If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident in North Carolina, your first priority is to ensure your safety and call 911 to report the accident. Seeking immediate medical attention and notifying law enforcement is crucial for both your well-being and the official documentation of the incident.
An experienced North Carolina hit-and-run accident lawyer can guide you through the process of recovering compensation if the driver responsible cannot be identified.
In a hit-and-run accident, the at-fault driver leaves the scene without providing their contact or insurance information, making it difficult for victims to pursue a claim. Despite this challenge, there are specific steps you can take to protect your rights, ensure proper documentation, and increase the chances of recovering damages.
Can You be Compensated if the Driver is Never Found?
Yes, you can still receive compensation even if the hit-and-run driver is not identified. This is typically done through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which North Carolina requires all drivers to carry as part of their auto insurance policy. UM coverage acts as a safety net in situations where the at-fault driver is either uninsured or cannot be located.
Here’s how compensation through UM coverage works:
- Filing a UM claim: You file the claim with your own insurance provider, which steps in as though they are the at-fault party.
- Types of compensation available: This coverage can pay for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
- Challenges with UM claims: Insurance companies may still attempt to minimize your payout. Working with a North Carolina hit-and-run accident lawyer ensures your claim is properly handled and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Having UM coverage is crucial for hit-and-run victims, but navigating the claims process can be overwhelming. An experienced North Carolina car accident lawyer can help you overcome these challenges.
For a free legal consultation, call (877) 333-1000
What Evidence Can Help After a Hit and Run Accident?
Collecting evidence after a hit-and-run accident is key to building your case. Here’s what you should focus on:
- Photographs: Take clear pictures of your vehicle’s damage, the accident scene, skid marks, and any debris left behind.
- Witness information: If anyone witnessed the accident, gather their contact information and ask for a brief description of what they saw.
- Vehicle details: Write down everything you remember about the fleeing vehicle, such as its make, model, color, and any part of the license plate number you recall.
- Surveillance footage: Check for cameras nearby, such as on traffic lights, businesses, or homes, that might have captured the incident.
This evidence is vital for law enforcement to investigate the accident and for your insurance company to process your claim. Your North Carolina personal injury lawyer will help you collect the evidence and ensure the correct documentation of your accident exists.
How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Help?
If the hit-and-run driver cannot be located, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage in your auto insurance policy can help cover your losses. UM coverage is mandatory in North Carolina, providing a financial safety net for situations where the at-fault driver is either uninsured or unidentified.
Uninsured motorist coverage can pay for:
- Medical expenses: Covering hospital bills, rehabilitation, and other medical costs related to the accident.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and other personal property.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to injuries sustained in the accident.
Consulting a North Carolina hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you navigate the insurance claims process and ensure that your insurance company honors your policy’s terms.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
What are Your Rights After a Hit and Run?
In North Carolina, hit-and-run victims have the legal right to pursue compensation for their injuries and damages. While the at-fault driver may not always be identified, you are still entitled to seek remedies through your uninsured motorist coverage or other legal avenues.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Statute of limitations: In North Carolina, you generally have three years to file a personal injury claim and two years for property damage. Acting quickly ensures evidence remains intact.
- Cooperation with law enforcement: Work closely with the police during their investigation. Providing detailed evidence can increase the chances of identifying the at-fault driver.
For complex cases, working with an experienced lawyer ensures your rights are protected and all possible avenues for compensation are explored.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Get the Help You Deserve with DeMayo Law Offices
If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run accident in North Carolina, don’t let the insurance companies take advantage of your situation. At DeMayo Law Offices, our team has recovered over $1 billion in settlements and judgments for clients just like you.
With over 250 years of combined legal experience, we know how to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Call us today to connect with a dedicated North Carolina hit-and-run accident lawyer. We genuinely care about our clients and will guide you through every step of the recovery process. Your rights matter to us—let our team help you protect them.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
