Motorcycle accidents can be traumatic. When the driver responsible flees the scene, you may feel uncertain about what to do next. Luckily, Florida offers certain legal protections that may aid recovery expenses in the event of a hit-and-run accident.
How Florida evaluates fault in motorcycle accidents
Florida’s no-fault rule generally requires drivers to rely on Personal Injury Protection (PIP) after a motor vehicle accident. However, standard PIP does not apply to motorcycles.
For one, motorcyclists are not required by the state to carry PIP. Moreover, riders are usually governed by Florida’s modified comparative negligence law. Under this new change, if you failed to follow traffic safety rules during the incident and are deemed more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages. However, you may still seek compensation if your percentage of fault remains below 50%
Sources of compensation for motorcyclists
Without PIP coverage, you may get overwhelmed by multiple expenses after a hit-and-run accident. One potential source of compensation is your motorcycle insurance policy. Depending on your coverage, you may receive protections for property damage or medical payments.
Most hit-and-run claims can also fall under uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Florida insurance law generally treats the unknown driver as uninsured to cover the policyholder’s injuries. If you carry UM on your motorcycle policy, it may cover both economic and non-economic damages.
Proving your claim
When filing a claim after a hit-and-run accident, you need to prepare certain pieces of evidence. Identify witnesses who can provide testimonies about the incident. If possible, take photos of the crash scene and your injuries to show the severity of the accident. You may also request surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras.
Medical records can also help demonstrate the seriousness of your injuries. When you delay care, insurers may argue that your condition is not related to the accident.
Moving forward after a hit-and-run accident
A hit-and-run can make you feel helpless. While you cannot control the events of your accident, you can control how you respond. With proper legal counsel, you can work to secure the financial support you need after a motorcycle accident. This can help with treatment and cover losses in your daily life.