There are a number of potential issues that arise when the driver of an 18-wheeler is negligent especially within the trucking industry. Serious accidents that they can cause can often leave other motorists suffering from serious injuries.
If a truck driver is involved in an accident, they are supposed to stay at the scene and exchange information with the driver and passengers of the smaller vehicle in the accident. But unfortunately, this does not always happen, and it is more common if the commercial truck driver is breaking the law in one way or another. The driver of the 18-wheeler may flee the scene. Here is what you need to know if this were to happen to you.
WHY DOES AN 18-WHEEL DRIVER LEAVE THE SCENE OF A CRASH?
There are quite a few reasons a commercial trucker might leave the scene of an accident; many involve the driver breaking the law. This could mean they were drinking and driving, under the influence of narcotics, using a cell phone while driving, or breaking regulations regarding the Hours of Service or operating weight limits of the commercial truck.
There may also be a situation where the driver is not properly licensed to operate the large vehicle. Knowing how much trouble the commercial driver could be in; they may decide to leave (or attempt to leave) the scene in order to avoid further legal trouble.
WHAT CAN A VICTIMS DO?
After an accident where the truck attempts to leave the scene of the accident, the accident victims need to be very vigilant. They need to look for things such as whether or not the truck has a company logo on it, if there is a truck or license plate number that can be seen that could be used to identify the driver, or any other identifying factor of the truck – size, color, etc.
At Hardee, Massey & Blodgett, LLP, we know what to look for when providing victims of 18-wheeler accidents. We want to provide victims peace of mind when they take legal action against a negligent driver. We are experienced in truck accident cases and know what evidence is necessary and specifically how to navigate hit and run situations.
Our experienced truck accident attorneys in Greenville, NC work hard to represent injury victims. We know how difficult these types of cases can be and we take every step necessary to help you seek the compensation and justice injured victims and their families need.
For your free consultation, call us at 252-378-2525.