HIT AND RUN

Motorcyclists have enough to worry about when they take to the road. Between uneducated car drivers, challenging weather conditions and the complex task of operating a motorcycle, there’s a lot to keep in mind when you ride. You know the dangers of motorcycle accidents – after all, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to accidents and injuries due to motorcycle use than operators of other motor vehicles. But what do you do in a situation where a driver flees the scene after the accident – a hit and run?

First of all, stay calm. If you are not seriously injured, you may wish to pursue the driver who hit you, but this is strongly advised against, especially given the potential of a situation to escalate into a full-blown altercation and lead to other legal problems. Instead, try to quiet your nerves and remember or write down the license plate number of the offending party, if possible. Call 911 immediately and provide local authorities with as much information as possible, including a physical description of the car, the direction it drove off in, and a physical description of the driver, if applicable. This will allow the police to put out an alert or “flash” informing other authorities that a hit-and-run suspect is at large.

Once you’ve informed police, talk to witnesses and get contact information from them. If at all possible, witnesses should wait for the police to arrive so that they can provide precious details about the accident. While you’re waiting for the police to come, be sure to protect the scene of the accident – even small pieces of debris left over from a crash can be vital evidence to the police.

Seek medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible. Then contact a lawyer. It doesn’t matter why a hit-and-run occurred – drivers may be un- or underinsured or have been scared of legal repercussions. However, by engaging in a hit and run and leaving the scene of the accident, a driver commits a serious crime and should be punished. Once the driver is located, you can press charges and file a civil lawsuit to regain money you spend on medical expenses, the cost of future treatment, and financial consequences such as lost wages.

Don’t let drivers get away with hit and runs. Contact the experienced California motorcycle accident lawyers at Bisnar Chase today. Since 1978, we’ve been fighting for the rights of motorcycle operators involved in accidents such as hit and runs. And we could help you. Call today for a free consultation.

Some motorists will qualify for reimbursement for their loss through the California Victims of Crime Program. You can call them at (800) 777-9229 if you would like more information on this program.

Check with the California DMV to get instructions on reporting the accident. You can access the information through their web site at
www.dmv.ca.gov

Check out this very interesting article relating to hit and run involving a motorcyclist.
http://www.ama-cycle.org/terrybarnard/overdueprocess.html