losses. For motorcyclists, the risk of injury is often significantly higher than that of other motorists due to the lack of protective barriers on a motorcycle. If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run, the impact on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being can be overwhelming. However, even if the responsible driver isn’t immediately found, a Pottsville motorcycle accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation.2. Immediate Steps After a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, there are a few important steps to take, especially if you plan to pursue legal action. A motorcycle accident lawyer will guide you through the process, but here’s what you should do immediately:- Call the Police: It’s crucial to report the accident to law enforcement, even if the other driver has fled the scene. A police report will be necessary for documenting the accident and can serve as the basis for the investigation.
- Record Details: If you’re physically able, try to collect as much information as possible. This may include taking photographs of the accident scene, damages to your motorcycle, and any visible injuries. Try to remember any details about the fleeing vehicle, such as its color, make, model, and partial license plate number.
- Find Witnesses: If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information. Their testimony could prove invaluable in identifying the responsible party.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to seek medical care. Some injuries from motorcycle accidents are not immediately apparent, so it’s essential to have a doctor examine you.
3. Investigating the Hit-and-Run Accident
One of the primary roles of a Pottsville motorcycle accident lawyer is to investigate the accident and try to identify the responsible driver. The investigation typically involves several steps:- Reviewing Police Reports: The police will conduct their own investigation and attempt to track down the driver responsible for the accident. Your lawyer will stay involved and communicate with law enforcement to gather any available information.
- Utilizing Surveillance Footage: Many accidents occur near businesses or public areas with security cameras. Your lawyer will work to obtain any footage that might show the vehicle involved or help identify the fleeing driver.
- Consulting Experts: In some cases, your attorney may work with accident reconstruction experts or private investigators to help gather evidence and build a strong case for you.
- Tracking Down the Driver: If the vehicle involved in the accident was identifiable, the investigation may lead to the responsible driver. The police may be able to track them down through vehicle registration records or other leads.
4. Exploring Legal and Insurance Options
In a hit-and-run case, if the responsible driver cannot be identified, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are without options. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Pottsville will explore alternative ways to help you recover damages:- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Pennsylvania law requires that drivers carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. This type of coverage can provide compensation for your injuries if the at-fault driver is not located or is uninsured.
- Your Own Insurance: If you have comprehensive insurance, your policy may provide coverage even in the event of a hit-and-run accident. Your lawyer will review your policy to see if you have coverage options for this type of incident.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, meaning that your insurance may cover certain immediate medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Your lawyer can assist you in understanding how to access and utilize these benefits.
5. Fighting for Fair Compensation
When you’re the victim of a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, your lawyer will help you seek compensation for a variety of damages, including:- Medical Expenses: Coverage for all past and future medical bills, such as hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescription medications.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and future earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages to compensate for the emotional and physical pain caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Compensation for repairs or replacement of your damaged motorcycle or other personal property.