What are the Consequences When a Truck Driver Flees an Accident Scene? 

Hit-and-run accidents pose a significant problem on our roads. It’s a situation where one or more parties in an accident leave the scene without exchanging information or assisting the injured. While it can involve any type of vehicle, the repercussions are particularly severe for truck accident cases.

So, what exactly happens when a truck driver decides to flee an accident scene in Wisconsin? Let’s take a closer look at the consequences for all parties involved. 

The Consequences of Fleeing a Truck Accident Scene 

Being present at the accident scene is not just a moral obligation, but a legal one as well. Under Wisconsin law, it’s criminal to leave a serious crash site without waiting for law enforcement to arrive.

When a driver flees the truck accident scene in Wisconsin, they set in motion a series of legal and personal consequences that can affect them in the short and long term. Some of these include: 

• Criminal Charges: As mentioned, fleeing an accident scene is a crime in most jurisdictions. Truck drivers can face charges like hit-and-run, reckless driving, and even vehicular manslaughter if someone is seriously injured or killed in the crash. 
• Loss of Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): A hit-and-run conviction can lead to the suspension or revocation of the trucker’s CDL, making it nearly impossible for them to continue their career. 
• Professional Repercussions: The trucking company may suspend, terminate, or reprimand their employee, based on their actions. This can severely impact the driver’s livelihood. 
• Civil Lawsuits: Besides criminal charges, truck drivers who flee an accident scene may face civil lawsuits from the victims.
• Increased Insurance Premiums: Even if the truck driver doesn’t flee to avoid insurance issues, their insurance premiums are likely to increase substantially after an accident, especially a hit-and-run.

Common Reasons Why Truck Drivers May Flee an Accident Scene 

Understanding why truck drivers flee crash sites can shed light on the root causes of this problem. 

• Fear of Legal Consequences: Truck drivers may be aware of the serious legal consequences they face for their involvement in an accident. Rather than face the music, they may escape, hoping to avoid charges. 
• Lack of Proper Insurance: Some uninsured or underinsured truck drivers may fear the accident will expose their inadequate coverage. 
• Impaired or Reckless Driving: If the truck driver is under the influence, they could run to evade sobriety tests. 
• Lack of Accountability: The isolation and anonymity of the road can sometimes lead to a lack of accountability. Truck drivers may believe they can escape the scene without anyone noticing, which, unfortunately, is often the case. 

That said, there are potential defenses available. Perhaps the driver felt immediate danger or needed to rush to an even more critical emergency. Or maybe they didn’t realize they’d hit something until too late. 

Remember, these defenses are often difficult to argue. Your Wisconsin truck accident attorney should be able to foresee these excuses and prepare suitable counterpoints. 

The Impact on Victims 

For the victims of a hit-and-run in Wisconsin, the aftereffects can be overwhelming. Let’s explore what they are. 

• Physical and Emotional Trauma: Whether you sustain minor or life-threatening injuries, the trauma from the accident itself is compounded by the shock and anger of being abandoned by the responsible party. The victim is often left feeling helpless, confused, and terrified. 
• Delayed Medical Attention: In the chaotic aftermath of an accident, quick medical attention can make a significant difference in the victim’s recovery. However, if a truck driver flees the scene, there may be a delay in receiving medical treatment for the injured parties. The delay can worsen injuries and potentially lead to complications that could be prevented with timely medical care. 
• Lost income: The victims may lose their income from missing work due to their injuries or disability. The victims may also lose their earning capacity or their ability to work in the future.
• Property damage: The victims may also suffer property damage from the collision. This may include damage to their vehicle or other personal belongings.

The implications go beyond the victims themselves. The families may also suffer emotionally and financially while having to oversee/support their recovery.

However, there’s hope. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, working with a reputable truck accident lawyer can make a difference. These legal professionals specialize in handling the complex and often devastating consequences of truck accidents, and they are your best ally in navigating the legal/financial challenges that follow. 

The Bottom Line 

Leaving the scene of an accident is not a solution to any of the problems truck drivers might face in the aftermath of a collision. Instead, it only compounds the issues and makes it worse for everyone. By staying at the scene, exchanging information, and seeking help, we can make Wisconsin’s roads safer and ensure that accidents are handled with care and responsibility.