Trucking accidents can impose several damages on the victim. However, the situation may be worsened when the truck driver flees the accident site without stopping and exchanging information with the other party. Hit-and-run is a legal offense and can result in severe consequences, such as fines or imprisonment.
Becoming a victim of a hit-and-run crash with a truck can be a traumatic experience. For starters, you are left with the injuries and damages they caused. Secondly, they have fled the accident, and you cannot begin the insurance claim immediately. However, do not panic, as the law is on your side. Speak to a Truck accident attorney today to explore your legal options.
What does “hit-and-run” mean?
A hit-and-run accident occurs when one or more vehicles, be it passenger cars or commercial vehicles like trucks, collide and result in an accident. One or more parties flee the accident without exchanging information with the other parties. Even if the driver who fled the scene is not solely responsible for the collision, they should still stop at the accident site. If they do not, they may expect legal repercussions.
How can one prove that the truck driver fled the accident scene?
Gathering evidence to prove a legal case is never easy, but there are various ways to do so if they have the right team of experts. Proving a hit-and-run can be especially complex since there are a number of components involved. Here are some pieces of evidence that can help:
- Witness statements
- Analyzing the damage on a truck
- Dashboard camera footage
- Trucker logbooks
- Cell phone location records
- Traffic, business, or residential camera footage
Why do truck drivers flee the accident scene?
When a trucking accident happens, truck drivers often flee the accident scene. While many people inquire about the steps to take after this, not many know the reason why this happens in the first place. When asked this question to a few truck drivers, provided the following reasons:
- Effects of adrenaline
- Panic
- Fear of arrest for drinking
- Lack of insurance coverage
- Expired licenses
- The driver was distracted, which caused the accident.
What should a victim of a hit-and-run do?
If a hit-and-run driver injures you, you can rest assured that the law is on your side and that the fleeing driver will be criminally charged. If you are a victim, you should contact an attorney specializing in trucking accidents. As victims, you should not let the other party get away after causing your injuries and damages.
