When a Truck Driver Flees the Scene of an Accident

Important Steps to Take Immediately

A truck driver who fails to remain at the scene of an accident faces serious consequences for their actions if law enforcement ever finds him or her. If you experience an accident where the truck driver flees, never chase them. Call for help immediately and attend to your injuries. By taking these and other important steps, you can best protect your options for compensation.

Collect Important Evidence

Gathering as much evidence at the accident scene as possible is an important first step. If your injuries are too severe, ask witnesses to assist you.

Evidence may include such items as:

• Pictures and/or video
• Witness contact information
• Police report

The sudden and unexpected event of a traumatic crash can leave you questioning what happened. Providing as much information to the first responders can capture helpful details.

Such details may include:

• The name of the trucking company
• License plate information, such as state
• A description of the truck driver, if possible
• Truck driver behavior before the crash
• The direction the truck driver took upon fleeing the scene

This information, along with documented evidence, can help law enforcement search for the truck driver. If the police don’t locate the truck driver immediately, seeking help from the media may help find the driver. Law enforcement can ask the public to watch for large trucks with accident damage.

Some drivers flee the scene of an accident and the police never find them. Relying on your insurance company to honor the terms of your policy places you at risk for receiving fewer benefits than the insurance company is willing to pay.

Seeking the help of a truck accident lawyer is an option you may want to explore. A free case evaluation leaves you with nothing to lose and can help you learn more about the best steps for moving forward.

Review Your Insurance Policy

Chances are you purchased an insurance policy, hoping the protection may someday help you. If the police can’t find the truck driver who fled the scene of your accident, your insurance policy is even more important for recovering your damages.

Your injuries and medical care leave you no time to make phone calls or fight for your insurance benefits. A truck accident lawyer can handle all aspects of your case—including your insurance company.

The details of your policy may overwhelm you during this stressful time.

Your injuries may include:

• Broken bones: May require future surgeries and extensive physical therapy.
• Brain injury: Disrupts normal brain function, such as cognitive skills and movement.
• Spinal cord injury: Can result in millions of lifetime medical costs.
• Internal injuries: Often life-threatening if not discovered immediately.
• Burns: May require treatment in a specialized burn center.

Medical costs continue to rise, and your injuries may prevent you from working. Your medical bills start the moment you accept transport to the hospital. If your bills are accumulating quickly and your insurance company is not responding, consider hiring a lawyer.

Protect the Details of Your Accident

News of your accident may spread quickly among friends and family. While their interest in your condition is understandable, limiting what you share regarding your accident is a smart idea.

A social media share of an accident scene photo can land on a page where others assume you are at fault for the accident. An insurance company may, in fact, attempt to blame you for the accident to avoid paying you what you deserve.

The fact that the truck driver responsible for your accident injuries fled the scene makes your case more complicated. To protect your best interests, use caution in discussing your accident with others.

Refer Insurance Companies to Your Lawyer

Serious injuries require rest. Disruptive phone calls, especially from insurance companies, can interfere with your recovery. Your vulnerable state can make you susceptible to accepting the compensation that an insurance company offers you.

The financial, physical, psychological, and emotional stress you feel is not fair. The responsible driver’s failure to stop and render aid is unacceptable, as are any attempts by your insurance company to not honor your policy.

Leaving insurance company negotiations in the hands of a licensed, professional attorney allows you to rest. Focusing on your health is your number one priority as you prepare for medical procedures or adjust to a permanent disability.

Once you secure legal representation, refer insurance company representatives to your lawyer. You can breathe easier knowing someone is on your side during this traumatic time.

Act Quickly: Time Is Not on Your Side

The seriousness of your situation requires quick action. Reaching out to a lawyer for a free case evaluation is an important first step in your recovery. The premiums you paid throughout the years protected your policy, and now it is time for your policy to protect you.

There are many reasons why someone flees the scene of an accident. For most, fear is a motivating factor. No matter why the truck driver fled the accident scene, you may deserve compensation. If the driver is never found or fails to come forward, this compensation may come from your insurance company.

A truck accident lawyer can help you; however, you must act quickly. Hit-and-run accidents are challenging and require a full investigation. Dealing with insurance companies is another complex matter that takes time.

Provide your lawyer with as much information as possible. Copies of your medical reports and your insurance policy are critical to your case. Regardless of whether police locate the driver, taking quick legal action can result in the best possible outcome.

Secure legal representation. Most truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. If you suffered serious injuries or lost a close loved one in a hit-and-run truck accident, give careful consideration to contacting a lawyer without delay.