Charlotte Motorcycle Accidents Can Be Hit-and-Runs

A North Carolina motorcycle rider was killed recently in a tragic accident in Charlotte. WSOCTV reported the man who died was a father of three and that his death occurred early on a Sunday morning. Troopers were called to the scene of the crash on Interstate 85, half a mile to the north of Statesville Avenue.  When they arrived, they discovered the victim dead at the scene of the accident.

The accident began when the victim and his fiancé were riding home after a night out with their friends. A tire blew out on the motorcycle, and the victim and his fiancé were thrown onto the interstate. An SUV traveling by ran over the victim, causing the injuries which resulted in his death. The driver of the SUV did not stop at the crash scene and has not yet been identified by law enforcement officials.

A witness to the accident indicated the driver of the SUV had swerved to miss the woman who was lying in the road. When the SUV swerved, it ran over the male victim. The SUV then continued on, leaving investigators searching for the identity of the hit-and-run driver.

Hit and Run Motorcycle Accidents

Every driver who is involved in an automobile accident is expected to stop at the crash scene if injury and/or property damage occurred. The driver should exchange contact information with those involved in the crash. Typically, police are called to the scene- especially when there are injuries, a death, or substantial property damage. Those involved in the accident need to provide their statements to the police so a law enforcement officer can write up an accident report.

If a driver does not stop when an accident caused injuries or fatalities, this can be considered a hit-and-run, which is a serious crime. It is possible the driver of the SUV could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony if found by law enforcement after leaving a crash scene.

Police investigate hit-and-runs and take this type of accident very seriously, especially if the crash was a fatal one. Many people hit-and-run because they do not have a valid license, are intoxicated, or are simply scared about the consequences of hitting someone. Regardless of justifications, no one should leave an accident scene without providing details to the other victims.

If a driver does not stop and provide contact details after a motorcycle accident, it can become much harder for crash victims to pursue a civil case. The victims could pursue a civil case only if the hit-and-run driver was actually found.  If the investigation into who hit-and-ran is not fruitful and the responsible party is not identified, motorcycle accident victims should explore whether their own insurance will cover damages or if they must pay out of pocket for treatments received.