Hit-and-run accidents in Charlotte are a consistent source of frustration with potentially life-altering consequences. These incidents occur when a driver flees the scene after causing a collision, leaving victims to deal with injuries, property damage, and confusion about whether they will ever be able to recover the compensation they need to move forward. While it might feel tempting to give up hope, it is crucial to remember that you may have multiple options for financial recovery with the help of an experienced attorney.
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Charlotte, Ted A. Greve & Associates can help you understand your legal options and pursue justice. Call our experienced team today or contact us online for a free consultation.
Understanding Hit and Run Accidents in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte experiences about 32,932 traffic crashes annually, resulting in 105 fatalities and over 16,000 non-fatal injuries. The consequences of these accidents become even more severe when the responsible party leaves the scene. Victims often feel abandoned and uncertain about how to recover compensation for their losses.
Common reasons drivers flee accident scenes include intoxication, road rage, reckless driving, fear of legal consequences, lack of insurance, invalid license, or sometimes not realizing they caused an accident. Whatever the reason, leaving the scene is illegal in North Carolina and creates significant challenges for victims.
Once the law enforcement officers arrive, they will gather additional information, including taking photos and witness statements, to compile a case report that can serve as evidence in your claim case. Make an effort to get the contact details of the other parties involved in the accident and potential witnesses because their account of what happened could support your version of events.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
The moments following a hit-and-run collision are critical for protecting your health and strengthening your potential legal claim. Here’s what you should do immediately after such an incident:
- Call 911 immediately: Reporting the accident will create an official record and ensure medical assistance arrives for any injuries.
- Seek medical attention: You might feel fine, but some injuries may not immediately present symptoms.
- Document everything possible: Write down any details you remember about the fleeing vehicle, such as make, model, color, partial license plate, or distinctive features.
- Look for witnesses: People nearby may have seen important details about the accident or the fleeing driver. Try to collect their contact information if possible.
- Take photographs: Document the accident scene, your injuries, vehicle damage, and any relevant road conditions or traffic signs.
- Contact your insurance company: Your insurance policy will outline a specific timeframe for reporting the accident. However, you should refrain from providing recorded statements until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
- Preserve evidence: Keep all medical records, repair estimates, and any other documentation that can offer specific information about the accident, your injuries, and associated costs.
- Consult a hit-and-run lawyer: An experienced attorney from Ted A. Greve & Associates will help protect your rights and explore all avenues for compensation.
Taking these steps promptly can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Our team will guide you through each phase of the process, ensuring nothing important is overlooked.
Legal Obligations and Consequences
North Carolina law requires all drivers involved in an accident to:
- Stop at the scene: Drivers must remain at the location until authorities permit them to leave.
- Provide information: Drivers must exchange names, addresses, license plate numbers, and driver’s license information.
- Render aid: Drivers must check on others involved and provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured.
- Report the accident: Any collision resulting in injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more must be reported to law enforcement.
When a driver fails to fulfill these obligations, they face serious legal consequences. Depending on the severity of the accident, hit-and-run offenses can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, substantial fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.
For victims, the other driver’s unlawful departure creates complications for recovery. However, it doesn’t eliminate your right to compensation. A skilled hit-and-run lawyer from Ted A. Greve & Associates will help you explore alternative avenues for recovery, including your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage.
How a Hit and Run Lawyer in Charlotte Can Assist You
Recovering from a hit-and-run accident presents unique challenges that require the assistance of an experienced legal professional. At Ted A. Greve & Associates, we bring a unique advantage to hit-and-run cases. Our team includes not only experienced trial lawyers but also a chiropractic physician and skilled paralegals. This multidisciplinary approach allows us to understand the full extent of your injuries and fight for appropriate compensation.
Our lawyers can support your case by working with law enforcement to attempt to identify the hit-and-run driver through security footage, witness statements, and physical evidence. Our team will also gather medical records, accident reports, witness testimony, and expert opinions to build a compelling case.
Without dedicated legal help, many hit-and-run accident victims underestimate how much their claim is worth. Our lawyers will thoroughly assess all your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and future care needs. If authorities cannot identify the at-fault driver, we will examine your auto insurance policy to identify all possible sources of compensation, particularly your uninsured motorist coverage.
Our team will handle all communications with insurance companies and fight for a fair settlement covering your losses. If necessary, we will prepare a strong case and represent you in court. Our experienced team will handle the legal work throughout the process while you focus on recovery.
Get a Free Consultation from Ted A. Greve & Associates Today
The aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can feel overwhelming, but having a skilled lawyer on your side can help put your mind at ease. Ted A. Greve & Associates has helped numerous Charlotte residents recover compensation after hit-and-run accidents. We understand the unique challenges these cases present and have developed effective strategies to overcome them.
Our firm handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we win your case. This arrangement allows you to access high-quality legal representation without financial risk during this difficult time. Call or contact the experienced North Carolina attorneys at Ted A. Greve & Associates today for a free, confidential consultation where we can discuss your case and advise you about your options.
