After being in a hit-and-run accident in North Carolina, you should seek medical attention right away. Even if you feel uninjured, some injuries might not show symptoms immediately. You must also report the accident within 24 hours, or as soon as practicable, to local law enforcement or the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to preserve your right to an uninsured motorist claim.
You can consult a hit-and-run accident lawyer in Charlotte to explore your options for recovery, which may include seeking compensation through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or filing a claim if authorities find the at-fault driver.
A lawyer can push back if an insurance company tries to deny your claim by assigning even 1% of fault to you, which bars you from recovery under the state’s “contributory negligence” law.
Seek Medical Care After A Hit-and-run Accident
If authorities are able to identify the driver responsible for a hit-and-run, their insurance company will try to downplay the severity of your injuries to reduce or deny your claim.
They will argue your injuries are unrelated to the crash or less severe than you claim. Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, some injuries, such as whiplash, may not show symptoms right away.
Delaying a medical assessment and needed treatment could worsen your condition and make it harder for a car accident lawyer in Charlotte to prove the connection between your injuries and the accident.
Report The Accident After A Hit-and-run
If the hit-and-run driver is identified, their insurer will likely challenge your version of events or attempt to assign you partial blame to avoid paying your claim.
Filing an official accident report helps your Charlotte personal injury lawyer protect your claim against insurers who attempt to use North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule to deny you any compensation at all.
If police officers come to the scene, they can document key details, such as witness accounts, debris, or surveillance footage that might help identify the fleeing driver. If you didn’t file a report at the scene, you should still do so afterward with your local police department or the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Take Pictures And Document The Scene
Photos are valuable documentation you can also gather yourself. They provide real-time evidence of what happened and can protect you against attempts by the other driver’s insurer to deny liability or reduce compensation. In a state like North Carolina, where contributory negligence can leave you with nothing, strong documentation is everything.
Take wide-angle photos of the overall accident layout along with close-ups of specific details, such as the damage to your vehicle, debris, skid marks, broken glass, and traffic signs or signals. If you noticed anything about the fleeing vehicle, such as its color, license plate (even partially), or identifying features, record that as well.
Don’t stop with the scene itself. Document your injuries, including cuts, bruises, swelling, or any physical harm caused by the accident, as this provides evidence to counter insurers who may try to downplay your injuries.
Consult A Car Accident Lawyer After A Hit-and-run Accident
It’s important to consult a car accident lawyer after a hit-and-run to protect your ability to recover compensation. Hit-and-run cases can be particularly difficult because the at-fault driver is unknown, leaving you to rely on your own insurance coverage.
A lawyer can help you explore all potential coverage options under your policy, such as uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages caused by the accident.
If law enforcement identifies the driver who fled the scene, a lawyer can also help build a case against them. By gathering evidence, working with accident reconstruction specialists, and documenting your injuries, a lawyer prepares your claim for negotiations with the driver’s insurer or for potential legal action.
Why Choose Auger & Auger For Your Hit-and-run Case?
At Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges hit-and-run accident victims face in North Carolina. When the responsible driver flees the scene, recovering compensation becomes much more difficult.
On top of this, insurance companies will try to shift blame onto you or question the legitimacy of your injuries. These risks are why handling hit-and-run cases requires the experience and commitment we bring to every client.
Since 1995, we’ve been dedicated to protecting accident victims in North Carolina, including hit-and-run cases. With over $100 million recovered and a 99.5% success rate in litigated cases, we know how to protect you from insurers trying to reduce or deny your claim. We explore all possible avenues of recovery, such as uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, so that no opportunity for compensation goes unchecked.
Hit-and-run accidents leave victims with physical injuries and financial stress while facing uncertainty about the at-fault driver. That’s why we take a client–focused approach. As a family-run firm, we take the legal burden off your shoulders, managing every aspect of negotiations with insurance companies, building your case, and protecting your right to recover.
Call Us After Being In A Hit-and-run Accident In North Carolina
You don’t have to face the stress of a hit-and-run accident on your own. At Auger & Auger, we handle every aspect of the process so you don’t have to. You’ll never have to deal directly with the insurers or worry about confusing legal requirements.
With our A&A Zero Fee Guarantee™, you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. There’s no risk in reaching out. We’ll get to work protecting your rights and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to start the process and let our team take the burden off your shoulders.
