Personal Injury Lawyers Phoenix, AZ
Driving at high speeds on a highway can be dangerous enough, but when you add large semi-trucks to the mix, even the smallest bump can become deadly. And when the truck driver then flees the scene, things become even more stressful. Here’s what to do (and not do) if a truck clips you and runs:
Do
DO get to safety. If you can, move your vehicle out of traffic.
DO call the police immediately. Always call the police if you’ve been in an auto accident. Creating a police report about the incident will be crucial to filing a claim with your insurance company.
DO gather as much information as you can. Even though the person and vehicle are no longer on the scene, immediately gather as much of the following information as possible, including:
- The license plate number
- The trucking company’s name
- Any identifying colors/logos/accessories of the truck
- The direction in which the driver took off
- The time and location of the accident
- Pictures of the damage done to your car
DO search for witnesses. This can include a wide range of people, including, people who saw the accident occur, people involved in the accident, and responders to the scene. Ask the witness if they are willing to provide a statement to the police.
DO contact your auto insurance company. Every insurance policy is different, and yours may not cover hit and run incidents. To avoid being financially responsible for an accident you did not cause, make sure your auto insurance policy has at least Uninsured Motorist Coverage or Collision Coverage.
DO hire an attorney. To receive compensation for your injuries, you may need to file a claim against the truck driver, the trucking company, and their insurance companies. Insurance companies have teams of experienced adjusters, investigators, and lawyers fighting to settle your case quickly and for as little money as possible. Unless you are a personal injury lawyer yourself, you are no match for the insurance companies, so you’ll want someone fighting just as hard for you.
Don’t
DON’T leave the scene of the accident. Legally, you are obligated to stop if you’ve been in an accident. Failure to do so could lead to serious criminal charges if anyone was injured.
DON’T try to chase down the truck. If you leave the scene yourself, you could be held legally culpable. Plus, chasing down the truck that struck you could be potentially dangerous.
DON’T lose your temper. When someone puts you and your family in harm’s way, it is easy to let your emotions get the best of you. But getting angry is not productive or helpful in the aftermath of an accident. Don’t be aggressive or confront any of the other parties involved.
If you’ve been injured by a truck in a hit and run, contact the law offices of Kamper & Estrada, PLLC. Our personal injury lawyers have over 40 years of experience and are happy to talk you through your options.
