If you have ever been the victim of a hit-and-run collision involving a large truck, you know how frightening of an ordeal it is. Given their enormous size, any accident involving a commercial truck has the potential to cause devastating injuries and fatalities. When the truck operator flees the scene, however, the crisis becomes even more complex and infuriating for the injured victim who now has to track down the driver and the company for whom they work in order to collect any financial compensation for their damages.
Is there anything I can do to help my case after the truck driver who hit me leaves the scene?
The Virginia commercial truck accident attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp have spent more than four decades successfully handling commercial truck accident claims. We understand the most efficient methods of pursuing the compensation that our clients deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay any attorney fees unless we win your case. Call our Virginia Beach offices today to schedule your free case review.
Hit and Run Accident: Virginia Law
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver leaves the scene after being involved in a crash with another vehicle. Virginia law states that, following an accident, drivers are required to pull over right away and remain as close to the scene as they can without blocking the flow of traffic. Drivers are also supposed to render aid and “reasonable assistance to any person injured in such accident.”
Why Would a Truck Driver Flee the Scene of an Accident?
Despite the harsh penalties they could face, the number of hit-and-run accidents involving large trucks has increased in recent years. A truck driver may leave the crash scene for any number of reasons, such as:
- They panicked
- They failed to abide by load requirements
- Their commercial driver’s license is expired
- They were over their hours of service
- They were under the influence or distracted
- They did not realize they struck another vehicle
What Should I Do After a Hit-and-Run Truck Accident?
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident and the truck operator flees the scene, you should never chase after the truck. This could cause a secondary accident.
There are other things that you can do to help your truck accident claim, such as:
- Document the license plate number of the truck. This is going to be the most important bit of information in terms of tracking down the driver. Be sure to write it down, take a picture, or even a video. Do not rely on your memory. Once the adrenaline wears off, you won’t remember it.
- Document the colors of the cab and the trailer.
- Document any business names or logos on the cab or trailer.
These details will help the responding officers create a police crash report while they conduct an investigation. They will also help your truck accident lawyer prepare your personal injury claim and a potential lawsuit.
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help My Case?
At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we can investigate your truck accident using evidence such as debris, skid marks, oil, radiator, and gas spills found at the scene. We can locate copies of any police reports, pictures, videos, eyewitness statements, and driving and safety logs, as well as access the truck’s black box once the vehicle is found.
The faster you sign with us, the faster we can get to work pursuing financial compensation on your behalf. If you would like to speak to an experienced Virginia truck accident lawyer regarding your truck accident claim, please call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp at (833) 997-1774. We offer a free initial consultation to all prospective clients.