Truck accidents are known for causing extensive property damage and devastating injuries. If you were involved in a serious truck accident that caused you to suffer life-threatening injuries, the only thing that can make the situation more dire is if the truck driver flees without reporting the accident. If the truck driver did not report the accident before fleeing the scene, this can prevent you from receiving the immediate medical attention you need to treat your injuries. In addition, recovering the financial compensation you deserve becomes more complicated if the truck driver cannot be located and held accountable for their actions.
If you were involved in a severe truck accident, and the truck driver flees the scene, your first priority should be to stay safe and call 911 if you are physically able to do so. Dispatch will send an ambulance to the scene so that you can receive immediate medical attention for your injuries. While you may be tempted to chase after the truck as it flees the scene, particularly when the adrenaline is coursing through your body and masking the pain associated with your injuries, resist this urge and remain at the scene until police arrive. Chasing after the truck can cause you to suffer additional injuries and endanger other motorists in the vicinity. In addition, you could be found guilty of leaving the scene of an accident, which is a criminal offense in Ohio.
The following are essential steps you should take in the moments following the accident:
- Call 911 as soon as possible to report the accident and request an ambulance. Let dispatch know that the truck fled the scene and provide as much information as you can about the truck, the direction it was headed, and any other details that can help police locate the truck driver.
- If you can do so safely, take a picture of the truck’s license plate, the make and model, and any other identifying marks or logos on the vehicle.
- Record the exact accident location and take pictures of any skid marks or debris on the road.
- Talk to witnesses. Witness testimonies can be essential in truck accident cases where the truck driver fled the scene. If a witness saw the accident and took pictures of the truck, this can provide valuable evidence.
- Secure surveillance footage. If there were traffic cameras or nearby businesses or homes with security cameras, this footage could provide valuable evidence if it captured the accident.
Why Would a Truck Driver Flee the Scene of an Accident?
There has been a steady increase in hit-and-run accidents in recent years, many involving truck drivers. While most truck drivers remain at the scene until police and emergency medical technicians arrive, some flee the scene for a variety of reasons, including the following:
- Fear of the repercussions of causing the accident.
- Effects of adrenaline.
- Fear of getting arrested if the truck driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Driving with an expired CDL license.
- The truck driver did not have the required endorsements for the size of the load being hauled, which could result in steep fines and a 90-day license suspension.
- The truck driver was reading or sending a text, talking on the phone, or engaging in another distracted behavior that took their attention off the road.
- The truck driver exceeded the hours of service requirements and was drowsy or fell asleep at the wheel at the time of the accident.
- The truck driver failed to stop because they did not realize they had caused an accident.
Who Is Liable for a Hit-and-Run Truck Accident?
In most cases, the truck driver who fled the scene will be liable for the accident and your injuries. However, other parties may be potentially liable as well, including the facility where the truck was loaded or the company responsible for the contents of the truck.
An experienced truck accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is responsible for causing the accident and take the steps necessary to locate the driver who left the scene.
What Damages am I Entitled to After a Hit-and-Run Truck Accident?
If you were involved in a truck accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation, even if the truck driver fled the scene. Your truck accident lawyer will assist you with the claims process. You may be entitled to the following:
- All medical expenses associated with your injuries
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Cincinnati Truck Accident Lawyers at Wolterman Law Office Represent Victims of Hit-and-Run Truck Accidents
If you or someone you love suffered a severe injury in a accident where the driver fled the scene, contact our Cincinnati truck accident lawyers at Wolterman Law Office. To schedule a free consultation, call 513-488-1135 or contact us online. Located in Loveland, Ohio, we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.