Hit-and-run has become epidemic in our country and especially in California. According to a recent article, California has the highest hit-and-run accident rate of any state in the Union, and many of those are motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle crash attorneys represent the victims of these accidents and help them recover damages for their injuries, pain and suffering.
A motorcycle car accident or a motorcycle truck accident often involves much more serious injuries than other types of crashes. A motorcycle wreck can lead to death, dismemberment, brain damage, spinal cord damage and other life-altering conditions. These damages may never be compensated in a hit-and-run accident if the driver is not located. Despite recent changes to California law that allow hit-and-run drivers to be charged for longer periods of time than previously, the battle to locate a driver after such an accident is still difficult. Even when drivers are located, many have little or no insurance coverage, are driving illegally, or have no personal assets for a victim to leverage for payment.
Can You Recover Damages If You Were Injured In a Hit-and-Run Accident?
One of the most frightening parts of being involved in a motorcycle injury accident caused by a hit-and-run driver is the idea that you may never locate the responsible party. If this happens, can you still recover damages?
The surprising answer to this question is “yes” if you have proper insurance coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your hospital bills, damage to your motorcycle, and other expenses if you are hit by a hit-and-run driver. However, some insurance companies attempt to deny payment to motorcyclists even when they have this coverage or reduce the amount to which the victim is entitled.
These are cases in which a motorcycle crash attorney’s help can be invaluable. Motorcycle accident attorneys are able to fight for the rights of victims who have been injured while riding a motorcycle in a car accident.
The motorcycle accident lawyer can review the victim’s medical records and determine a fair payment for doctor and hospital bills, physical therapy, and medication costs as well as living expenses, lost wages and other tangible expenses associated with a motorcycle crash. Moreover, an attorney can help victim’s establish payments for pain and suffering and other intangible costs.
However, that is not all the motorcycle lawyer does in these situations. He or she can also explore options for alternative defendants that may have had liability in the crash, including municipalities, motorcycle manufacturers and others who may have had a part in causing the accident. Motorcycle attorneys can also assist victims in establishing liability and pursuing a case against a driver if he or she is located.
With the help of a motorcycle wreck lawyer, victims can feel confident that they are doing everything possible to hold the responsible parties accountable and recover compensation.
