When a negligent driver causes an accident, it can be hard to understand the steps involved in recovering damages, but a Columbus motorcycle accident lawyer can help you through the process.
A personal injury lawyer who handles cases of hit-and-run involving motorcycles in Columbus will obtain your police report and investigate the accident scene. They will also examine your insurance policy for any coverage that protects you from financial harm caused by someone else’s negligence. With their legal and investigative guidance, you can recover your lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.
Why Drivers Flee the Scene of a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident in Columbus
In a hit-and-run accident, the at-fault driver leaves the accident without offering assistance to any injured parties or accepting responsibility for their actions. Some of the reasons a driver might flee the scene of an accident include:
- Drug or alcohol intoxication
- Driving without insurance
- Driving with prior tickets
- Concern for other legal issues
In some cases, sheer panic causes a driver to leave the accident scene. No matter why the driver fled, your legal team will take steps to identify the at-fault car and driver.
What You Can Do if the Driver Who Hit Your Motorcycle in Columbus Fled
If the driver fled the accident scene, you can still take steps to support your compensation request. Call the police and file a police report. They can capture many of the circumstances of the accident in an official report. The police report can avoid misinformation or accusations made later that call your actions into question.
Additionally, you could obtain contact details for anyone who witnessed the collision. Witness testimony can corroborate your version of events. It can also provide crucial details from varying points of view. You can also consult a motorcycle accident attorney to represent you. A motorcycle accident attorney can handle the hard work of building a solid motorcycle accident claim for your financial compensation.
Compensation Options When the Columbus Hit-and-Run Driver Cannot Be Found
In most motorcycle accident cases, the at-fault driver is responsible for compensating you. If that driver flees, it doesn’t automatically mean that you have to cover your losses on your own. The police and your attorney’s investigation team can attempt to locate the driver by:
- Collecting debris and other objects to identify the vehicle
- Speaking to witnesses who captured full or partial license plate numbers
- Examining traffic, smartphone, security, and other video
When determining who is at fault in your motorcycle accident is not possible, you may need to turn to your own insurance policy for coverage. A personal injury attorney can examine your policy and negotiate compensation for you and your family.
Financial Recovery for a Columbus Hit-and-Run Accident Involving Motorcycles
As the motorcyclist, you likely sustained far more serious injuries than the fleeing driver, which can leave you with extensive and long-term medical expenses. According to Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.18, you can recover your medical bills and the following economic damages:
- Lost wages and salary
- Property damage or destruction
Damages you can collect for a motorcycle accident also include non-economic compensation, including pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and mental and emotional anguish.
Families who lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident can recover wrongful death damages, including funeral and burial costs, loss of consortium, companionship, care, protection, and society. Your lawyer will explain which family members can file a wrongful death action and recover damages, accordingly.
Filing Deadlines That Apply to Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits in Columbus, Ohio
Meeting the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Ohio is an important part of your case. Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10 generally gives you two years to file your personal injury lawsuit. If it is not filed within the allotted time, you could be prohibited from filing it at all.
The wrongful death statute of limitations is also generally two years, according to Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02. It carries the same penalties for non-compliance. Plus, there are various exceptions to these statutes that could shorten or lengthen the deadline.
You do not have to meet the filing deadline or interpret the exceptions without legal support. If a lawyer represents you, they can interpret the filing deadline and any factors that could cause it to fluctuate in your case.
A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Protect Your Rights After a Hit-and-Run
One of the best ways to protect your rights after a motorcycle accident is to consult a local motorcycle accident attorney. Ideally, you should contact an attorney before making any verbal or written statements about the accident. Your attorney will:
- Handle all forms of communication for you
- Determine the value of your personal injury claim
- Examine your insurance policy in detail
- Complete and submit insurance claim forms
- Attempt to locate the at-fault driver
Your law firm will speak with lay witnesses, collect their statements, and consult medical, accident reconstruction, and financial planning experts, as needed. They will also help you understand each step in the financial recovery process.
A Lawyer Can Handle Insurance for a Columbus Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident
Your lawyer will represent you in pursuing damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company—if the driver is identified—or your own. During the negotiation phase, they will:
- Send a demand letter for compensation
- Provide proof of your recoverable damages
- Assess each potential settlement offer
- Make appropriate counteroffers as needed
Your lawyer will not usurp your right to make the final decision in your case. Instead, they will work toward the best possible outcome for you and guide you toward a well-informed settlement decision.
Get Help Recovering Damages After a Motorcycle Hit-and-Run in Columbus
If you or someone you love was injured on your motorcycle by a driver who fled the scene, we can help you obtain damages. We will explain your rights and your financial recovery options.
At The Fitch Law Firm LLC, we want to get fair compensation for every motorcycle accident victim we represent. Contact our consultation team to learn more about how our lawyer handles cases of hit-and-run involving motorcycles in Columbus.