Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Wilmington NC

Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries that can disrupt your life and finances. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Wilmington, turn to the experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Ward and Smith. Our team is dedicated to helping you recover and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact us at (919) 827-8475 for a free consultation today.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, especially when the responsible driver flees the scene. A hit-and-run motorcycle accident is one of the most frustrating situations you can face, leaving you with the burden of medical bills, vehicle repairs, and the emotional toll of an incident that wasn’t your fault. Navigating the aftermath of a hit-and-run crash can feel overwhelming, but understanding the steps to take can help you secure compensation and justice.

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to remain calm and take the right steps to protect your rights.

Prioritize Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention

The first and most important thing to do after any accident is to make sure you’re safe. Check for injuries, and if possible, move your motorcycle to a safe location. In cases of a hit-and-run, the other driver’s actions may have put you at risk of further harm. It’s important to stay alert and avoid putting yourself in a dangerous position by standing too close to traffic.

If you’re injured, even slightly, call 911 immediately. Medical professionals can assess your injuries and document them. The longer you wait to seek medical treatment, the more difficult it may be to prove that the wreck caused your injuries. Sometimes, injuries from motorcycle accidents may not be immediately apparent, so it’s critical to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Report the Accident to the Authorities

In a hit-and-run scenario, it’s especially important to report the incident to law enforcement as quickly as possible. Dial 911 and provide all relevant details about the accident, including the location, time, and any information about the vehicle that fled the scene. If you remember the make, model, color, or any part of the license plate number, share this with the police.

Even if the other driver is unidentified, the police report will serve as an official document that describes the incident. It’s a crucial part of your insurance claim and any potential legal action you might pursue.

If you can, try to get a description of the driver, the vehicle, or any details about the scene. The more information you can provide to the police, the higher the likelihood they will be able to track down the responsible driver.

Gather Evidence

The success of your claim depends heavily on the evidence you can gather. In a hit-and-run case, collecting as much information as possible is key. Start by taking note of:

Photos of the scene: Take pictures of the area where the accident occurred, your motorcycle, and any damage. Even if you’re unable to do this immediately, ask someone nearby or a witness to do so.
Witnesses: If there were any witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information. Their statements could be crucial for your case.
Traffic cameras or nearby surveillance footage: Check if there are any nearby traffic cameras or businesses with surveillance footage that may have captured the accident. This can be invaluable evidence in identifying the driver who fled the scene.
Your injuries and damages: Document your injuries by keeping track of medical bills, doctor’s visits, and prescriptions. Also, keep records of any vehicle damage estimates or repair receipts.

If possible, write down what happened as soon as you can, while the details are still fresh in your memory. This could help you remember specifics about the crash later on, which may be helpful for the police or your attorney.

Notify Your Insurance Company

After you’ve reported the hit-and-run accident to the police, it’s time to contact your insurance company. If the at-fault driver is unknown, your insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage may cover your damages. As of July 2025, in North Carolina, drivers are required to have uninsured motorist coverage.

Explain the situation clearly and provide them with all the evidence and information you’ve gathered. This includes the police report, photos, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation. Your insurance company will investigate the claim and decide if you are eligible for compensation under your policy.

If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, you may still be able to recover damages through your health insurance or by pursuing a claim against your own policy under certain circumstances. Consulting with an attorney is highly recommended in these cases to understand your options.

Explore Legal Options and Consult an Attorney

Hit-and-run accidents can present complex legal challenges. If the responsible driver is never found, you may need to take legal action to secure compensation for your injuries and losses. In these cases, a personal injury lawyer experienced in motorcycle accident claims can be an essential asset.

An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, handle communications with your insurance company, and advise you on whether pursuing legal action against a third party is necessary. They can also help you understand how to maximize your potential recovery, including compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If the police identify the responsible driver, your attorney will help you take legal action against them. However, if the driver is never found, your attorney can guide you through the process of making an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurance company. Your lawyer can also help determine whether your insurance policy covers more than you initially thought, ensuring that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible.

Consider Your Long-Term Care and Damages

In the aftermath of a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, it’s important to consider not just your immediate injuries but also your long-term recovery. Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries that require ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and even long-term care. Be sure to account for these future medical expenses when calculating your damages.

Additionally, consider the emotional toll that the accident may have taken on you. Motorcycle accidents, especially hit-and-run incidents, can cause significant emotional distress. In some cases, you may be able to seek compensation for pain and suffering, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress related to the crash.

Stay Patient Throughout the Process

The process of filing a claim for a hit-and-run motorcycle accident can take time. Investigations may take longer when the responsible driver is unidentified. Your insurance company may need time to assess your claim, and you may need to undergo medical treatment and rehabilitation before fully understanding the extent of your injuries.

Staying patient and maintaining regular communication with your attorney and insurance company can help ensure that you are on the right track. Legal and insurance processes can be frustrating, but they are often necessary to achieve the best possible outcome.

Let a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Advocate for You

After a motorcycle accident, having skilled legal representation is crucial to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Ward and Smith are committed to helping you through this difficult time. Call us at (919) 827-8475 for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice you deserve.