The driver of a vehicle who was apparently responsible for causing a fatal motorcycle accident in the city of Detroit last month was arrested approximately one mile from the scene of the crash after abandoning the car he had been driving and attempting to flee on foot. According to a local news report discussing the crash, authorities arrested two young men who admitted their involvement in the crash about an hour after the accident occurred. It was not made clear in the article why the men fled the scene of the crash or if alcohol or drugs were involved, although the accident remains under investigation.
The Motorcyclist Was Struck by a Vehicle Traveling on the Wrong Side of the Road
According to the news report, the accident occurred during the early morning hours of August 24, when the motorcyclist was traveling westbound on a city street and was struck by a sedan traveling the wrong way in the westbound lanes. When authorities arrived on the scene, both vehicles were damaged in the middle of the road, and the motorcyclist was found nearby. The motorcyclist was declared dead immediately, and the driver of the other vehicle had left the scene on foot, although he was later found by authorities.
Responsibility for Hit-and-Run Accidents When a Negligent Driver is Not Found
Since the driver of the vehicle who appears to have caused the fatal motorcycle accident last month was located shortly after the crash, the family of the deceased victim may be able to receive compensation for their loss by making a wrongful death claim against the driver and the insurance company providing liability coverage for the car. In some cases, the responsible party in a hit-and-run accident cannot be located, and accident victims may have difficulty obtaining compensation for their expenses and loss related to a motorcycle accident.
Accident victims or their families may be able to make a claim with their own insurance company when this occurs. Most Maryland motorcycle insurance policies include a limited amount of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which can be used to compensate any party injured or killed in an accident involving the insured vehicle, regardless of fault. Damages in excess of a motorcyclist’s PIP limits may be compensated by making a claim against uninsured motorist coverage, which can also apply in a hit-and-run accident. Motorcyclists are encouraged to obtain insurance coverage above and beyond the state minimums to protect their right to recover damages in the event of a hit-and-run accident.
Should You Contact a Maryland Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a Maryland motorcycle accident, the qualified Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. motorcycle accident attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have the experience to help you seek compensation for your losses, even if the other driver fled the scene and is not later found. At Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers, we represent clients in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the entire Washington, D.C. region in motorcycle accidents and wrongful death cases, including hit-and-run collisions. Call us toll-free at 1-800-654-1949 or contact us online and schedule a free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Accident Victims May Still Recover Damages Even if Law Enforcement Does Not Issue a Citation after a Crash, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published August 4, 2016.
Roughly Half of All Motorcycle Accidents Occur at Intersections, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published August 18, 2016.