Wichita Motorcycle Wreck Highlights the Problem of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Kansas & Across the Country
A motorcycle accident lawyer in Wichita explains
A motorcycle accident in Wichita caused by a driver who fled the scene of the crash recently resulted in the death of a popular music promotor and the subsequent arrest of the hit-and-run driver, according to several news reports, including KAKE ABC News other local sources.
The fatal incident occurred on a recent Wednesday night at the intersection of 47th Street S and S Hydraulic Avenue when an SUV traveling east on 47th Street South turned left onto Hydraulic Avenue and hit the victim, who was riding his motorcycle west on 47th. The victim was then taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
After the operator of the SUV fled the scene of the crash, police located and arrested the suspect driver, who now faces several charges in relation to the fatal hit-and-run. According to KAKE ABC News, the suspect did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the crash.
Hit-and-run crash statistics
Each year, there are nearly 700,000 hit-and-runs nationwide, including many accidents that involve pedestrians, according to statistics compiled by the AAA Foundation For Traffic Safety.
Another AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study found that hit-and-run accidents have increased on average by 7 percent each year and account for 5 percent of all motor vehicle accident fatalities.
As for Kansas, the state was recently ranked 9th nationwide for the most hit-and-run accidents per capita compared to other states, according to Insurify. Statewide, 6 out of 10,000 drivers in Kansas have been cited for fleeing the scene of a motor vehicle accident.
Why do drivers flee the scene of a crash?
Drivers without a valid license often flee the scene of an accident. Many hit-and-runs are also caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or other mind-altering drugs, along with those who have a previous drunk driving conviction.
Drivers who cause hit-and-run crashes are often breaking the law in other ways, including texting while driving or excessive speeding. Many hit-and-run drivers also tend to be younger male drivers, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study.
Your options after a hit-and-run
If you or a loved one was injured in a hit-and-run accident in Kansas, you typically have several options. Depending on the circumstances of your crash and what type of car insurance you have, your options may include:
- File an accident claim with your own insurance company. All drivers in Kansas are required to have uninsured motorist coverage, which covers certain accident-related expenses in the event of a hit-and-run accident.
- File an accident claim against the at-fault driver if the hit-and-run driver can be located. This might be an option to consider if your accident-related expenses exceed your uninsured motorist coverage on your auto insurance policy.
- File a claim against a bar, liquor store, or restaurant if the business sold alcohol to the hit-and-run driver and the driver was intoxicated when they made the alcohol purchase. These are very complicated accident claims, which are known as dram shop claims, but can be something to consider depending on the circumstances of your crash and whether the at-fault driver is located.
Finding sources of compensation after a hit-and-run can be exceptionally complicated, which is why you should talk to an attorney as soon as possible to get a clear understanding of your legal rights and options.
How can an attorney help?
Whether or not police find the driver who caused your accident, it’s always best to consult with an attorney right away. Accident claims can quickly add up to thousands of dollars or significantly more. This is why insurance companies often do everything they can to reduce or even deny claims.
In addition, if you’re dealing with a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, you might run into even more roadblocks.
At Warner Law Offices, our experienced Wichita motorcycle accident attorneys go the extra mile for our clients. We know how the legal system works, and we know how to aggressively advocate for the compensation you're entitled to. We also work cases on contingency, which means you don't need any upfront money to hire us, and you pay no legal fees unless we secure financial compensation on your behalf.
Discover what our dedicated legal team can do for you and contact us today for a free consultation.