Truck Leaves the Scene of a Crash

It’s a crime for any vehicle to leave the scene of an accident where damage or injury has occurred. But it’s significantly worse for an 18-wheeler hit and run or a semi-truck hit and run because of the damage trucks can do. If you’re involved in a truck hit and run, get the medical help you need, but then call the authorities and a personal injury lawyer to pursue justice and compensation for the truck driver hit and run. Call RAM Law in New Jersey for the best results.

How Frequently Do Hit and Run Truck Accidents Occur?

The frequency of hit and run truck accidents varies, depending on factors such as the location, the time of day, the weather conditions and road conditions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, hit and run accidents involving all types of vehicles, including trucks, are on the rise.

Hit and run accidents involving tractor trailers are often underreported, so the actual numbers may be higher than what’s recorded. On the other hand, the severity of hit and run accidents involving trucks can be greater than those involving smaller vehicles, due to the size and weight of the trucks. No matter how bad the accident, seek legal help as soon as possible.

If you’re in a hit and run accident with a truck, first get medical attention and alert the authorities. Then seek legal guidance from an experienced personal injury lawyer from RAM Law in New Jersey. These attorneys help you protect your rights and navigate the legal process to seek compensation for your damages.

Why Would a Truck Driver Flee the Scene of an Accident?

There are several reasons why some truck drivers flee the scene of an accident. Leaving the scene can result in serious consequences once the driver’s caught. Reasons a driver flees an accident scene include:

• Fear of consequences. Truck drivers may be afraid of the consequences, such as facing criminal charges or losing their job. As a result, they make the quick decision to leave the scene, even if it leads to harsher penalties down the road.
• Unsure there was an accident. It’s possible the truck driver didn’t feel the impact or see the other vehicle. In some cases, the truck driver was distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which impairs their ability to even notice the accident.
• They’re at fault. Some truck drivers hit and run because they’re aware they were at fault and didn’t want to face responsibility for their actions. A truck accident almost always causes significant damages and injuries.

It’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident. Whether it’s a tractor trailer hit and run, an 18-wheeler hit and run, a semi-truck hit and run or even a commercial bus hit and run, these types of accidents can cause serious injuries, so drivers face legal and financial consequences if they flee the scene.

What Can I Do if I’m the Victim of a Truck Hit and Run Accident?

If you’re the victim of a truck driver hit and run truck accident, it can be challenging to determine what you can do to recoup your losses. The responsible party fled the scene and can’t immediately be located. Some potential options include:

• Uninsured motorist coverage. If you have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, you can file a claim with your insurance company for damages related to the truck driver hit and run accident.
• The trucking company. If the truck driver was working for a specific trucking company at the time of the accident, it may be possible to hold the company liable for the damages, as the trucking company may have been negligent. But you need an attorney to guide you if you sue the trucking company.
• Other potentially responsible parties. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, there may be other parties who may be held liable, such as other drivers who did stop.

Victims of hit and run accidents may be eligible for compensation through state-run compensation programs. These programs provide financial assistance to victims of violent crimes, including hit and run accidents. It helps, though, to secure the services of a truck accident attorney.

What Are the Legal Consequences for a Semi-Truck Hit and Run Accident?

The legal consequences for a tractor trailer hit and run accident depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. Potential legal consequences include:

• Criminal charges. Semi-truck hit and run accidents are considered a criminal offense. Any driver who flees the scene faces criminal charges. Other charges may involve reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter if there was a wrongful death due to the accident.
• License suspension. Hit and run drivers may have their driver’s license suspended or revoked, either as a result of the criminal charges or as an administrative penalty.
• Civil lawsuits. If you suffered an injury or damage in the hit and run accident, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit against the driver and any other potentially responsible parties — such as the trucking company or trailer owner — to seek compensation for your damages.
• Insurance consequences. A truck driver hit and run accident also has consequences for the driver’s insurance rates and coverage, including higher premiums, difficulty obtaining insurance in the future or their policy being canceled altogether.

Anytime a truck driver leaves the scene of an accident, that driver and possibly the company who owns the truck will face consequences. Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to help you understand truck accident liability if you’ve been the victim of a truck accident.

What Laws or Regulations Apply to Tractor Trailer Hit and Run Accidents?

Several New Jersey laws apply to hit and run trailer accidents. Typically, leaving the scene of an accident is a felony. A few other laws include:

• Duty to report. Drivers are required by law to report any accident that involves an injury, death or property damage beyond a certain dollar amount.
• Commercial vehicle regulations. Truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to regulations related to vehicle maintenance, driver training and hours of service. Violations are punishable.
• Criminal penalties. Hit and run accidents involving injury or death are considered serious offenses that result in criminal charges, including vehicular manslaughter, reckless driving or leaving the scene of an accident.
• Civil liability. A driver who causes an accident, such as an 18-wheeler hit and run, can be held liable in a civil lawsuit for damages related to the accident. That driver may be personally liable for your medical bills, lost wages and property damage.

If you’re involved in an accident involving a truck fleeing the scene, call 911 and speak to law enforcement when they arrive. Take photos of the scene, if you can. When you speak to your insurance company, be fully prepared to relate the incident. If you’ve sustained any injuries as a result of the accident, like broken bones or whiplash, get medical attention and report your condition to your insurance company.

If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident involving a truck, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney like those at RAM Law. They help you navigate the truck accident settlement process in New Jersey and ensure that your rights are protected. Contact RAM Law for a free consultation.