Were you severely injured in a Virginia truck accident where the truck driver left the scene without exchanging any information with you? Virginia law in a hit-and-run truck accident can expose the driver to criminal and civil liability.
What Is Considered a Hit-and-Run Under Virginia Law?
Virginia hit-and-run laws require any driver involved in an accident in which a person is injured or killed or any attended property is damaged to:
- Stop the vehicle as close to the accident as possible
- Share information with law enforcement and the other driver, including their name and address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number
- Help anyone injured in the accident, taking them to the hospital if necessary
The law does include reasonable exceptions. For instance, you can share your information with someone else in the other vehicle if the driver is too badly injured to take this information. Failure to stop, exchange information, and offer help is considered a hit-and-run under Virginia law.
What Is the Hit-and-Run Penalty in Virginia?
Leaving the scene of an accident exposes the truck driver to a hit-and-run charge in Virginia. What is the penalty for a hit-and-run? The severity of the charge depends on the circumstances, as follows:
- If the accident resulted in a death or injury or more than $1,000 in property damage, the hit and run is a Class 5 felony. The penalty for a Class 5 felony is up to ten years in prison.
- If the accident resulted in $1,000 or less in property damage, the hit and run is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The penalty for a Class 1 misdemeanor is up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
You also have the right to file a personal injury claim against the driver and collect compensation for your injuries. The driver’s CDL could also be suspended.
What to Do if You’re Involved in a Hit-and-Run Truck Accident
Take these steps if you’re involved in a hit-and-run truck accident in Virginia:
- Move your vehicle out of traffic if possible.
- Call 911 to summon medical assistance and law enforcement.
- Take photos or video footage to document your injuries and property damage.
- Get contact information from any witnesses.
- Get medical help as soon as possible.
- Contact a Virginia truck accident lawyer.
How Fault Is Proven in a Virginia Hit-and-Run Truck Crash
To prove the truck driver’s fault in a Virginia hit-and-run crash, your lawyer can:
- Review the police report
- Take witness statements
- Review pictures or video of the accident
- Review damage to your vehicle
- Gather evidence that the truck driver is responsible for your injuries
Why You Need a Virginia Hit-and-Run Truck Accident Attorney
Your Virginia hit-and-run attorney can help gather evidence to prove the truck driver’s identity and liability, making it possible for you to file a personal injury claim with the driver’s insurance company. If it isn’t possible to identify the truck driver, your attorney can help you file a claim with your uninsured motorists’ coverage.
Kendall Law Firm is a personal injury law firm whose attorneys boast over 30 years of experience helping injured people like you. If you suffered injuries in a hit-and-run truck accident in Virginia, contact Kendall Law Firm today for a free consultation to discuss your case.