At 1Charlotte Injury Lawyers, we are committed to fighting for your rights after a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim. Serving Charlotte, Asheville, and surrounding North Carolina areas, our experienced attorneys handle various cases, including car accidents, personal injuries, and workers’ compensation claims. We understand the challenges you face and offer risk-free consultations to discuss your case and help you understand your options.
A hit-and-run accident can be a shocking and stressful experience, leaving victims unsure of what steps to take next. In Charlotte, North Carolina, the legal and insurance complexities that follow such an incident can be overwhelming. Whether you’ve suffered personal injury, property damage, or are dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident, understanding your rights and knowing the correct actions to take is crucial.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the crucial steps to take after a hit-and-run accident, including how to report the incident, understand the legal consequences, and the importance of working with an experienced Charlotte car accident attorney to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it’s critical to act quickly and follow specific steps to protect yourself legally and financially.
Stay at the Scene
You must remain at the scene of the accident. Leaving the scene of a crash is a violation of North Carolina law, specifically under NCGS § 20-166, which requires drivers involved in an accident to stay and exchange information. Failing to do so may lead to serious criminal charges.
Document the Accident
Take note of every detail. If possible, write down the license plate number and any other identifying features of the other vehicle. Document the property damage, injuries, and the scene of the accident by taking photos. This information will be critical in both the police report and your insurance claim.
Notify Law Enforcement
Call the police immediately after the accident. It is essential to report the incident to law enforcement so they can begin an investigation. A police officer will file a police report, which is key for legal and insurance purposes. North Carolina law requires drivers involved in a reportable accident to notify law enforcement.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention. Serious bodily injury or personal injury may not be immediately apparent after a hit-and-run accident. If you have been injured, getting treated promptly is critical to your health and your legal claim.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Notify your own insurance company about the accident. If the hit-and-run driver is not found, your uninsured motorist coverage may help cover property damage and medical expenses. Make sure to provide your insurer with all relevant details, including the license plate number or any other information you collected.
Understanding the Legal Consequences of a Hit-and-Run Accident in North Carolina
A hit-and-run accident can lead to serious legal consequences for both the driver who leaves the scene and the victim involved.
Criminal Penalties for the Hit-and-Run Driver
In North Carolina, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. Under NCGS § 20-166, the hit-and-run driver can face felony charges if they cause serious bodily injury or death. If the accident only results in property damage, the driver could still face misdemeanor charges. Convictions may result in fines, driver’s license suspension, or even imprisonment.
Civil Liability for the Driver Involved
In addition to criminal charges, the hit-and-run driver can be held liable for damages in a civil court. The victim may file a personal injury or property damage claim against the driver. If the driver is found, they may be required to compensate the victim for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs incurred due to the accident.
Consequences for Victims in a Hit-and-Run Accident
Victims of a hit-and-run accident may face significant medical expenses or property damage. If the responsible driver is not found, the victim may need to rely on their uninsured motorist coverage to cover these costs. North Carolina law allows victims to seek compensation for injuries, bodily injury, and permanent disfigurement.
Filing a Lawsuit for Personal Injury or Property Damage
If the hit-and-run driver is identified, the victim can pursue a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage. This legal action allows the victim to recover costs for medical treatment, lost wages, and other financial losses resulting from the accident. The lawsuit may also seek compensation for pain and suffering and permanent disfigurement caused by the crash.
Reporting a Hit-and-Run to Your Insurance Company
After a hit-and-run accident, it’s essential to report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process.
Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately
Contact your own insurance company immediately after a hit-and-run crash. Failing to report the accident promptly may result in delays or complications with your claim. Providing accurate details about the incident, such as the license plate number or any identifying features of the other vehicle, helps your insurer process the claim efficiently.
Provide All Relevant Information
When reporting the accident, be sure to provide your insurer with all available details. This includes the scene of the accident, the driver’s license number or license plate (if obtained), and any documentation from the police report. The more information you provide, the easier it will be for your insurance company to investigate the claim.
Understand Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If the hit-and-run driver is not identified, your uninsured motorist coverage may help cover the property damage and medical expenses resulting from the accident. Check your policy to ensure it provides adequate coverage for situations involving an uninsured driver. Your own insurer will review the police report and any evidence you provide to determine what compensation you are entitled to receive.
Work with Your Insurance Adjuster
Once you file a claim, your insurance adjuster will evaluate the damages. If the accident caused serious bodily injury or property damage, the adjuster will assess the costs and determine the coverage you are entitled to. Cooperation with your adjuster is crucial to ensure the claim is processed quickly and fairly.
Potential Consequences for Victims of a Hit-and-Run Accident
Victims of a hit-and-run accident may face significant challenges, including medical expenses and property damage, especially if the responsible driver is not found.
Serious Bodily Injury and Medical Expenses
If the accident results in serious bodily injury, victims may face extensive medical treatment. Medical expenses can quickly accumulate, especially for injuries requiring surgery, long-term care, or rehabilitation. Even minor injuries may become costly if they lead to permanent disfigurement or long-term disability.
Property Damage and Vehicle Repair Costs
A hit-and-run crash often leaves victims with property damage to their vehicle. Repair costs can be high, and if the driver responsible cannot be identified, the victim may be forced to pay out-of-pocket or rely on their own insurance company. Victims should assess their insurance coverage to determine if they are adequately protected in these situations.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If the hit-and-run driver is not located, victims can use their uninsured motorist coverage to recover losses. This coverage can help pay for property damage and medical expenses resulting from the crash. Victims should check their policy limits to ensure they have sufficient coverage to handle the potential consequences of a hit-and-run.
Emotional and Financial Impact
Victims of a hit-and-run may also face emotional and financial strain. The trauma of the accident and the uncertainty of not knowing who caused the crash can add stress to an already difficult situation. If the crash leads to significant loss of income or protracted injury, the financial toll can be overwhelming.
Seeking Legal Action
If the driver responsible for the hit-and-run is identified, victims may file a lawsuit for personal injury and property damage. Legal action can help recover costs not covered by uninsured motorist coverage and provide compensation for pain and suffering.
How a Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Hit-and-Run
After a hit-and-run accident, consulting a Charlotte car accident lawyer is crucial to protect your rights and secure appropriate compensation.
Legal Knowledge and Guidance
An experienced attorney understands North Carolina’s laws, including those governing uninsured motorist coverage. They can help you navigate the legal process, ensuring all necessary steps are taken promptly.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
A Charlotte car accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation, collecting evidence such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction reports. This comprehensive approach strengthens your case, especially when the hit-and-run driver is unidentified.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as they may attempt to minimize payouts. An attorney advocates on your behalf, negotiating to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.
Pursuit of Legal Action
If necessary, a Charlotte car accident lawyer can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or other responsible parties. They handle all legal proceedings, aiming to secure a favorable outcome for you.
For personalized assistance, consider reaching out to the skilled team at 1Charlotte Injury Lawyers. Our Charlotte car accident lawyers offer free consultations to discuss your case and outline potential legal strategies.
Consult With an Experienced Charlotte Attorney About Your Hit-and-Run Accident ASAP!
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Charlotte, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. The process can be complicated, but with the right legal support, you don’t have to face it alone.
Contact us at (704) 706-2689 for a free case consultation today!
