Yes, if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, your insurance will cover a hit-and-run accident in North Carolina. All drivers in North Carolina are required to carry UM coverage as part of their auto insurance policy.
Your UM coverage is a safety net when the at-fault driver cannot be located after a hit-and-run accident. As of 1/1/2025, North Carolina law requires all drivers to carry minimum UM coverage of $50,000 for bodily injury per person and $100,000 per accident.
To understand the full amount you may be eligible to receive, contact a Charlotte hit-and-run accident lawyer for a free consultation about your coverage and compensation options.
Filing a Hit-and-Run Insurance Claim
Filing a hit-and-run insurance claim begins with promptly reporting the auto accident to law enforcement and your insurance company. A police report documenting the hit-and-run provides evidence for your insurance claim and helps establish that another driver was at fault.
Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to investigate your claim and assess the damages. The adjuster may request additional documentation, such as medical records, repair estimates, and witness statements. Organizing all accident-related expenses and documentation helps speed up the claims process.
Insurance companies sometimes delay or deny legitimate hit-and-run claims by questioning coverage or disputing damages. Working with a lawyer experienced in handling hit-and-run cases helps protect you against invalid denials. They also communicate with insurers on your behalf so you can focus on recovery.
For a free legal consultation, call (877) 333-1000
What Your Insurance Will Cover in a Hit-and-Run Accident
Uninsured motorist coverage typically includes compensation for medical expenses, including hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and ongoing treatment needs. Your policy should also cover vehicle repairs or replacement.
Your policy may also compensate for lost income while recovering from your injuries. Some policies also cover long-term income losses if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future.
Non-economic damages like pain and suffering may also be covered under your UM policy. These damages acknowledge the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the hit-and-run accident. Read your policy or contact your insurance agent to learn what your specific policy covers.
Which Costs does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Pay for?
UM coverage typically includes compensation for medical expenses, including hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and ongoing treatment needs.
Your policy may also cover vehicle repairs or replacement, depending on the extent of damage from the hit-and-run accident. Additional covered expenses often include rental car costs while your vehicle is being repaired.
After a hit-and-run accident, lost wages and diminished earning capacity can significantly impact your financial stability. Your UM coverage may compensate for lost income while recovering from your injuries. Some policies also cover long-term income losses if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future.
Non-economic damages like pain and suffering may also be covered under your UM policy. These damages acknowledge the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the hit-and-run accident. An experienced legal team can help calculate and document these less tangible damages to ensure fair compensation.
Additional Coverage Options That May Help
Many North Carolina drivers purchase additional insurance that provides compensation after a hit-and-run accident. For example, medical payment coverage (MedPay) can help pay your immediate medical bills regardless of fault, providing quick access to healthcare while your UM claim processes.
Your health insurance may cover medical treatment costs beyond your auto insurance limits, though they may require you to exhaust your auto insurance coverage first. We can help coordinate between different insurance providers to ensure you receive all available benefits while avoiding coverage disputes between your insurers.
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Working With Your Own Insurance Company
Many assume their insurance company will treat them fairly when filing a UM claim after a hit-and-run, but unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Your insurance company’s adjusters are not your friends because they are focused on their bottom line, not your best interests.
Your insurance company may question the severity of your injuries, dispute the necessity of medical treatments, or look for ways to minimize your compensation. Without legal assistance, you may not know how to counter these claims.
North Carolina’s contributory negligence laws make it especially important to have legal representation when filing a UM claim. If your insurance company can argue that you were even 1% at fault for the accident, they can deny your claim entirely.
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Get Professional Help With Insurance Issues After a Hit-and-Run
At DeMayo Law Offices, Your North Carolina Law Firm™, we understand the challenges of hit-and-run accident claims. Your insurance should cover a hit and run if you have uninsured motorist coverage, but the insurer may try to fight back against your claim if they believe you contributed to the accident.
Contact DeMayo Law Offices today for a free consultation about your hit-and-run accident claim. You won’t pay any fees unless we recover compensation for your damages.
Let us put our resources and dedication to work protecting your rights and pursuing the full compensation you deserve.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
