Hit-and-Run Truck Accident Investigation
Time is of the essence in hit-and-run truck accident cases, and an immediate investigation is necessary to secure evidence as it may not last forever. Injured parties and surviving family members need supporting information to prove the cause of the incident and the value of the damages incurred. Furthermore, the last thing claimants would want to deal with during this challenging time is an insurance company discrediting their claim. A prompt, independent investigation into the commercial truck accident involving a hit-and-run driver is necessary as it upholds the right to seek financial recovery.
Recent Settled Hit-and-Run Truck Accident Case in Georgia
The plaintiff’s counsel reached a settlement for a client who suffered injuries in a big rig crash in the state of Georgia. In this case, the client was behind the wheel of their pickup truck on the highway when they approached a construction zone. Their vehicle was stopped in traffic within the construction zone during the incident. It was alleged that a big rig, operated by one of the defendants in the case, failed to slow down for stopped traffic and rear-ended the client’s pickup truck. The impact of the collision allegedly propelled the client’s vehicle into the rear of a big rig in front of their pickup truck.
The truck driver allegedly rear-ended the client’s pickup truck and reportedly left the scene following the incident. It was reported that the big rig driver did not check on the drivers affected by the crash. A Good Samaritan took photos of the suspect party, which were used later to identify the fleeing driver. Despite the pictures provided, the defendants denied liability for the incident. This resulted in the plaintiff’s counsel moving forward with a lawsuit and commencing litigation.
The hit-and-run truck accident was said to have left the client with traumatic injuries, causing great physical pain. This further affected their ability to enjoy life and work. The client has continued to experience emotional distress due to the lasting effects of the incident. The plaintiff’s counsel in the case alleged failure to maintain records and negligence against the defendants. This included claims of negligent driver supervision, entrustment, training, and hiring practices. A recently reached confidential settlement was said to have sufficiently compensated the client for what was lost.
What Evidence Can Prove a Big Rig Was Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Crashes caused by hit-and-run truck drivers may be challenging to prove. It is often difficult to establish liability in these matters based on different factors, including the speed of the vehicles involved, the area of impact, and if there were any eyewitnesses to the incident. Some of the evidence that may be used in support of a personal injury or wrongful death claim for a hit-and-run truck accident include:
- Police reports
- Truck driver logbooks
- Blackbox data from the big rig
- Cell phone records of location data
- Photos of the accident scene, including skid marks in the road
- Dashcam footage from the vehicle in which the claimant was in
- Analysis of damage on a big rig if the vehicle is located immediately
- Statements from individuals who witnessed the hit-and-run truck accident
- Video surveillance footage from a nearby residence, business, or traffic camera
In some cases, a truck driver may attempt to claim they were unaware they were involved in a crash with another vehicle. This defense is often used, particularly in cases where there is minimal traffic collision damage to the big rig. Above all, the burden of proof is on the claimant to establish that the incident was the cause of the reported injury and subsequent damages. For this, an injured party or surviving family member will need the assistance of a knowledgeable California truck accident lawyer.
Does Insurance Cover Hit-and-Run Tractor-Trailer Crashes?
The best-case scenario is where the suspect driver and vehicle are located and identified. However, that may not play out in all hit-and-run big rig crash cases. Uninsured motorist coverage may cover most losses in a personal injury or wrongful death case if local law enforcement cannot track down the suspect truck driver and big rig. Keep in mind that there must be substantial evidence demonstrating that the damage to the claimant’s vehicle is consistent with that of being struck by a large truck. It also must be proven that reported injuries occurred from the crash and not from another cause.
In hit-and-run truck accidents, it is best to work with an injury lawyer with the resources to independently investigate these matters. The right lawyer will act quickly to work with a private investigator who will work diligently to locate the suspect truck driver and big rig. Remember that evidence may be lost, destroyed, or covered up as time goes on. Further, letters of preservation of evidence must be sent to the truck driver and trucking company immediately before it is too late. That is why it is of utmost importance to enlist the services of an experienced attorney right away.
How Much Time Do You Have to Bring a Semi-Truck Collision Case in California?
California’s statute of limitations for bringing a case of personal injury or wrongful death is two years. This is outlined in CCP 335.1. However, this time frame may be subject to change in extenuating circumstances. For instance, if the vehicle involved in the accident was owned and operated by a government entity, the time limit would be changed from two years to six months. This is outlined in the California Government Code Section 911.2. As such, it is best to enlist a skilled California personal injury lawyer to protect the statute of limitations in your commercial truck accident case.
Importance of Hiring an Attorney Immediately After a Big Rig Crash
Insurance companies and trucking firms often conduct investigations into big rig crashes. They tend to start immediate investigations and arrive at conclusions on their own terms. If an injured party or a surviving family member retains legal counsel immediately following a tractor-trailer collision, their lawyer can conduct an in-depth investigation immediately and dispute the other side’s conclusions in their investigation. Having an experienced lawyer on your side means giving yourself the time to focus on recovering while your attorney works toward a favorable case resolution on your behalf.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento
After a big rig crash, you may be struggling with injuries or coping with losing a loved one. You should not have to deal with legal matters during this difficult time. One of our experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyers at AutoAccident.com can take over your case, conduct an in-depth investigation, and hold negligent parties accountable. If the incident resulted from a hit-and-run truck driver, we will work with a private investigator to locate them and hold them liable for your losses. Call for more information and receive free, friendly case advice by dialing (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.
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