Any car accident in Wilmington can be a headache, but if you get hurt in a hit-and-run crash, you will be faced with an even more difficult recovery process. Without the at-fault driver to hold responsible, your recovery options may be limited. Hire an experienced Wilmington car accident attorney for professional assistance with this type of claim.
Contact us by calling (910) 762-1990 for a free consultation today.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident is a motor vehicle collision where one of the drivers involved leaves the scene or does not stop and fulfill his or her driver responsibilities. In North Carolina, drivers who are involved in accidents are required by law (North Carolina General Assembly § 20-166) to:
- Immediately stop at the scene,
- Remain at the scene until a police officer completes an investigation,
- Exchange relevant information with the other people involved, and
- Render reasonable assistance to anyone who has been injured.
A hit-and-run is a crime in the State of North Carolina. Fleeing the scene of a car accident without stopping, helping those injured and exchanging information is a Class 1 misdemeanor. It can be enhanced to a felony crime if victims sustain severe injuries or there are fatalities.
Your Legal Options After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Wilmington
North Carolina is a fault state, meaning that the driver at fault for an automobile accident is held responsible for the victims’ medical bills and property repairs. If the at-fault driver in your automobile accident case flees the scene without stopping, however, you will not have his or her information to file an insurance claim.
In this situation, you may be able to seek financial compensation through an uninsured motorist (UM) claim with your own car insurance policy. North Carolina requires auto insurance providers to offer UM coverage to all policyholders. This coverage on your own policy could compensate you for your medical expenses and other losses after a hit-and-run accident.
If you have collision or medical payments coverage, this could also pay for losses suffered by you and your passengers, even if the at-fault driver remains unidentified. Should the police track down the hit-and-run driver, you will have the right to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the driver in pursuit of a monetary recovery. You may be eligible for punitive damages to punish the defendant for fleeing the scene.
How Can a Wilmington Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Help You?
Our personal injury attorneys in Wilmington can protect your rights and interests from the very beginning of your hit-and-run accident case. A law firm can send investigators back to the scene of the crash to collect any available evidence, including physical evidence that could be handed to the police to help find the hit-and-run driver.
Your Wilmington hit-and-run accident lawyer will explore all of your legal options, including a first-party claim or a lawsuit against a third party, such as the city for failing to maintain a safe roadway. Then, your attorney can negotiate a fair and full settlement from the responsible party using aggressive legal strategies. If necessary, your lawyer can take your hit-and-run accident case to trial for maximum compensation.
To request a free consultation about a recent hit-and-run car accident in Wilmington, North Carolina, contact Shipman & Wright LLP anytime.