Motorcycle accidents can be incredibly dangerous, leading to severe physical injuries and mental trauma. You may feel unsure about what to do next, but knowing how to respond before an accident occurs will help you protect your legal rights and receive compensation. This guide will outline steps to take after a motorcycle hit-and-run incident, as well as the legal means to pursue financial compensation.
Immediate Actions: Securing Safety and Reporting the Incident
In the immediate aftermath of the accident, you should prioritise your safety. If you’re physically able, move yourself and your bike out of the way to avoid oncoming traffic, and turn on your hazard lights if they’re operational. Moving to the side of the road with hazard lights will increase your visibility to other drivers.
Check yourself for injuries and call 999 as soon as possible to report the incident. Make sure you document the scene, including the time and date, vehicle details you remember from the other driver, road conditions, and any injuries you sustained.
Legal Obligations and Reporting Requirements
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, all drivers involved in road accidents that cause injury or damage must stop and provide their name, address, and vehicle details or report the incident to the police within 24 hours.
Failing to do so is a criminal offence, which can leave victims of hit-and-run accidents with additional complications and stress. Make sure you report any details of the vehicle that fled the scene to the police.
Medical Assessment and Documentation
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to quickly seek medical attention, as some may not be immediately apparent. Medical records can serve as required evidence for insurance claims and any subsequent legal proceedings you may pursue.
Documenting your injuries will strengthen your case, enabling your legal team to advocate for your case with strong evidence. They will establish the extent of the impact of the injuries on your life and any associated costs.
Navigating Insurance Claims and Legal Support
In hit-and-run cases where the at-fault driver can’t be identified or is uninsured, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) may offer you compensation. UK insurers fund it to help cover innocent victims of uninsured or untraced drivers, so contact the MIB to claim for vehicle damage, personal injury, and other related losses. Bear in mind that strict time limits of three years from the date of the accident, or five years in Scotland, apply, along with specific evidence requirements.
Motorcycle accidents can cause more severe injuries than car accidents, so it’s wise to consult solicitors who specialise in motorcycle claims. By filing a motorcycle accident compensation claim with expert solicitors, you’ll receive guidance throughout the claims process. The team can negotiate with the MIB on your behalf and help you secure full compensation to adjust back into your life.
