Motorcycles can be exhilarating vehicles to drive. Unfortunately, motorcycle riders are more vulnerable than passengers inside traditional vehicles. In general, injured motorcyclists are able to recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. However, what happens if a motorcyclist is hit by a driver who then flees the scene? Here, we want to discuss what you should do following a motorcycle hit and run accident in Philadelphia.
1. Call 911
Any motorcyclist hit by a driver who then flees the scene needs to stay where they are and call 911. The police need to be involved, and law enforcement needs to take over the search for the driver who fled the scene. Under no circumstances should any motorcyclist try to chase down the hit and run driver on their own. This will create incredible hazards, not only for the motorcyclist but also for other people on the roadway.
2. Check for Injuries
Any motorcyclist involved in an accident must seek medical care immediately. Regardless of whether or not a person feels any pain after a collision, it is important to understand that the signs and symptoms of some motorcycle accident injuries do not appear for hours or days after the collision occurs. Doctors can conduct a complete evaluation and search for any possible hidden injuries that could affect a motorcyclist. Additionally, seeking medical care establishes a direct link between the crash and any injuries.
3. Gather Evidence
Individuals should only gather evidence at the scene of the crash if it is safe to do so and if there are no serious injuries. One of the easiest ways to gather evidence after a motorcycle crash includes using a cell phone to take photographs of everything visible. This includes damage to vehicles, injuries, debris, skid marks, traffic and weather conditions, and more. Additionally, if there were any eyewitnesses who may have seen the hit and run driver or the vehicle involved, you need to get their names and contact information before they leave.
4. Call Your Insurance Carrier
Any motorcycle accident needs to be reported to your insurance carrier as soon as possible. Most insurance carriers have strict reporting deadlines when it comes to these claims, typically within a day or two after the incident occurs.
5. Check Your Policy
You should check your insurance policy to determine whether or not you have no-fault coverage or full-tort coverage. If you have no-fault insurance, you will likely be able to recover some compensation for the incident right away. Additionally, check to see if you have uninsured motorist coverage that can help pay for your injuries and property damage expenses if the other driver is not apprehended or if they are uninsured.
6. Contact an Attorney
You should speak to a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyer who can get involved quickly, obtain evidence, and help prove liability. An attorney will be able to explore all avenues of compensation on your behalf after a motorcycle hit and run accident.
7. Continue Medical Treatment
You must continue all medical treatment prescribed by a doctor. If you discontinue medical care after a motorcycle hit and run in Pennsylvania, you run the risk of an insurance carrier delaying or denying the claim because they think your injuries are not as severe as initially reported.