Home » Truck Accident Lawyers » Negligence Causes » Hit and Run

Attorneys for Truck Hit and Run Accidents

 

If you’ve been in a truck hit-and-run accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure what to do next. Our award-winning team of  truck accident attorneys is here to help fight for your justice and compensation. We have experience handling these cases and have recovered over $1 billion for clients. Call us at (800) 501-3011 to schedule a free consultation.

SCHEDULE FREE CASE EVALUATION

Table of Contents

Justice with a Truck Hit and Run Law Firm

Truck hit-and-run accidents can be frightening and traumatic. Knowing what steps to take to protect yourself and your legal rights is essential if this happens to you. In addition to the emotional and physical toll of a hit-and-run truck accident, victims may face financial challenges related to medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. That’s why taking action as soon as possible after the accident is critical to ensure that you protect your legal rights and have the best chance of recovering the compensation you deserve.

We’ll Take on the Insurance Companies for You

Trucking and insurance companies are not on your side. They use every legal means to deny your claim. That is where Wilshire Law Firm steps in. We defend our client’s right to recover compensation. No one should bear the financial burden and physical pain due to someone else’s mistake. The award-winning legal team at our firm helps many clients injured by a hit-and-run accident recover damages. We work hard to find the fleeing driver and recover the damages. Even if locating the driver is difficult, we work with our clients, using other means of obtaining the compensation they deserve. Our lawyers invest in their clients and will help answer your important questions. BUTTON: SCHEDULE FREE CASE EVALUATION

Commercial Vehicle Hit-and-Run Statistics

Commercial vehicle hit-and-run accidents can have severe consequences for victims and their families. Here are some statistics that highlight the scope of this issue: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 5,005 fatal crashes involving large trucks or buses in 2019. [1] The National Safety Council found that 9 percent of all hit-and-run accidents involve commercial vehicles.  [2] AAA reported that truck drivers involved in hit-and-run accidents are likelier to have prior safety violations on their record.[3] These statistics underscore the importance of taking action after a commercial vehicle hit-and-run accident. By working with the experienced trucking attorneys at Wilshire Law Firm, victims can pursue justice and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.

SCHEDULE FREE CASE EVALUATION

What Happens If a Semi Truck Truck Hit-and-Run Accident Occurs?

A hit-and-run truck accident occurs when a truck driver collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, or property and leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or offer assistance. Here’s what typically happens in the aftermath of a semi-truck hit-and-run crash:

  • Police investigation: The police will investigate the accident and try to gather as much information as possible about the truck and the driver involved.
  • Medical attention: If injuries occur, medical attention may be necessary. It’s essential to seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
  • Insurance claims: Victims can file an insurance claim to recover compensation for their injuries and damages if the trucker remains at the scene. If the driver flees, victims may still be able to file a claim with their insurance company.
  • Legal action: If someone identifies the truck driver, injured parties may also be able to pursue legal action against the driver or the trucking company to recover compensation.
  • Recovery: Those injured in a hit-and-run truck accident may face a long road to physical and emotional healing. Working with an experienced attorney can help them navigate the legal process and get the support they need during this difficult time. Overall, truck hit-and-run accidents can be complex and challenging to navigate. That’s why it’s crucial to seek the help of a knowledgeable truck accident law firm for hit-and-run accidents that can guide you through the process and aim to recover the compensation you deserve.

Types of Hit-and-Run Charges

California has two types of hit-and-run charges – a misdemeanor and a felony:

  • Misdemeanor hit-and-run: This charge applies when a driver leaves the scene of an accident that only involves property damage. The penalty for a misdemeanor hit-and-run can include fines, probation and up to six months in jail. [4]
  • Felony hit-and-run: This charge applies when a driver leaves an accident scene involving injury or death. The penalty for a felony hit-and-run can include fines, probation and up to four years in state prison.[5]

How a Conviction for Hit-and-Run Helps a Personal Injury Case

Being cited for a hit-and-run felony or misdemeanor can make a personal injury claim for the same accident easier in some cases. Here’s how:

  • Evidence of fault: When a hit-and-run conviction happens, there can be strong evidence of the responsibility involved in the accident. The offense can make establishing liability for a personal injury claim easier and recover compensation for injuries and damages.
  • Availability of compensation: If the driver who caused the accident is found guilty of a hit-and-run offense, they may be required to pay restitution to the victim as part of their sentence. This payment can add more sources of available compensation.
  • Stronger case: When a driver receives a citation for a hit-and-run offense, it can strengthen the victim’s case. This supportive entity can lead to more favorable settlement negotiations or a better outcome in court.

