One of the terrifying aspects of being involved in a motorcycle hit and run accident is the possibility that you will never find the responsible party. Can you still seek compensation if this occurs? If you are a victim of a hit and run motorcycle accident in Muskegon, here are the five things you must do.

Is a Hit and Run From a Motorcycle Any Different?

In most cases, a hit and run motorcycle accident can be more dangerous and fatal than a car accident. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), per mile traveled, motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in a traffic accident than car drivers. Motorcycle riders are also 10 times more likely to be seriously injured in a crash than car drivers.

Hit-and-Run Accidents by the Numbers

Answering the question “Do motorcycle accidents have more hit-and-runs?” is difficult when there is limited data. Fortunately, statistical data from Insurance Information Institute help provide clearer insight:

• • In 2019, NHTSA recorded a 58.33 fatality rate and a 975 injury rate per 100,000 registered motorcycles.
  • In 2019, 5,114 motorcycles and 19,582 passenger cars were involved in fatal crashes.
  • Motorcycles were involved in 22% of hit-and-run accidents, while vehicles were involved in 16%.
  • Out of 36,096 persons killed in fatal motorcycle crashes, 28% were due to alcohol-impaired driving.
  • Out of 23,744 persons who died in fatal car crashes, 32% were due to alcohol-impaired driving.

Because motorcycle hit-and-run accidents are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, working with a motorcycle accident lawyer is essential.

What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get in Accidents?

According to NHTSA, motorcycle accidents claim the lives of over 2,100 people each year. Per mile traveled, motorcyclists are almost 30 times likelier to die in a traffic accident and 4 times more likely to be injured. On the other hand, only 20% of car accidents result in injury or death. As to what percentage of motorcycle riders get in accidents, that figure rises to 80%.

What To Do If You’re Involved In A Motorcycle Hit-and-Run

It is imperative to take action immediately after being involved in a motorcycle hit-and-run accident. Every second counts in these situations. Here’s what to do if you are a victim of a motorcycle hit-and-run accident.

Move to a Safe Area

If you are able, do your best to move yourself to the side of the road and out of danger. Ask for help if other people are nearby, or signal to a passing motorist to stop and assist.

Obtain Information

Once you’re safe, take note of the motorcycle’s make and model, color, license plate number, who was driving the vehicle, and the driver’s direction of travel. Write it down, if possible, to ensure that the information provided to the authorities is accurate. 

Call the Cops

Remain calm and call 9-1-1. Be prepared to provide information, including details of the incident and your location. It is critical to call the police even if no one was injured. You should request a copy of the accident report once it is completed by the officer on the scene.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurer once the police have completed their investigation. The earlier you call, the better as it will ensure accurate details of the incident and start the process of an insurance claim.

File a Civil Suit

If possible, consult a motorcycle accident lawyer on what to do if you are a victim of a motorcycle hit-and-run. File a claim on the same day as the accident. In a civil suit, you typically have 30 days to file a lawsuit to recover costs for:

• • Pain and suffering
  • Wage loss
  • Past and future medical care 
  • Other related damages

What If YOU Caused the Accident?

According to the Michigan No-Fault Act, a motorcycle is not a “motor vehicle.” The law does not require no-fault insurance coverage for the motorcyclist. However, motorcycle owners are still required to purchase PLPD (personal liability and property damage) coverage for injury, property, and life insurance.

The claim is not limited to severe impairment of a body function or permanent disfigurement under the Michigan No-Fault Law. As a result, a person who sues a negligent motorcyclist can sue for any injury. When a driver causes a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, his insurance company will provide legal representation and pay for third-party injuries or damages up to the liability policy limits.

Assuming you own the motorcycle and have existing insurance, even if you caused the accident, you are still entitled to No-Fault Law benefits. Provision of the law, though, excludes accidents with no other party involved. You might be entitled to additional personal injury protection (PIP) benefits if you paid independently for other traditional insurance liability.

Get the Justice You Deserve

Shafer Swartz PLC Personal Injury Lawyers understand how devastating motorcycle hit-and-run accidents can be. Considering the data from the “What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get in Accidents?” section, we are committed to recovering compensation for our clients and holding negligent drivers accountable for the harm they have caused. Moreover, having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Muskegon to represent you is the best way to ensure that you receive all of your legally entitled compensation.