Hit and run motorcycle accidents are especially dangerous, and terrifying. You’re left shaken, possibly injured, and without the basic closure of knowing who hit you or whether justice will be served. These crashes often happen in a flash, leaving victims unsure of what to do next or how to protect themselves legally and financially.
Motorcyclists face unique legal and insurance hurdles when involved in hit and run accidents. Unlike a typical motorcycle accident in Aiken where both parties exchange information, a hit and run leaves one side of the story completely missing. That’s why understanding what steps to take immediately can make a huge difference in your recovery—both physical and financial.
This read will walk you through the essential actions to take after a hit and run motorcycle accident in Aiken to protect your health, build a strong case, and secure compensation. Contact our experienced Aiken motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
1. Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Your first priority is your safety. If you’re physically able, move yourself and your motorcycle out of traffic to a safe location. Then call 911 immediately.
Even if you think your injuries are minor, get checked by emergency responders at the scene. Motorcycle accidents often cause internal injuries or concussions that don’t show symptoms right away.
Document all visible injuries and symptoms as soon as possible. Take photos, write notes, and keep a record of your medical treatment—these will be crucial later when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing legal action following a motorcycle accident in Aiken.
2. Report the Accident to Law Enforcement
A police report isn’t just a formality; it’s critical in a hit-and-run. Make sure to file one on the scene or as soon as possible after the crash.
Give the officer as much detail as you can: the type of vehicle that hit you, its color, make, model, partial or full license plate if remembered, time and location of the crash, and the direction the driver fled. Even small details might help law enforcement identify the fleeing driver.
Plus, in South Carolina, having a police report is often required to file an uninsured motorist claim. It serves as a formal record that the accident occurred and that it was indeed a hit and run motorcycle accident in Aiken.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re able, and it’s safe, start gathering evidence at the scene. It is important to document the scene after any crash, but especially after a hit and run motorcycle accident in Aiken.
Use your phone to take clear photos of:
- Your motorcycle and any damage
- Your injuries
- Debris on the road
- Skid marks
- Traffic signs and road conditions
- Any visible surveillance cameras nearby (on buildings or traffic poles)
Talk to any witnesses on the scene and ask for their contact information. Bystanders can provide key testimony or may have seen details you missed, like the vehicle’s direction or a license plate. As soon as you can, write down everything you remember about the crash while it’s still fresh in your mind.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance provider as soon as possible to start the claims process and let them know it was a hit and run motorcycle accident in Aiken. Be brief and stick to the facts. Don’t speculate, admit fault, or give a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney first.
If the at-fault driver is never found, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may come into play. It can provide compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and damage to your motorcycle. But it’s common for insurers to question or minimize claims (even your own), so tread carefully and document everything.
5. Understand How Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage Works in South Carolina
If you have been involved in a hit and run motorcycle accident in Aiken not all is lost. In South Carolina, uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory on all auto insurance policies, including those for motorcycles. That’s good news, because in a hit and run, the driver is legally considered “uninsured.”
Your UM coverage may step in to cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Instead of pursuing compensation from the hit and run driver (who may never be identified), you’re essentially filing a claim against your own insurer. This doesn’t mean they’ll make it easy. Insurance companies often fight UM claims to limit payouts. That’s why understanding your policy and having legal help can be vital following a hit and run motorcycle accident in Aiken.
6. Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Aiken
Dealing with a hit and run crash is overwhelming. You’re recovering physically, but you’re also left to handle police reports, insurance claims, medical bills, and possibly missed work. You don’t have to face this alone after suffering in a hit and run motorcycle accident in Aiken.
A motorcycle accident attorney who understands Aiken’s laws and insurance system can:
- Investigate the crash
- Coordinate with law enforcement
- Secure surveillance footage
- Interview witnesses
- Handle negotiations with your insurer
- File lawsuits if needed
Even if the driver is never found, an experienced lawyer can help you pursue compensation through your uninsured motorist policy or other available legal routes. Legal help is especially critical if your injuries are serious, long-term, or if the insurance company is pushing back on your claim.
Protect Your Rights After a Hit and Run Motorcycle Accident in Aiken
A hit and run motorcycle accident is more than just a traffic incident—it’s a traumatic, confusing, and legally complex event. But you don’t have to face it unprepared or alone. Knowing what to do in those first crucial moments and days can make all the difference in protecting your health, rights, and financial stability.
If you’ve been hit in a motorcycle accident in Aiken and the driver fled the scene, take these steps: prioritize your safety, get medical care, report the crash to the police, document everything, notify your insurance, and reach out to a local attorney.
Ready to take the next step? Call the Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer, and Staggs Aiken motorcycle accident lawyers at (803) 649-5338 today for a free case evaluation. We’ll help you understand your options, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
