Hit and run accidents occur when a motorist leaves the scene of a pedestrian accident, car accident, truck accident, or bicycle accident. Whenever an accident occurs, it is the responsibility of all motorists involved to stop, exchange contact and insurance information, and offer assistance as needed. When drivers fail to stop after an accident, they face jail time, suspension of their driver’s licenses, as well as other penalties.
When truck drivers fail to stop after causing an accident, the outcomes can be even more dire. Due to the force and size of trucks, truck accidents are more likely than passenger vehicle accidents to result in serious brain injuries, fatalities, and other serious injuries. When a truck driver refuses to stop to help, he or she jeopardizes the lives of the victims of the accident. Without immediate help, the victims of a truck accident may succumb to their injuries. Even a delay of a few minutes or seconds can increase the risk of fatalities and permanent injuries.
There are many reasons why some truck drivers leave the scene of an accident. Truck drivers driving non-commercial vehicles may panic and flee the scene for many of the same reasons passenger motorists choose to leave the scene of an accident. A truck driver may be inebriated or may be frightened of the consequences of facing the accident.
A commercial truck driver may flee the scene of an accident for the same reasons. However, he or she may also fear losing their job and may panic about the possibility of their employer’s anger. If a commercial truck driver is driving under the influence, he or she might worry that a sobriety test may cost them their driver’s license. A truck driver may also be under-trained or under-qualified and may panic and flee the scene for this reason.
There are no excuses for leaving the scene of an accident. Truck drivers and passenger car drivers have a responsibility to stop and offer help after an accident. Any driver who fails to do this is putting lives at risk and is behaving in a callous and negligent manner. If you have been seriously injured in a hit and run truck accident, Florida law protects you and ensures that you qualify for legal redress which can help you pay for medical treatment and other costs.
If you have been in a hit and run track accident, it is very important to contact a qualified Florida personal injury attorney at once. Attorneys – such as at the experienced team at the Flaxman Group – can advise you of your legal rights and can help you find the driver who has caused your injuries. By contacting a qualified attorney quickly, you also increase the chances of finding the driver, as an attorney can quickly launch an investigation into the accident. Good Florida personal injury attorneys can investigate all the contributing factors of an accident and ensure that you get all the help you need in pursuing justice. A good attorney can help ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to under the law to cover medical expenses and other costs related to your injuries.