Commercial Trucks and Hit-and-Run Collisions
Hit-and-run accidents involving commercial trucks can be hazardous for motorists, and the aftermath of these collisions can be difficult to address. Hit-and-runs are illegal and may result in criminal charges for the truck driver involved. Depending on the severity of the crash and any resulting damages or injuries, this could lead to a personal injury lawsuit and/or a civil claim for economic recovery.
Statistics Show the Dangers of Collisions With Commercial Trucks
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 4,965 people were killed in truck crashes in 2020. It is estimated that 146,930 people suffered injuries in crashes that involved large trucks that year. According to statistics, there were 384 fatal collisions involving big commercial trucks in California in 2020. Over seventy-one percent of those injured in large-truck crashes in 2020 were in other vehicles.
Locating a Hit-and-Run Commercial Vehicle Driver
When a commercial vehicle driver is involved in a hit-and-run accident, it becomes crucial to locate them to preserve evidence, protect public safety, and bring the perpetrator to justice. In such cases, a truck accident lawyer can take the following steps to quickly identify the individual:
- Contact local businesses and trucking companies to determine if the vehicle was leased or rented.
- Search for security camera footage of the hit-and-run accident and cross-reference it with known records of commercial vehicle drivers.
- Check local service stations and establishments to see any reported sightings of the driver or the vehicle.
- Interview witnesses in the vicinity to establish a description of the driver and vehicle.
- Analyze vehicle data such as speed and acceleration rates to narrow down potential suspects.
- Utilize mobile tracking technology to pinpoint the exact location of the driver and vehicle.
- Review registration documents for all commercial vehicles in the area.
Legal Representation After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Commercial vehicle accidents are often more complicated than those involving passenger vehicles, so injured parties may find it challenging to obtain the compensation they deserve. In cases involving commercial vehicles, there are typically several parties who could potentially be held liable. This can include the driver, cargo loader, and employer. In addition, the trucking company, the vehicle’s owner, and/or the manufacturer of a defective part could be held liable in some cases.
Assistance From a California Truck Accident Lawyer
Given the unique complexities associated with commercial vehicle accidents, those injured in accidents often need assistance from an experienced attorney who can protect their interests. A lawyer can help by gathering evidence, filing paperwork promptly, communicating with all parties involved, negotiating a settlement, and representing their client in court if necessary.
If you have been injured in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, contact an experienced attorney who can ensure your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your losses. The assistance of a lawyer can make all the difference in obtaining the compensation you deserve.
California Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a California truck accident lawyer. If you find yourself in a situation where you were injured by a hit-and-run caused by a commercial truck, we can help you pursue the damages you deserve. Contact us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for our free and friendly advice to find out how. We also offer an online form to message us. Our accident attorneys offer a free case review either in-person or virtually to review your case and let you know about options to recover damages.
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Listed below are some examples of how our injury lawyers helped others obtain compensation for their injuries:
Photo attribution: Image by Sabine from Pixabay
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