KLTV just reported a motorcycle hit and run accident in Gladewater, Texas. This week a motorcycle was traveling on Highway 271 between Gladewater and Gilmer when the rider was hit by a truck pulling a trailer. The motorcycle rider was injured but the driver didn’t stick around to assist. EMS took the motorcyclist to the hospital, and authorities are still tracking down the suspect.

The rider is injured, facing hospital bills and possibly a lengthy recovery. The motorcycle is a shattered, crumpled mess the rider had to leave on the side of the road. They’re experiencing pain, suffering and property damage, and this isn’t an isolated case.

MOTORCYCLE HIT AND RUN ACCIDENTS IN TEXAS

It’s hard to understand how anyone could leave the scene of an accident without making sure other motorists are okay. It’s even harder when that accident involves someone on a motorcycle. They’re far less protected than someone in a passenger vehicle. The potential for injury is so much greater.

The Texas Department of Transportation publishes a report on Motorcyclist Fatalities and Injuries. The most recent available data for 2017 includes the following data:

• Total rider and passenger fatalities – 501
• Total incapacitating or suspected serious injuries – 2,101
• Number of non-incapacitating injuries – 3,430
• Possible injuries – 1,994

When you add in the other injury categories in the report, there were a total of 9,655 incidents for that year alone.

A new AAA study says hit and run deaths are at an all-time high. Most fatalities weren’t in passenger vehicles, they were walking or on cycles. A hit-and-run accident is defined as one in which at least one person involved in the crash leaves the scene without giving information or aid to others involved or fails to report the crash. Unfortunately, Texas ranks 8th in the nation for the highest rate of hit-and-run fatalities.

WHY PEOPLE FLEE AFTER MOTORCYCLE HIT AND RUN ACCIDENTS

This type of accident is most likely to occur in the late night, early morning hours when there’s less visibility and drivers feel they’re more likely to get away. Motorcycle hit and run accidents are no exception. With a motorcycle accident, it’s possible the driver didn’t realize they struck you, but not very likely. So what makes someone flee when they hit a person so exposed and vulnerable?

There are a number of theories. Some experts point out the majority of apprehended hit and run drivers are under 25. They’re young, they panic and they experience a basic fight-or-flight response. Offenders who fall into this group tend to turn themselves in. They know what they did is wrong, and later they can’t handle the guilt.

Sometimes, the person fleeing the scene is already committing another crime, and they want to cover it up. The driver was drinking and driving, speeding or leaving the scene where they broke a different law. They know if they stay at the scene, police will hold them responsible for two bad choices. They try to run away from both.

Psychologists also theorize some drivers just don’t feel the same remorse most people do. They rationalize what they did, basically saying the motorcyclist shouldn’t have been in the way at the time.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT INVOLVING HIT AND RUN

If you’re injured, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Worry about your bike and the legal implications once you’re in stable condition. Then do the following:

• Call the police and let them know you experienced a motorcycle hit and run so they can begin to search for the person that hit you.
• Write down everything you can remember about what happened. Picture the vehicle that hit you and note the color, make, model and any other information that stands out.
• Take pictures of the scene. If you have to go to the hospital, ask someone you trust to take pictures for you.
• Get information from any witnesses.
• Find out if there are traffic cameras in the area that might have captured images from your accident.
• Schedule a free case review with Monsour Law firm to find out the best next steps for your case.

Protect your legal rights to compensation after a motorcycle hit and run by getting an expert on your side. We’ll help you do everything possible to hold the parties responsible for your wreck responsible and pursue compensation for your losses.