Hit and Run Truck Accidents in Florida

Any type of motor vehicle accident has the potential to cause life-changing damage, but it becomes difficult to recover compensation for that damage if the at-fault driver flees the scene. In the case of a semi truck hit and run, it becomes even more pressing to ensure you can recover the truly devastating damages that a large truck can cause.

The experienced Orlando hit and run accident attorneys at JustCallMoe proudly help Florida drivers navigate the legal challenges that come after a truck accident. We can answer any questions you might have about your truck driver hit and run and help you secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.

What Are Some Common Truck Hit and Run Scenarios?

Traffic law dictates that a driver involved in an accident must stop at the scene. There is a moral and legal duty to assist injured individuals, exchange insurance information and report to the police. Neglecting to stop and wait at the scene constitutes a hit and run. These obligations extend to commercial truck drivers just as much as anyone else.

Common scenarios in which a truck driver might leave the scene of an accident include:

• Not realizing there was a collision
• Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Lacking the necessary insurance
• Thinking that nobody witnessed the accident

Ultimately, a driver who leaves the scene of an accident usually does so because they think they can avoid the consequences or because they know the consequences will be particularly severe due to their own negligence. It is important to remember, however, that you have options for securing compensation after a truck hit and run even if the at-fault motorist tries to flee.

How Can I Find the Other Driver After a Semi Truck Hit and Run?

The most challenging aspect of a hit and run case is finding the other driver so you can hold them accountable for the damages they caused. If possible, try to note any details you can remember about the truck that hit you before it left the scene. License plate numbers or company logos on the truck’s trailer can be immensely helpful in expediting the investigation.

However, it is primarily the police’s job to track down the law-defying driver. That is why it is so important to report the accident as soon as possible. Your personal injury attorney can also play a role in the investigation. Between law enforcement and your own legal team, the process of interviewing witnesses and reviewing any available surveillance footage can go much quicker.

Will My Insurance Cover Me After a Hit and Run Truck Accident in Florida?

Typically, an individual who sustains damage in an accident would pursue compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance provider. In the case of a truck hit and run, however, there is a possibility that you might never track down the person responsible for your accident. In this situation, you may have the option to use your own insurance policy to cover the costs.

In Florida, it is mandatory to carry personal injury protection as part of your auto insurance policy. You may file a claim against this coverage to help pay for the costs of medical treatment you require after an accident. Additionally, if you carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on your policy, you can also tap into that coverage in the event of a truck driver hit and run in which the police cannot find the other party.

How Common Are Hit and Run Truck Accidents in Florida?

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that there were a total of 104,273 hit and run crashes in the state in 2023. Data from the FLHSMV also shows that there are as many as 30,000 or more heavy truck accidents on a yearly basis.

The data suggests that approximately one in four traffic accidents are hit and runs, meaning that there is the potential for thousands of hit and run truck accidents in Florida each year. While it is impossible to fully anticipate a hit and run accident, being aware of the statistics can help you respond appropriately if you experience one yourself.

What Are the Penalties for a Hit and Run Truck Accident in Florida?

Truck drivers and other commercial vehicle operators face the same potential consequences under state law as any other motorist who commits a hit and run offense in Florida. For a hit and run that only results in property damage, the at-fault driver may receive a second-degree misdemeanor charge and up to 60 days in prison with a possible $500 fine.

Hit and runs that result in personal injury are much more severe in the eyes of the law. The penalty in such a case is a second- or third-degree felony and a license revocation for at least three years. The at-fault driver may face up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

If a truck hit and run results in a fatality, the at-fault driver is guilty of a first-degree felony and will receive a license revocation for at least three years. A first-degree felony conviction comes with a minimum of four years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

What Should I Do After a Hit and Run Truck Accident?

The most important thing to remember after experiencing a hit and run is that you should not try to chase after the fleeing driver. Doing so would also mean that you are leaving the scene of the accident. It is much more beneficial for you to remain at the scene, call 911 and seek immediate medical attention regardless of whether or not you notice any pain or injuries.

When it is safe for you to do so, begin documenting the scene of the accident. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and the surrounding area. Collect contact information from any witnesses who are present. You should also report the accident to your insurance provider and contact your hit and run truck accident lawyer to begin the claims process.

Contact a Hit and Run Truck Accident Lawyer Today

In the hours and days after a hit and run truck accident, you have enough to worry about without adding a complex legal case to the mix. Our team at JustCallMoe can handle your claim and negotiate with insurance providers so you can focus on recovering from the accident. Contact us today for a free consultation.