When a negligent motorist hits you and causes injuries, at least there is some solace in knowing you can hold them liable for your damages. But if that driver refuses to stop or leaves the scene of the accident before identifying themselves, you might be stuck paying for their reckless acts.
That’s not only unfair; it’s also illegal. Once caught, the driver will face criminal charges, but that doesn’t pay your bills. Our hit-and-run accident lawyers in Greensboro will outline your potential paths for getting the compensation you need when a hit-and-run driver hurts you.
Previously known as Crumley Roberts, CR Legal Team has recovered billions of dollars in awards and settlements for our clients. We Stand Up For You®. Call today for your free consultation and find out how our car accident lawyers in Greensboro can help.
How Our Legal Team Can Assist
It’s always a good idea to contact an attorney when you are hurt in a car crash, but especially so under circumstances as complicated as a hit-and-run accident.
Your avenues for recovering compensation are not as obvious as a standard car accident case. Here’s a brief overview of what’s available to you:
- Paying out of pocket: If the driver flees the scene of the accident and isn’t caught, you may need to pay for your own medical care and vehicle repairs.
- Filing an Uninsured Motorist claim: Uninsured motorist coverage is required in North Carolina. You can file a claim with your own policy to cover your damages.
- Filing a civil lawsuit: If the driver is eventually identified, we can assist you in filing a civil lawsuit against them so you can recover your costs related to the crash.
Our personal injury lawyers in Greensboro will help you understand each option, file your claim or civil lawsuit, and fight for maximum compensation that fully covers your damages. We can assist you in cooperating with law enforcement in their efforts to identify the driver.
Important Steps After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Taking the right actions during the hours and days following your hit-and-run accident can increase your chance of recovering compensation. Consider the following important steps.
Get Medical Care
Your health is the most important thing after an accident. If you didn’t go to the emergency room to get care, see your doctor as soon as possible. They can check for signs of injuries that may be immediately apparent. This also creates a string of medical records that show your injuries.
Contact an Attorney
Reach out to our hit–and–run accident attorneys in Greensboro as soon as you can, and do so before you talk to any insurance companies. We’ll explain your case and prevent you from making common mistakes that can hurt your chances of recovering compensation.
Write Down Everything You Remember
If the other driver fled the scene or never stopped, your recollection of events can play a major role in tracking them down. Write down everything you remember about the make and model of their vehicle, a license plate or partial plate number, and their personal appearance.
File a Police Report
You are legally required to report an accident with injuries, under North Carolina General Statute § 20-166.1. The other driver is as well, but they likely won’t. If the police showed up at the scene, they would have completed a report. Otherwise, you can file a report for the crash.
Contact Your Auto Insurance
Most auto insurance policies require you to tell them about an accident, even when you are not at fault. This is especially important in a hit-and-run accident, when you may be relying on your policy’s uninsured motorist coverage for recovering compensation.
Keep Track of Your Expenses
Like any personal injury case, keep track of your costs and hold onto receipts and invoices. This can help our Team accurately account for your damages and make sure you receive full compensation.
Legal Consequences for Hit-and-Run Drivers in North Carolina
Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal in North Carolina. Perpetrators can face jail time, fines, and points against their driver’s license. When a serious injury happens, charges may be elevated to a felony, with serious jail time and a mandatory license suspension.
In addition to criminal penalties, our Greensboro hit-and-run accident lawyers can help you hold the driver accountable in civil court as well. You can seek restitution for your accident-related expenses and potentially punitive damages.
Click to contact our Car Accident Lawyers in Greensboro today.
Contact Our Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys in Greensboro
A hit-and-run accident leaves you with no direct recourse for getting the compensation you need to cover your damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, future medical needs, and property damage. It adds ever more stress to an already frustrating situation.
You can hold the other driver accountable if they are ever caught. Until then, you’ll have to figure out how to pay your bills on your own. Our hit–and–run accident attorneys in Greensboro can discuss your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
CR Legal Team has served more than 200,000 clients over the past 36 years. We stay true to our Mission to provide Whole-Person Legal Care™. Call today to schedule your free consultation and tell us about your hit-and-run accident.
