Claims for Hit-and-Run Accident Recovery

Injured in a hit-and-run? Learn how North Carolina victims injured while driving, biking, or walking can recover damages through insurance or legal action. The best option depends on whether the driver is found and specifics of the incident.

The consequences of serious accidents include physical injuries, medical bills, and emotional trauma, making adequate compensation critical for victims’ well-being. Before you assume you don’t have avenues to recover compensation after a hit-and-run accident, speak to a personal injury attorney.

The team at Miller Law Group understands how North Carolina’s hit-and-run laws play into these complex cases and can help you find the best path forward.

Traffic laws in North Carolina mandate that anyone involved in an accident must stop and remain on scene until law enforcement allows them to leave. Drivers who flee may face serious penalties under North Carolina’s hit-and-run laws, including jail time, fines, or license revocation. The legal consequences can be even more severe for cases involving an uninsured motorist or serious bodily injury.

When a driver flees the scene of an accident, it can turn an already stressful situation into a worst-case scenario. A hit-and-run delays investigation and complicates insurance claims, and victims of these accidents experience numerous hurdles, including:

Identifying an Absent Driver

It’s impossible to file an accident claim against a hit-and-run driver who isn’t caught. The burden of proof is high, especially when evidence is limited or doesn’t clearly identify who was at fault.

Insurance Company Denials

Insurance providers may deny or delay coverage without proof another driver caused the crash, but it’s challenging to prove another motorist was involved with a hit-and-run accident claim.

Emotional Distress

Any accident can cause psychological harm that impacts your livelihood. But accidents involving an unknown driver and an unresolved claim can exacerbate stress and anxiety.

Financial Strain

When you’re injured by a driver who flees the scene, you may face medical bills, property loss, and missed work. This financial strain may not subside until you’ve secured compensation for the car accident, which can be a lengthy process for a hit-and-run. If you need solutions sooner, speak to an attorney for guidance on personal injury liens and how this coverage may help.

Insurance Coverage for Hit-and-Run Crashes

Thankfully, insurance will cover a hit-and-run accident claim in North Carolina as long as you carry the mandated Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. This part of your auto policy can help cover medical bills and property damage when an unknown or uninsured motorist causes bodily injury.

You don’t need to handle a hit-and-run in North Carolina alone. Miller Law Group attorneys stand ready to help you navigate these difficult situations and make informed decisions. If your challenges feel insurmountable, consider all the ways a law firm can help, including:

• Investigation: An investigative law firm can gather surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and police reports to help identify the hit-and-run driver.
• Insurance Negotiation: Attorneys can review complex UM/UMPD and collision coverage policies to discover areas for negotiation. They can push back on low offers and protect you from bad-faith denials.
• Lawsuit Filing: If a driver is later identified and that uninsured motorist caused your bodily injury, a lawyer can help you pursue civil litigation to recover full compensation.
• Claim Maximization: Lawyers can ensure you claim all available damages, including future medical costs and non-economic losses.
• Deadline Management: Lawyers track deadlines and handle all procedural requirements so your hit-and-run accident claim is heard.
• Review Subrogation and Liens: If your auto policy helps cover medical care or damage, contact a lawyer to discuss subrogation and liens against your claim and make sure collectors follow the rights of reimbursement.

North Carolina hit-and-run laws are complex, and holding a negligent, absentee driver accountable is rarely straightforward. Whether you need help understanding your policy’s coverage for uninsured motorists, investigating the accident, or building a strong hit-and-run claim, the attorneys at Miller Law Group are here to help. Reach out today for a free, comprehensive case evaluation.