Truck Driver Hit and Run – Why Flee the Scene of an Accident?

There are several reasons why drivers may choose to flee the scene of an accident, including:

  • Fear of legal consequences: Drivers involved in an accident may fear facing legal matters, such as fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment. In some cases, drivers may flee the scene to avoid these consequences. Once convicted, the truck driver stands to lose their livelihood.
  • Lack of insurance: If a driver does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the damages caused in an accident, they may choose to flee the scene to avoid being held financially responsible.
  • Intoxication or impairment: Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol or otherwise impaired may flee the scene of an accident to avoid arrest for driving while intoxicated.
  • Panic or shock: In some cases, drivers may panic or become overwhelmed in the aftermath of an accident and choose to leave the scene without thinking about the consequences.

Using Uninsured or Underinsured Insurance to Cover Hit-and-Run Damages

Recovering compensation for your injuries can be difficult in a hit-and-run accident. However, if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, this can help cover your losses. Here’s how UM/UIM coverage works in hit-and-run accidents:

  • UM coverage: If the driver who caused the hit-and-run accident is never found or does not have insurance, your UM coverage can help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages up to the limits of your policy.
  • UIM coverage: If the driver who caused the hit-and-run accident is found but lacks enough insurance to cover your losses, your UIM coverage can help make up the difference. Suppose you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident and need help understanding your insurance options or pursuing a claim. As a Wilshire Law Firm client, our trucking attorneys typically review your insurance policy, investigate the accident, and will aim to recover eligible compensation for you.

How Do Hit-and-Run Truck Accidents Affect Your Lawsuit?

Hit-and-run truck accidents can be more challenging to litigate than other accidents. Hit-and-run truck accidents can significantly impact your lawsuit if you seek compensation for your injuries and damages. Here are a few ways that hit-and-run accidents can affect your case:

  • Identifying the responsible party: In a hit-and-run accident, identifying the responsible party can be more difficult. If the truck driver is unknown, holding them accountable for their actions may be more challenging. However, an experienced attorney can investigate the accident and use any available evidence to identify the truck driver or the responsible trucking company.
  • Recovery of compensation: If the responsible party is not identified or does not have insurance, it can be more challenging to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. However, if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or other insurance policies that may apply, these can help cover your losses.
  • Legal process: Hit-and-run accidents can also make the legal process more complicated and time-consuming. Your attorney must gather evidence, identify witnesses, and work with law enforcement officials to investigate the incident. This investigative prowess can take longer than a typical truck accident lawsuit.

Pursuing a Lawsuit with a Truck Hit and Run Attorney

With the help of our experienced hit-and-run truck accident lawyers, you can still pursue compensation for your injuries and damages and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. A lawsuit is typically needed after getting injured in a hit-and-run crash because it may be the only way to ensure that justice is served and appropriate compensation is received. Without a lawsuit, the hit-and-run truck driver may never be identified or held accountable for their actions, leaving you with no legal recourse to seek damages for your injuries. Filing a lawsuit can also help you seek reimbursement for medical expenses or obtain compensation for ongoing pain and suffering. It’s important that any injury resulting from a hit-and-run crash is taken seriously, so filing a lawsuit should be considered as soon as possible. We’re here to help you take legal action against those responsible and make you whole again in the eyes of the law. Call us 24/7 at ((800) 501-3011 to schedule your free review.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Hit-and-Run Crashes

Are hit-and-run accidents common in California?

Yes, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), hit-and-run accidents are common in California. In 2019 alone, more than 28,000 hit-and-run crashes were reported across the state. The CHP also reports that from 2015 to 2018, fatalities from hit-and-runs increased by a staggering 37%. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), California ranks fourth among US states for deadly hit and run accidents [6].

What is the most common reason for a hit-and-run?

The most common reason for a hit-and-run is lack of insurance or fear of being convicted of another infraction like drunk driving. 

SCHEDULE FREE CASE EVALUATION

More Helpful Resources from Wilshire Law Firm