Another month brings more news from our area of motorcyclists suffering severe or catastrophic injuries as a result of other drivers crashing into them. Motorcyclists are at an especially high risk of suffering major injuries in collisions with other vehicles. These accidents often happen because the other driver was not driving with the degree of care that the law demands. When that happens, the injured motorcyclist has the opportunity, with the assistance of an experienced Santa Barbara motorcycle accident lawyer, to recover essential compensation through insurance claims, legal action, or both.
One of the more recent reports came from just outside Ventura. KEYT reported that a 23-year-old motorcyclist was traveling on Highway 1 near Emma Wood State Beach on the afternoon of May 6 when the driver of a Toyota Camry sedan crashed into him. Emergency responders flew the motorcyclist to the hospital via helicopter. The crash caused multiple limb fractures and a brain hemorrhage, leaving the man in critical condition, according to the report.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver of the Toyota fled the scene in their car shortly after slamming into the motorcyclist.
In 2022, California witnessed more than 10,000 motorcycle accidents. Many of those collisions involved a second driver who crashed into the motorcyclist and fled the scene. They may do so out of fear or panic, because they were drunk or high, or because they were driving with a suspended (or no) driver’s license.
The Role of Insurance Claims in Hit-and-Run Accidents
If the police find the responsible driver, you can file a claim with their insurance company. If that driver’s insurance coverage is too little to compensate you properly for all the harm you have (and will) experience, or if the police often never catch the hit-and-run driver, you can pursue a claim with your own insurance provider based on your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Whether you’re filing with your insurer or the at-fault driver’s company, be aware that insurance companies often seek to provide you with the lowest possible payout they can get away with. That may include working very hard to pressure you to accept a low settlement offer. Having skilled legal counsel can be crucial. Your attorney can help you navigate the insurance claims process (or processes,) and negotiate with the insurer regarding the settlement amount. An experienced lawyer will be able to spot a fair settlement offer (as well as lowball ones,) and give you the helpful advice you need when deciding whether to accept or reject an insurance company’s settlement offer.
When you’re a motorcyclist, the harm you suffer as a result of the negligence of a hit-and-run driver can be severe and wide-ranging, which may require multiple avenues for seeking compensation, such as one (or more) insurance claims, as well as a civil lawsuit. That’s a lot to take on as you work to recover from the serious injuries you’ve endured. Trying to handle it on your own may cost you valuable time and also mean recovering less. Instead of going it alone, count on the helpful Santa Barbara motorcycle accident attorneys at the law firm of Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, LLP to be the legal advocate you need, providing your case with representation that is both personalized and powerful. Contact us at 805-617-1365 or through our website to get a free case consultation today. The sooner you call, the sooner we can file on your behalf and work toward getting you everything you deserve.
