Do motorcycle accidents have more hit-and-runs?

Thousands of individuals are hurt in hit-and-run car accidents every day in Florida, but do motorcycle accidents have more hit-and-runs? There’s no clear data, but motorcycle accident victims often suffer more devastating injuries. They need help recovering compensation, especially when the at-fault driver can’t be found.

In this post, a West Palm Beach motorcycle accident lawyer from Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath discusses what to do if you’ve been a victim of a hit-and-run crash involving a motorcycle.

Are hit-and-run crashes common in motorcycle accidents?

In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 6,335 motorcycle accident deaths across the country. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)’s annual traffic crash facts report showed  8,916 motorcycle crashes in Florida in 2025, with 7,680 injuries and 879 deaths.

The total number of reported Florida hit-and-run accident statistics in 2025 was 92,431, but it’s unclear how many of those involved motorcycles, according to the above-referenced data. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include drivers who ignore traffic laws, drive drunk, or fail to yield the right-of-way to bikes during left turns at intersections.

Why might motorcyclists face a higher risk of hit-and-run crashes?

Motorbikes are smaller than other vehicles on the road, which increases the risk that drivers overlook them. In addition, motorists who ignore traffic laws or fail to check their blind spots could cause motorcycle accidents. Drivers who are drunk may also fail to realize they hit a motorcycle, causing them to keep driving.

Because their vehicle is less likely to suffer much damage, hit-and-run drivers may be tempted to leave the scene. This is illegal, under Florida 2018 Statutes Section 316.061, and they may face criminal charges along with your civil claim if they are caught.

What should you do after a hit-and-run motorcycle accident?

First, call 911 to get medical and law enforcement assistance. If you’re able, move yourself and your bike to safety, and tell the police what happened. Get examined by paramedics, going to the hospital if needed.

Call your insurance company to report the crash and file a police report with the City of West Palm Beach. Finally, contact a personal injury law firm to speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer.

Can you still recover compensation after a hit-and-run crash?

Yes, if you have purchased certain insurance coverage or are pursuing a lawsuit. Hit and run accidents can qualify under your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which is optional. If you have that policy, you can file your claim for the compensation you deserve.

You may also be able to seek payment for your injuries from your personal health insurance. In certain cases, where you suffer a serious bodily injury (as defined in Florida 2025 Statutes Section 627.737(2)), you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, if you can locate the driver.

How do insurance companies handle hit-and-run motorcycle claims?

For a crash involving a hit-and-run driver, your insurance company may hesitate to offer full payment. Florida requires automobile drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, but not motorcycle riders. This means you may not find out you don’t have any insurance options until it’s too late if you didn’t purchase PIP or UM/UIM policies.

Insurance adjusters will investigate the details of your accident, including road conditions, other motorists, and your actions. If they find evidence indicating you were partly at fault, they may offer less. They could even claim you are over 50% at fault, which would bar your ability to seek compensation under Florida 2025 Statutes Section 768.81 regarding comparative fault.

Why legal guidance matters after a hit-and-run motorcycle accident

Your motorcycle accident attorney can investigate your crash, work with police to find the perpetrator, and negotiate with insurance companies. They can help you find doctors to diagnose, treat, and document your injuries. Even if you carry some fault, your lawyer can fight to reduce the impact on your claim.

At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we are dedicated to helping you recover from your motorcycle crash involving a hit-and-run driver. Schedule your free consultation when you contact us by calling (561) 655-1990 today.