If you were the victim of a hit and run accident, you may be wondering what your options are for recovering compensation for your injuries. Fortunately, even if the at-fault driver can’t be identified, you’re not out of luck. You can still file an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance provider.
Contact Ted A. Greve & Associates for a free consultation with a hit and run lawyer in Gastonia, NC. Our legal team will help you understand your options for seeking compensation and will walk you through the auto insurance claim process.
How a Hit and Run Lawyer Can Help You
A hit and run lawyer can handle every aspect of your case, so you only have to focus on following up with your medical treatment.
Your lawyer will investigate the incident and gather the evidence necessary to identify the at-fault party and hold them financially liable for your injuries. This evidence may include accident scene photographs, eyewitness statements, expert testimony, and traffic camera footage.
Car accident lawyers also have the knowledge and experience to accurately assess the value of your injuries. As part of this assessment, they’ll work with your doctors and vocational experts to determine the cost of your treatment and the impact your injuries will have on your earning potential.
Finally, your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company involved in your case for a fair settlement that covers all of your losses. This may be the at-fault driver’s insurance company if they were identified, or your insurance company if you filed an uninsured motorist claim. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, your lawyer can also take your case to trial to seek the compensation you need.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident
Immediately after a hit and run accident in Gastonia, there are several steps you should take to strengthen your case. These steps include:
- Reporting the Accident to the Police – After any car accident, you’ll want to report the accident to the police so they can come out to the scene and file an official accident report. A copy of this report may be necessary for filing your auto insurance claim. Reporting the accident to the police is extra important after a hit and run, so they can begin searching for the at-fault driver.
- Notifying Your Insurance Company – It’s crucial that you report the hit and run accident to your insurance company, even if you don’t believe you are at fault. This is because your insurance policy likely requires that you report the accident within a set timeframe to be able to file an uninsured motorist claim.
- Documenting the Accident Scene – If your injuries allow for it, it’s essential that you document the accident scene before leaving. Take photos and videos of your damaged vehicle, the road conditions, and relevant traffic signs or signals. You should also collect the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses.
- Seeking Medical Attention – Always seek medical attention after a car accident. Even if you feel fine initially, you may have underlying injuries that can worsen over time. It’s best to get checked by a medical professional sooner rather than later so they can document your injuries in your medical records.
- Contacting a Car Accident Lawyer – A car accident lawyer can handle your case from start to finish by gathering evidence, attempting to identify the hit and run driver, and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf.
The Role of Insurance in Hit and Run Cases
Under normal circumstances, you would file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability coverage insurance policy after a car accident. However, hit and run accidents are different because you can’t file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance if you can’t identify the driver.
This is where North Carolina’s mandatory uninsured motorist coverage comes in. All drivers must have uninsured motorist coverage as part of their insurance policy, and they can file a claim against it when an uninsured or unidentified driver causes their injuries.
If the hit and run driver is identified after you recover compensation through an uninsured motorist claim, you can still file a third-party claim against their liability coverage. However, you may have to reimburse your insurer for some or all of the compensation you received through your uninsured motorist claim if your third-party claim is successful.
An experienced hit and run lawyer can help you explore your options and determine if filing an additional third-party claim makes sense for your case.
North Carolina Laws Impacting Hit and Run Claims
Under North Carolina law, drivers involved in crashes resulting in injury or property damage must stop at the scene and report the accident to the police. Because it’s illegal to leave the scene without reporting the accident and waiting for police to arrive, police will investigate any hit and run drivers.
This investigation may uncover the driver’s identity, allowing you to file a liability insurance claim against them.
Maximizing Compensation and Recovery
Maximizing your compensation after a hit and run accident may involve filing several auto insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits. For example, you may initially need to file an uninsured motorist claim to cover your immediate medical expenses and lost wages. However, once the police identify the at-fault driver, you may need to file a third-party claim against them to recover further compensation.
Additionally, regardless of whether the at-fault driver is identified, insurance policy limits may cap the compensation you can recover. If this occurs, your lawyer may need to explore other options for securing compensation, such as identifying additional liable parties and filing lawsuits against them.
Contact Ted A. Greve & Associates for a Free Consultation
If you were involved in a hit and run in Gastonia, North Carolina, contact Ted A. Greve & Associates for a free consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer. During your initial consultation, we’ll review the details of the accident and explain your options for seeking compensation, such as identifying the hit and run driver and filing a liability coverage claim or filing an uninsured motorist claim.
