Were you the victim of a hit-and-run car accident? Did you suffer injuries that required medical treatment? If so, DeMayo Law Offices, Your North Carolina Law Firm™, is here to help.
Our hit-and-run accident lawyers in Charlotte, NC, have 250 years of combined experience and are ready to investigate your case and pursue justice on your behalf.
A hit-and-run accident is a serious offense, and you shouldn’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our Charlotte car accident lawyers understand the laws surrounding these incidents and will explore every option to seek compensation for your injuries. When you hire us, we’ll get to work immediately, providing the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.
How to Investigate the Accident Scene
If you’re injured in a hit-and-run accident in Charlotte, gathering crucial evidence at the scene can strengthen your case. Details that show someone else caused the crash and contributed to your injuries could significantly impact your ability to seek compensation.
The first step is to call 911 and wait for law enforcement to arrive. Officers will investigate the accident, assess the circumstances, and document their findings in a crash report. This report is a vital piece of evidence that can help establish fault and support your claim.
When the crash report becomes available, request a copy to review key details, such as:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Names and contact information of witnesses
- Contact details for other drivers and passengers involved
- Type and location of damage to your vehicle
- Description of the events leading up to the crash
- Determination of fault
Even if the hit-and-run driver hasn’t been identified, this information is critical when filing a claim with your auto insurance company. Providing as much detail as possible increases the likelihood of a successful claim.
Remember that even if the officer concludes a hit-and-run driver was at fault, your insurance company may conduct its own investigation to determine liability and validate your injuries. If you’re unsure about the next steps, a Charlotte personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process and help protect your rights.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accident lawyer serving Charlotte, call (877) 333-1000
Witnesses Can Strengthen Your Case
Insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line, which means they may try to deny your claim or offer a low settlement. To counter this, you and your hit-and-run accident attorney in Charlotte must gather compelling evidence to support your case.
If you’re able to move around safely at the crash scene, take the time to speak with anyone nearby who might have witnessed the accident.
Ask if they saw what happened or if they can recall details about the driver and their vehicle. Even seemingly minor details can play a crucial role in identifying the at-fault driver or bolstering your claim.
Before leaving the scene, write down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Their statements can corroborate your account of the events when dealing with the insurance company. If multiple witnesses provide similar details, it can strengthen your case and reduce the likelihood of your claim being denied.
Charlotte Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (877) 333-1000
Don’t Wait to See a Doctor
Seeking immediate medical care after an auto accident is critical. Delaying treatment can harm your recovery and give the insurance company a reason to question your injuries or deny your claim. Whether you’re taken to the hospital by ambulance or drive yourself, make sure to see a doctor right away.
An ER physician will evaluate your injuries, perform any necessary treatments, and recommend follow-up care. This might include physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, or ongoing medical attention. It’s essential to follow these recommendations to aid your recovery and create thorough documentation of your condition.
Medical records play a crucial role in your claim, especially if you work with a hit-and-run accident attorney in Charlotte, NC from our team to seek compensation. Accurate documentation of your injuries and treatment ensures you have the evidence needed to hold the at-fault driver accountable.
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Hold the Other Driver Accountable for Their Actions
If the police identify the driver responsible for your hit-and-run accident, you have two primary legal options: filing an insurance claim and pursuing a lawsuit. Filing a liability claim with their auto insurance company can help cover losses, as all drivers in North Carolina are required to carry minimum liability coverage.
These limits can compensate injured victims for their economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages and lost future earnings
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Cost of car repairs or vehicle replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional or mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life
- Disability
You can also decide to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If you do, you must adhere to North Carolina’s statute of limitations, which gives you three years from the accident date to take legal action. Missing this deadline could result in the dismissal of your case.
Most lawsuits for hit-and-run accidents in Charlotte are based on negligence, which requires proving five elements: duty, breach of duty, cause in fact, proximate cause, and damages.
In rare cases, punitive damages may be available. These are intended to punish egregious misconduct, such as fraud, malice, or willful and wanton behavior, and to deter similar actions in the future.
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You Have Options if the At-Fault Driver Can’t Be Found
Law enforcement doesn’t always succeed in identifying the driver responsible for a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident. If the at-fault driver can’t be located, you can turn to your auto insurance policy for compensation. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is designed to help in situations like these:
- The at-fault driver doesn’t have liability insurance.
- The at-fault driver’s liability limits are insufficient.
- The accident involved a hit-and-run driver.
In your case, you could file a UM claim with your insurer to seek compensation for damages such as:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages and lost future earnings
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Cost of car repairs
- Vehicle replacement
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
If your policy includes MedPay (medical payments) coverage, you can use it to reimburse medical expenses. Unlike UM coverage, MedPay only covers necessary medical treatments and does not include lost wages or pain and suffering. Most policies offer limits between $500 and $5,000, which can help offset medical costs even if they don’t cover everything.
Speak to a Charlotte Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
DeMayo Law Offices, Your North Carolina Law Firm™, has a skilled legal team ready to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Our priority is to create a personalized strategy tailored to your goals, helping to resolve your case efficiently and effectively.
We understand how overwhelming a hit-and-run accident in Charlotte can be, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
When you hire our team, you can count on us to provide compassionate guidance and dependable legal representation. Let us handle the complexities of your case so you can focus on recovering and moving forward with your life.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
