Hit and Run Truck Accidents in California

How Are Commercial Truck Hit and Run Accidents Handled in California?

Hit and run accidents occur when the driver at-fault crashes into another driver (or person) and flees the scene without stopping to assist the injured victim. Those convicted of a hit and run accident may be sentenced up to six months in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. In the sections below, we will go more into detail about hit and run accidents and what you need to do if you are ever involved in one. 

If you have suffered injuries as a result of a hit and run truck accident, our qualified truck accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers are readily available to offer legal assistance. We will help strengthen your claim and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you are given a fair settlement offer.

To schedule a free consultation, please contact our 24/7 legal team by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our quick contact form.

Hit and Run Truck Accidents

It is not uncommon for people to panic after a traffic accident and flee the scene. Emotions are high and people will not always handle things in the best way possible, often allowing the fear of incarceration and heavy fines to cloud their judgment.

However, leaving the scene of an accident is not only illegal, but unethical. By law, a driver must remain at the scene of an accident and contact the police, especially if there is property damage or injuries involved. 

While they are not very common, hit and run accidents involving trucks do happen. As required by California law, a commercial truck driver must remain at the scene of an accident and call for help just like any other driver. Unfortunately, some truck drivers will, for any number of reasons, flee the scene of a truck accident in order to avoid their legal responsibilities.

Why Do Truck Drivers Flee the Scene? 

Unlicensed Truck Driver: Just like in a typical car accident, unlicensed truck drivers involved in hit and run collisions may flee the scene to avoid the real potential of large fines and the possibility of incarceration.

Outstanding Citations: A truck driver who already has outstanding citations may flee the scene of a crash to avoid even more severe legal repercussions and likely incarceration.

Uninsured Truck Drivers: Truck drivers who are driving without adequate insurance are likely to face severe penalties in the event of a collision. Fear, legal actions, and fines may also motivate a truck driver to leave the scene of the incident rather than accept responsibility.

Driving Illegally: A truck driver who has not met the legal requirements to drive a truck, for example, an undocumented immigrant, may flee the scene of the accident to avoid getting deported.

What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident 

Regardless of whether a truck driver flees or remains at the scene, you must always call the police. Not only will they need to complete an official police report, but they may be able to track down the truck driver as they begin their investigation.

Another wise step to take is to document the details of the accident as soon as you can. It is helpful to make notes describing the truck and the truck driver, if possible. Crucial information would include the trucking company, logos, identifying details, phone numbers, vehicle identification numbers, and license plate numbers.

If there are any witnesses, please speak with them and collect their contact information. Witnesses may offer another perspective on the accident and could have seen other identifying details. Also, look out for any surveillance cameras that may have recorded the incident. Finally, it is recommended to contact an experienced truck accident attorney. A truck accident attorney will help you get the compensation you deserve for damages caused by the collision.

Contact Us to Find Out How We Can Help

If you have sustained injuries as a result of a truck accident, our expert truck accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers will help you recover compensation for the losses you have suffered, including medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

Contact us today by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our experienced, caring, and compassionate legal team.