Northern California Hit and Run Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Motorcycle Hit-and-Run Accidents
There are many situations that may result in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident in Northern California. The most common cause is a motorist's inability to see a motorcyclist, which may be due to driving aggressively, distracted, fatigued, or recklessly; or simply because of a motorist's carelessness. Motorcycle hit-and-run crashes can also result due to bad weather or poor road conditions, and how a motorist reacts to these adverse conditions. Additionally, a motorist may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, thus limiting their ability to see a motorcyclist or avoid hitting a motorcyclist.
Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Crashes
Common injuries caused by motorcycle crashes, including hit-and-run accidents, include brain damage, which is often the result of a traumatic brain injury (TBI); concussions; broken bones, with the most common breakages being the pelvis and shoulder; neck and spine injuries; facial disfigurement; muscle and skin damage, which is commonly referred to as road rash; and nerve damage to the upper arm, which is known as "biker's arm" and causes permanent paralysis of arm movement. Unfortunately, when the driver who hits a motorcyclist flees the scene of an accident and the motorcyclist is injured, their recovery could be affected by a delay in emergency care and treatment.
California Hit-and-Run Law
Under California Vehicle Code 20001, all motorists are required to stop at the scene of an accident if someone has been injured and/or property has been damaged. Motorists involved need to provide their information to other parties involved and to law enforcement officers at the scene, as well as provide reasonable assistance to anyone that has been injured in the collision. This entails notifying emergency personnel to request medical attention for injured victims. Motorists are also required to immediately contact the local police or California Highway Patrol if law enforcement officials are not already on the scene.
Unfortunately, many motorists fail to adhere to this legal duty and leave the scene. If only property was damaged in a collision and a motorist flees the scene, they will be charged with a misdemeanor hit-and-run. If someone is injured or killed in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, a negligent motorist will be charged with a felony hit-and-run. If someone suffers serious and permanent injuries or death in a hit-and-run accident, the negligent motorist will face the same fines as well as restitution, and up to a year in county jail (if the charge is reduced to a misdemeanor) or up to four years in the California State Prison.
Successful Results for Serious Injuries
Even with California hit-and-run laws in place, Northern California hit-and-run motorcycle accidents still occur. A motorist may flee the scene of a crash if they were driving impaired or without a license; they may have been driving uninsured/underinsured; or they were simply scared of the consequences. These accidents leave an injured motorcyclist unsure of how they will receive compensation for their injuries and/or property damage to their bike. Oftentimes insurance companies will pay for these damages, but sometimes they will attempt to deny injured victims coverage.
At Estey and Bomberger, LLP, our Northern California hit and run motorcycle accident lawyers have over 70 years of combined experience successfully helping injured victims receive the compensation they need after an accident. Our attorneys can work with accident reconstructionists, investigators, and witnesses to discover the negligent motorist who caused your injuries. We can also handle your insurance company during this time while you focus on recovery. To learn how we can help you today, call (800) 890-6722.