Some months ago, State Police and local highway authorities were searching for a large commercial truck that they believed was involved in a deadly hit-and-run collision. The truck accident occurred in the early morning hours on a stretch of road in Marietta.
Georgia State Police believe that a yellow Volvo tractor trailer was traveling westbound and attempted to make an unlawful U-turn on the highway. An oncoming car struck and drove under the truck’s trailer. Tragically, the driver and the passenger of that vehicle were killed in the wreck. Witnesses say the truck pulled into a nearby parking lot before fleeing the scene of the accident.
Georgia Law: Drivers Must Stop and Remain at the Scene of a Crash
Under state law, all motorists have a legal responsibility to stop their vehicle, remain at the scene of a crash, and exchange information with other parties involved in a crash. The failure to do so is a criminal offense. When a motorist flees the scene of a crash that involved a serious injury or a fatality, they may face felony charges. As they are professional drivers, truckers are expected to abide by all relevant traffic laws and regulations.
What to Do if You are Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident With a Large Truck
Being involved in a commercial truck accident is stressful enough on its own. The situation is all the more frustrating and confusing if the trucker fails to stop at the scene of the accident. Here are three steps to take to protect your legal rights if your involved in a hit-and-run crash with a commercial truck:
- Call the police and report the accident immediately;
- Record as many details as possible about the accident, including time and location of the crash, contact information for witnesses, and any identifying features on the truck or the trailer; and
- Consult with an experienced Marietta, Georgia, truck accident attorney.
Your lawyer will start an investigation and help you initiate the claims process. While law enforcement is responsible for obtaining evidence, it is generally best to work with an attorney who can launch a concurrent investigation. In many cases, the responsible trucker may still be identified. For a number of different reasons, large trucks are often easier to track down after a hit-and-run. Beyond that, your attorney will also help you review your options for financial compensation through your own insurance policy.