What Happens If the Other Party Left the Motorcycle Accident Scene?

When the driver who hit you has fled the scene, an already traumatic motorcycle accident can quickly transform into a challenging legal battle. Hit-and-run crashes leave motorcycle accident victims grappling not only with physical injuries but also with the frustrating reality of an absent defendant and potential complications in recovering compensation.

While the situation may feel hopeless, there are legal avenues and insurance provisions designed to protect victims when the at-fault party disappears.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Motorcycle Crash

The moments following a hit and run accident are critical to both your physical recovery and your legal case. Even though you are dealing with shock and injuries, try to remain as calm as possible and take the following steps:

• Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance. 
• Gather as much information as possible about the fleeing vehicle, including the license plate number, make, model, color, and direction of travel. 
• Look for witnesses who may have seen the accident or the fleeing vehicle. Get their names and contact information.
• Document the scene by taking photos of your motorcycle damage, your injuries, road conditions, skid marks, and any debris left behind by the other vehicle.
• Seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t think you are seriously injured. 
• Contact a Utah motorcycle accident lawyer for assistance.

Legal Options for Victims of Hit and Run Accidents in Utah

Utah operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means most accident victims initially file claims with their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage regardless of who caused the crash. However, motorcyclists in Utah are not required to carry PIP insurance, so this option typically isn’t available to you. Instead, you would normally pursue a liability claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance, followed by a lawsuit if necessary.

When the at-fault driver is unknown, your path to compensation shifts. You essentially have two options: locate the hit-and-run driver or file a claim under your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. UM coverage is optional in Utah, but if you have it, this provision can compensate you for injuries caused by a driver who either can’t be identified or doesn’t have insurance. 

How Attorneys Investigate Hit and Run Motorcycle Accidents 

After a hit and run, a Utah motorcycle accident attorney brings invaluable resources to the investigation process. Your lawyer can work with accident reconstruction specialists, review surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras, and coordinate with law enforcement to track down the fleeing driver. 

If the driver remains unidentified, your motorcycle accident lawyer in St. George will explore alternative sources of compensation, such as identifying other potentially liable parties who may have contributed to the accident or helping maximize your UM claim. They will handle negotiations with your insurance company and gather comprehensive evidence to build the strongest possible case for your full recovery.

Injured by a Fleeing Driver? Contact an Attorney Right Away

Being the victim of a hit-and-run motorcycle accident is traumatic, but you still have options for compensation. A Utah motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of identifying the at-fault driver, filing claims with your own insurance company, and pursuing every avenue of compensation available to you.

Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case and learn how an accident attorney in St. George will fight for the settlement you deserve.