Here is an example of a motorcycle accident I successfully resolved on behalf of my client.
Dan Jones (not his real name) was proceeding westy on Main Street in Burlington on his motorcycle when he observed a vehicle proceeding in the opposite direction. The vehicle started slowing down, but then began to make a left-hand turn, cutting him off. Mr. Jones attempted to stop, but could not in time and his motorcycle collided with the vehicle operated by a driver who fled the scene of the accident.
Mr. Jones was face down on the pavement and was being assisted by fire department personnel who came upon the scene. Rescue was advised and he was transferred to the UVM Medical Center emergency room for treatment of his injuries. At the time, Mr. Jones reported suffering bruises, abrasions, neck pain and left shoulder pain.
The investigating police officer issued a BOL for the vehicle. He was unable to locate the vehicle nor did any other police department in the area find it.
Later that day, the other driver went to the police station and reported that he was scared and didn’t know what to do. Apparently, he parked his car in a cul-de-sac on Burlington for about an hour, and then went to his home on Colchester Avenue. He told his family what happened and they advised him he’d better call the police. There was extensive passenger front-end damage to his vehicle, which was consistent with the description the police received from Mr. Jones. He was fingerprinted, photographed and issued a citation to appear in court for leaving the scene of an accident. In short, liability is clear with no comparative negligence on behalf of Danny Jones. The insurance company settled this case attributing one hundred percent fault to their insured.