What To Do After a Truck Hit-and-Run in Pennsylvania

It is common to think about hit-and-run accidents as those that only happen between private vehicles. This makes sense as there are greater numbers of private vehicles on the road than commercial. But still, commercial vehicles like large trucks can also be involved in hit-and-run accidents. In fact, any vehicle can either be impacted by a hit-and-run or cause a hit-and-run.

Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident is traumatic and can be especially pronounced when the negligent party who caused the crash and then fled the scene is a truck. This is because a truck’s large size and heavy weight mean that it can inflict major destruction when it hits another smaller car.

It is imperative that victims of car accidents including hit-and-run accidents know what their rights are after these devastating events. To accomplish this, speaking with an attorney that is licensed and trained in personal injury law near you is beneficial. The Pennsylvania truck accident injury attorneys at Edelstein Martin & Nelson are devoted to helping accident injury victims with their claims and fighting on their behalf to get the most compensation possible to cover all of their losses.

Steps to Take After a Truck Hit-and-Run

Being hit by a truck is a horrific experience and can leave victims with permanently disabling injuries and death. The damages that victims can suffer have the potential to be substantial so recovering maximum compensation is essential. And the chances of being hit by a truck appear to be increasing with a 52% rise in these destructive events since 2009.Just like a driver of a personal vehicle, there can be many reasons why a truck driver would drive away from a crash. For example, panic and fear, being intoxicated, a driver that was in violation of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations, and more could be motivations to leave the scene of a crash. Regardless of the reason, leaving a crash scene is unlawful and criminal.If you were hit by a commercial truck that fled, here are tips for you to follow:

• Do not attempt to go after the truck and get it to stop. This is very dangerous not only for yourself but for others on the road around you.
• If possible:
  • Write down or take a picture of the truck where the name of the company and the logo may be present.
  • Take the license plate number.
  • Use your phone to record a video of the truck leaving the accident scene.
  • Talk to witnesses.
• Call the police.

Any information you can gather will be helpful for law enforcement in identifying and finding the rogue truck. Additionally, your information can also be used when you file a truck accident injury claim for compensation.Ideally, the truck driver will be found and then you will be able to hold them legally accountable for their negligence and file a claim against them for the compensation you deserve. In instances where the truck driver is not established, then you may turn to your own insurance for compensation if you have uninsured motorist coverage.

Speak to a Pennsylvania Truck Accident Lawyer Today

You may have a claim to make for compensation after a truck accident in Pennsylvania. To learn more, please call Edelstein Martin & Nelson to schedule a free consultation at (215) 731-9900.