What If a Motorcycle Is Involved in a Hit-and-Run Collision in Oklahoma?

Tony Edwards | July 1, 2021 | Motorcycle Accident

Motor vehicle accidents often have serious consequences for motorcycle riders. Because motorcycles lack the protection of an enclosed passenger compartment and safety belts, motorcyclists are more likely to suffer severe injuries and require medical assistance after a crash. This makes hit-and-run motorcycle accidents particularly problematic.

When a driver flees the scene of an Oklahoma motorcycle accident, motorcyclists may be left seriously injured and wondering how to afford medical treatment. This can unnecessarily prolong the amount of time it takes to obtain medical care, potentially leading to worse health outcomes.

If you were involved in a hit-and-run motorcycle collision, you may be wondering how you’ll recover both physically and financially. The Oklahoma motorcycle injury attorneys of Edwards & Patterson are ready to assist you. Contact us today to review your accident and legal options during a free consultation.

Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur in Oklahoma?

For most people, fleeing the scene of a motor vehicle accident is unthinkable. However, some people panic and flee the scene of the accident to try to avoid responsibility and any legal consequences or financial liability. The common factors that influence hit-and-run drivers’ decisions to flee the scene include:

Driving with a suspended license – Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a misdemeanor offense in Oklahoma. Drivers who are illegally driving on a suspended license may flee the scene to avoid the consequences of their actions including fines and jail time.
Driving without proper insurance – Driving without minimum insurance coverage is a misdemeanor that can be punishable by fines, imprisonment, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol – If a driver crashes while impaired by alcohol or intoxicating drugs, the driver may flee the scene to try to avoid facing serious DUI or DWI charges.
Driving with illegal contraband – Drivers who are transporting illegal drugs, weapons, or illicit money, may flee the scene to avoid criminal charges of possession or transportation of illegal contraband.
Driving with an outstanding open warrant – If a driver is aware that there is an active warrant for their arrest, the driver may drive off to avoid facing arrest.

Duty to Stop Laws in Oklahoma and Your Rights

Under Oklahoma law, drivers must stop and fulfill certain requirements when involved in motor vehicle accidents that result in bodily injury, death, or property damage. When an accident results in injury, death, or property damage to an attended vehicle, the drivers involved must:

Stop and remain at the scene or as close as possible to the scene without obstructing traffic more than necessary.
Call law enforcement if there are any injuries or fatalities.
Provide their legal name, address, and vehicle registration number to others affected by the crash and exhibit their driver’s licenses upon request
Render reasonable assistance, which includes transporting or arranging the transportation of anyone injured to a medical facility, if such assistance is necessary or requested by the injured person
Submit to drug and alcohol testing as soon as possible after the crash if the accident results in immediate death or great bodily injury.

Drivers who strike unattended vehicles are required to stop and either:

Locate the owner, notify them of the accident, and provide them with relevant personal and vehicle information; or
Leave a written notice of such information in a conspicuous place, if the owner cannot be located

Depending on the severity of the crash, hit-and-run drivers who fail to comply with the requirements to stop at the scene may face misdemeanor or even felony charges. Punishments upon conviction can include substantial fines, license revocation, and even prison time.

How to Pay for Injuries After a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident in OK

If the hit-and-run driver who hit you cannot be identified by police, then you may need to file a claim against your own insurance coverage. This can be complicated.

If you have a Medical Payments policy as part of your motorcycle insurance coverage, this type of insurance covers certain expenses related to injuries that you sustained involving your motorcycle, regardless of who was at fault. It pays for medical expenses up to the limits of your policy.

If you have uninsured motorist coverage, the UM coverage should pay for your medical bills related to bodily injuries sustained on a motorcycle in a hit-and-run accident.

You may file a claim with your own insurance after a hit-and-run motorcycle accident without the assistance of an attorney. But insurance companies may dispute your claim or offer a low settlement that is far less than the fair value of your claim, especially if serious medical expenses are involved.

Having a knowledgeable Oklahoma injury attorney negotiate on your behalf can make all the difference in the end result. Our attorneys can help you understand what is reasonable to expect to resolve your claim

What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident?

If you were injured in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, you may be contending with painful injuries and wondering what to do next. You can protect your legal rights by:

Notifying law enforcement—Local law enforcement can investigate the hit-and-run accident, prepare an accident report, and search for the hit-and-run driver. Provide as much information about the vehicle that hit you as possible.
Seeking immediate medical attention – If you were not rushed to the hospital from the scene of the accident, then seek prompt medical attention for your injuries and follow through on any treatment recommendations from your physician.
Gathering as much evidence as possible – Take photographs of the accident scene and any visible injuries you sustained and ask any eyewitnesses for statements and contact information.
Recording all accident-related expenses – Keep track of all your medical bills, motorcycle repair expenses, and other costs associated with the hit-and-run accident.
Keeping a “pain journal” – Start a daily journal to record the pain and physical disabilities you experience as a result of the crash.
Avoiding social media – Refrain from sharing information about the accident on social media or commenting on your health while your claim is pending.
Contacting a knowledgeable attorney – An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and determine your best next steps for obtaining the compensation you need your insurance company and the party responsible for your injury.

How to Know When You Need Legal Help After a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident

It’s a good idea to seek legal help if:

You suffered significant physical injuries.
You are forced to multiple days of work as a result of your injuries.
You will likely require long-term care for your injuries.
Your insurance provider denies your claim.
You aren’t sure how to estimate the value of your claim.
You need help understanding your legal rights and options.

Contact an Oklahoma Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

At Edwards & Patterson, our experienced motorcycle injury attorneys are prepared to handle every aspect of your Oklahoma hit-and-run motorcycle accident claim while you focus on your health. We charge no upfront or out-of-pocket fees to begin work on your case. We only get paid if and when we recover compensation for your claim.

Our initial consultations are always free with no obligation to you. there’s no risk when you reach out to us for a case review. If you’ve been in an accident in Oklahoma, contact us now to discuss the details of your claim with a motorcycle accident attorney.