A hit-and-run accident investigation involves both police work to find the responsible driver and a civil investigation to help you recover compensation. The state’s criminal case and your civil case are separate issues.
Law enforcement will search for the driver who fled the scene, while your Charlotte car accident lawyer will investigate to protect your right to compensation. Insurance companies will also investigate what happened to verify the claim of a hit-and-run accident.
Many people worry about getting compensation after being the victim of a hit-and-run because there is no insurance to claim. However, if you have North Carolina auto insurance, you have a measure of protection through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
North Carolina’s Required Hit-and-Run Coverage
North Carolina’s motorist insurance coverage laws require all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage to protect against hit-and-run accidents. This coverage helps ensure you can receive compensation even if the responsible driver flees the scene.
As of 1/1/2025, the minimum required coverage in NC is $50,000 per person (up to $100,000 total) for injuries and $50,000 for property damage. Uninsured motorist coverage covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other economic damages when the other driver has no insurance or cannot be found.
This insurance coverage protects you financially from irresponsible drivers who flee accident scenes. We’ll review your policy to identify all available coverage and make sure you receive the full benefits you deserve. Our team knows how to maximize your compensation under North Carolina insurance laws.
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How Police Investigate Hit-and-Run Accidents
Law enforcement takes hit-and-run accidents seriously. In North Carolina, leaving an accident scene is a crime. Officers arrive at the scene to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and file an official crash report.
Police investigators have special tools and databases they can use to track down hit-and-run drivers. They can access license plate reader data, review traffic camera footage from the area, and send information to other law enforcement agencies.
Your cooperation with the police can help move your case forward faster. Give officers any details you remember about the vehicle that hit you, including color, make, model, or partial license plate number. Also, share contact information for any witnesses who saw what happened.
Our Civil Investigation Approach
While police focus on finding the driver, we conduct a thorough civil investigation to protect your right to compensation. We know exactly what evidence insurance companies require to approve claims.
We’ll gather evidence to support your claim, such as photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries. Our team will also collect witness statements, accident reports, and medical records. Additionally, we’ll check for surveillance video from nearby businesses that could have captured the crash.
Our team will also communicate closely with law enforcement to share helpful information for both cases. Our civil investigation builds the proof to file your uninsured motorist claim regardless of whether police find the hit–and–run driver.
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If the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Later Found
If police locate the driver who fled your accident, you gain additional options for recovering compensation. You can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company or file a lawsuit against them for any damages your uninsured motorist coverage didn’t pay for.
Criminal charges against the hit-and-run driver can also help your civil case. A criminal conviction proves the driver’s fault in your accident. We’ll monitor the criminal case and use any helpful evidence to strengthen your civil claim.
Understanding Subrogation Rights
If you’ve already received payment from your own insurance through uninsured motorist coverage, finding the hit-and-run driver triggers subrogation. This means your insurance company has the right to recover their costs from the at-fault driver. We’ll protect your interests throughout this process.
Your insurance company cannot reduce your compensation through subrogation. Before pursuing repayment, they must wait until you receive full compensation for all your damages. We’ll make sure your rights come first during any subrogation process.
The subrogation process happens behind the scenes between insurance companies. You keep your full compensation while the insurance companies sort out repayment. We’ll handle all insurance company negotiations to protect your interests.
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Contact a Charlotte Hit-And-Run Lawyer Today
Your hit-and-run accident will be investigated much like any other accident. The difference is the addition of a criminal case. The police may question you about what happened to help them find the hit-and-run driver.
Thanks to North Carolina’s insurance laws, you still have an option to get compensation even if the driver is never found. However, uninsured motorist coverage may not be enough in cases of catastrophic injury. Finding the driver may be required to secure full compensation in these cases.
Contact DeMayo Law Offices immediately for a free consultation about your hit-and-run accident case. We’ll explain your options and start investigating immediately to build the strongest possible case for compensation. Our team has the resources and determination to fight for justice on your behalf.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
