Collecting Damages for a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident

 Posted on April 25, 2025 in Motorcycle Accidents

As a motorcyclist, you know that when a largely unprotected motorcyclist is hit by a 3,000-pound vehicle, he or she will be left with severe injuries more often than not. Motorcyclists also continue to be overrepresented in fatal motorcycle accidents. In 2023, 15 percent of all traffic fatalities were motorcyclists - the highest number of motorcyclists killed in traffic collisions since 1975.

Since motorcycles make up only about 3 percent of the total number of registered vehicles, the risks are clear. When a motorcyclist is hit by a driver who then flees the scene of the accident, recovering damages for medical expenses, lost current and future wages, and pain and suffering can be much more complex. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run driver, it can be extremely beneficial to speak to a knowledgeable Plainfield, IL motorcycle accident lawyer.

How Common Are Hit-and-Run Accidents?

If the driver of the vehicle who hit a motorcyclist is at fault, he or she may leave the scene, hoping not to be implicated in the accident. Hit-and-run accidents are more common than most of us might think. Current data shows that almost five drivers out of every 10,000 in the U.S. have a hit-and-run violation on their record. This is only for those drivers who were caught leaving the scene of an accident and does not consider all the hit-and-run drivers who were not held accountable.

What Makes a Driver Flee the Scene of an Accident?

Many drivers who flee the scene of an accident do so out of fear or panic. They recognize they have caused an accident in which the other driver, motorcyclist, or pedestrian may be severely injured, and fear of reprisals takes over, causing them to make a bad decision. Other drivers who leave the scene of an accident may do so for one of the following reasons:

• The driver is uninsured.
• The driver is driving without a valid driver’s license.
• The driver is driving while impaired.
• The driver has a warrant for his or her arrest for an unrelated offense.
• The driver is a non-citizen who fears removal.
• The driver is driving an employer-owned vehicle and is afraid of losing his or her job.
• The vehicle is stolen, or the driver is driving the vehicle without the owner’s permission.
• The driver is transporting stolen goods.  

What Should You Do if You Are the Victim of a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident?

The best thing for a motorcycle accident victim is to help the police identify and locate the hit-and-run driver. Doing so allows an injured motorcyclist to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance to secure damages (unless the driver is uninsured).

The first two things an injured motorcyclist should always do after an accident are to call 911 and seek medical attention. The motorcyclist should never attempt to chase a driver who flees the scene of an accident, as this could place him or her and others in danger. If the motorcyclist is physically able, he or she should:

• Get contact information and statements from witnesses.
• Try to remember the vehicle’s make, model, color, and which direction it headed when it left.
• Getting a license plate number can help police locate the driver quickly.
• Take photos of the accident scene with a cell phone.
• After receiving medical treatment and notifying your own insurance company, contact a personal injury lawyer.

If the driver who fled the scene is not located, depending on your own insurance, you may be able to file a claim against your own insurer to cover your damages.

Contact a Will County, IL Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, you need solid legal advice as quickly as possible. Speaking to an experienced Plainfield, Illinois motorcycle accident lawyer from Flaherty Law, LLC can make a significant difference in the outcome of your accident.

 Attorney Flaherty began his career in insurance defense litigation, representing individuals in personal injury and property damage matters. Schedule your free consultation today by calling 815-577-7500.