Motorcycle accidents are some of the most severe type of accident a person can be involved in. However, when the person who caused the accident flees the scene of the crash, immediate legal action should be taken to make sure that compensation can still be obtained.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident caused by a motorist who fled the scene of the accident, get in touch with a skilled attorney. A Chattanooga hit-and-run motorcycle accident lawyer could review the details of your accident and help you find the responsible party. If the at-fault party cannot be found, an attorney could inform you of other options.
How is Insurance Impacted in Motorcycle Hit-and-Run Scenario?
In a hit-and-run situation in Chattanooga, if they do not know who hit them or who caused the wreck, then the victim would find it difficult to recover from that person. If they do not know who they are, they will likely not know who their insurance company is. Therefore, there is no way for them to recover from the at-fault driver or from their insurance company on their behalf. Unfortunately, this has a large impact on how they are going to pay for their damages.
Thankfully, uninsured motorist would come to play in that event. Uninsured motorist coverage would pay the damages of the person who fled the scene if they cannot find them. If a motorcyclist has this type of coverage, they may be able to be compensated for the damages they sustained. This has been seen in many cases since hit and run accidents involving motorcyclists are on the rise.
How can a Case Proceed if the Driver Cannot Be Found?
A motorcycle injury claim can proceed against the motorcyclist’s uninsured motorist carrier in the event the person who caused the wreck cannot be located. The victim has the ability to file a lawsuit with the defendant being named John Doe or Jane Doe. When this happens, the uninsured motorist carrier would be required to come in and defend the case or defend the lawsuit. Whatever the court or the jury awards the plaintiff for their injuries and damages, the uninsured motorist carrier would have to pay.
Most of these claims are settled without a lawsuit. Even if a lawsuit is filed, they are often settled without going to trial. However, they still proceed similarly to a claim where they know who the defendant is.
Common Damages an Injured Person can Claim in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
There are two categories of recoverable damages. The first is property damage. Oftentimes in a motorcycle wreck, the motorcycle will be completely destroyed. Many motorcycles are worth tens of thousands of dollars and so property damage can be a significant factor in insurance claims or motorcycle wreck claims.
The second category is injuries, and they are frequently far more severe than the property damage. Oftentimes, a person after a motorcycle wreck will have multiple catastrophic injuries requiring hospitalization, surgery, and inpatient rehab lasting weeks. The medical expenses involved in a personal injury claim after a motorcycle wreck can be staggering. Combined with lost time from work, loss of income, the loss of enjoyment of life, the damages in a motorcycle accident claim could be worth a considerable amount.
Schedule a Consultation with a Trusted Attorney Today
Hit-and-run accidents are often one of the most difficult types of accidents to obtain compensation from. If the at-fault party cannot be found, then it would be almost impossible to hold them accountable for damages. However, if a motorcyclist has uninsured motorist coverage, they may still be able to claim compensation for injuries suffered. To learn more, speak with a Chattanooga hit-and-run motorcycle accident lawyer today.
