By Gene Riddle, attorney, Riddle & Brantley
Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
Injured in a hit and run accident? Our experienced North Carolina hit and run accident lawyers have more than 220 years of combined legal experience, recovering more than $600 million in total compensation for victims since 2000 alone (see disclaimer below). If you’ve been hurt in one of these terrible accidents, a hit-and-run lawyer in North Carolina at Riddle & Brantley would love to help.
How Common Are Hit and Run Accidents?
Data from the 2020 US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that even though traffic accidents were down because of COVID, fatalities in hit and run accidents increased by 26%. 20% of all hit and run accidents involve pedestrians or those on bicycles. These accidents often result in serious injury or death. Although leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, and often leaves behind serious injuries or death, hit and runs still happen.
Alarmingly, an estimated 3-5% of hit and run accidents result in death.
Why Do Hit and Run Accidents Happen?
Many times, the hit and run driver leaves the scene of an accident because they:
- Do not have insurance
- Do not have a driver’s license or have a suspended license
- Were driving while impaired
- Were engaged in other negligent or reckless activity
- Have outstanding warrants for arrest
- Are simply afraid to face the consequences of their actions
In these cases, injured victims are encouraged to contact an experienced NC hit and run accident lawyer to help identify the at-fault driver and pursue the justice and compensation they deserve.
For a FREE consultation with an experienced hit and run accident lawyer, please call 1-800-525-7111. At Riddle & Brantley, our track record speaks for itself, and we are here to advocate for you however we can. Justice Counts for you and your loved ones.
There is no obligation, and you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case, and you receive compensation.
Call 1-800-525-7111 today and let one of our North Carolina car accident lawyers review your hit and run accident injury claim. You deserve justice and you may be entitled to compensation.
We would love to help you or your loved ones however we can.
Types of Hit and Run Accidents
There are many types of hit and run accidents. The bottom line is that a hit and run accident occurs when the at-fault driver flees the scene of the accident, which is illegal in North Carolina.
Some of the more common types of hit and run accidents include:
- A driver hits a parked car and leaves without notice.
- A driver hits another vehicle causing property damage, injury, or death.
- A driver hits a pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcycle, causing injuries or property damage.
The consequences can be devastating. According to NHTSA, one in five pedestrian deaths is attributed to hit and run accidents.
Sometimes, hit and run victims do not even see what hit them and cannot identify a vehicle and/or driver. When we represent injured victims, we work diligently to identify the hit and run driver and hold them accountable for their actions. At Riddle & Brantley, we even have investigators on staff to assist in these investigations and bring at-fault drivers to justice.
If you’ve been injured in a hit and run, call Riddle & Brantley’s hit and run accident attorneys at 1-800-525-7111 for a free consultation. There are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive compensation.
Hit and Run Accidents in North Carolina
A “hit and run” occurs when a driver leaves the scene after an accident. In North Carolina, it is illegal for a driver involved in an accident to flee the scene.
All drivers involved in an automobile accident are required under NC law to immediately stop or return to the scene if the accident caused injury, death, or damage to a vehicle. The drivers have a duty to exchange information with each other and provide aid or help if someone is seriously injured and cannot get to the hospital without assistance.
Violations of this law can lead to significant fines, criminal charges, and even jail time. The penalties are most severe when the hit and run results in injury or death.
“Why Do I Need a Hit and Run Lawyer?”
When you hire Riddle & Brantley Law Firm for NC hit and run accidents, we can help handle all aspects of your hit and run accident injury claim or lawsuit, including:
- Organizing a thorough crash scene investigation.
- Identifying witnesses and reviewing witness accounts.
- Obtaining and reviewing surveillance or video footage.
- Obtaining and reviewing the official accident report.
- Coordinating with law enforcement to help identify the at-fault hit and run driver.
- Hiring expert witnesses like accident reconstructionists.
- Filing a claim on your behalf.
- Negotiating with the insurance company and defense counsel.
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary.
- Conducting depositions.
- Drafting and filing legal briefs and other court documents.
- Representing you in mediation and/or arbitration proceedings.
- Representing you in hearings and at trial if necessary.
Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents leave the injured party to fend for him or herself. That said, many of our clients are surprised to learn that there are various ways to obtain compensation from hit and run accidents — even if the at-fault driver is not identified or found. Call a hit and run attorney at Riddle & Brantley today for help. The consultation is always free, and you will never pay any attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive compensation.
Hit and Run Accident Claims
When the Driver is Identified
In some cases, law enforcement easily identifies and locates the driver. This is frequently done by tracking license plate numbers or using traffic, dash cams, or other surveillance camera footage. In these situations, you can file a car accident claim against the identified driver to recover compensation for your injuries.
When the Driver is Not Identified
However, even if authorities are not able to locate the driver, you may still have a claim and be able to recover compensation after a hit and run accident. Under these circumstances, drivers injured in a hit and run accident can collect compensation through their uninsured/underinsured motorist policy.
Many of our clients are hesitant to file an uninsured claim against their insurance policy because they are worried their premiums will go up. While this concern is valid, it is unlikely to happen. In NC, an insurance cannot increase your premium because you filed an uninsured claim from a hit and run accident. We recommend that if you were hit by a truck or car in a hit and run accident, you contact an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced personal injury lawyer at Riddle & Brantley can help you navigate the complicated process of filing an uninsured claim.
For a FREE, no-obligation consultation with an experienced hit and run accident attorney, call 1-800-525-7111 or complete the convenient form below.
Hit and Run Attorneys in North Carolina Who Are Ready to Help
At Riddle and Brantley, our hit and run attorneys understand that hit and run accidents are often even more stressful and confusing than other car crashes. After this type of crash, you may have questions about how to find the driver and hold them accountable for your personal injuries and other losses. Therefore, it is important to contact a hit and run accident lawyer as soon as possible.
With over 220 years of combined legal experience, our Riddle & Brantley hit and run accident lawyers have what it takes to hold negligent parties accountable. Since 2000 alone, we’ve recovered more than $600 million in total compensation for our deserving clients (see disclaimer below). In one recent case, we recovered the policy limits in a lengthy court battle after our client was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident.
A hit and run accident attorney at Riddle & Brantley can answer your questions and explain your options after you’ve been hit by a truck, car, or other vehicle in a hit and run accident.
Please call 1-800-525-7111 today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation. Remember, you won’t pay a dime in attorney fees unless we win your case, and you receive compensation. We proudly represent all North Carolinians.
Free consultations are available in any of our convenient office locations, or from anywhere by phone, email, text, or video conference. We can even come directly to you if it’s more convenient.
Criminal Charges in Hit-and-Run Accidents in NC
Depending on the severity of the injuries and accident, hit and run drivers may face different types of criminal charges. Misdemeanor charges are brought against drivers who flee the scene after causing minimal injuries. If a wrongful death or severe catastrophic injury results, however, the driver will face Class H felony charges. Offenders convicted of a Class H felony could serve up to 39 months in jail.
Regardless, a criminal charge (and even conviction) against the driver does not provide compensation for your injuries. Instead, you must file a car accident claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or your own uninsured insurance company. In some cases, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver, and our hit and run lawyers can help.
What To Do If You’re Involved in a Hit and Run Accident
Most victims of hit-and-run accidents are unaware of their rights and what they can do to protect themselves. After a hit and run car accident, there are certain steps you should take:
- Stay at the scene and call the police — Never chase after the other driver or risk trying to detain them. It could be dangerous and unpredictable. The police can help identify the other driver, often with the help of your hit-and-run accident attorney and their investigators. Once they are aware of the accident, they will start trying to track down the other driver.
- Get Emergency Medical Attention— Similar to any car accident, always call 911. Not only can medical attention help protect your health and safety, but your medical records and doctors’ notes will be critical in any potential claim or lawsuit.
- Write Down Any Info You Remember About the Other Vehicle or Driver— A license plate number is often extremely helpful but is not always necessary to find the driver. If you can recall details of what the driver or car looked like, that may also help your case.
- Document the Accident Scene with Photos— Take photos of the crash scene, including any debris, skid marks, vehicle damage, road markings, signs, etc., and get pictures of any injuries.
- Get Contact Info from Witnesses— Witness testimony may be critical in identifying the other driver and proving liability. Some witnesses may have video evidence from smartphones or dash cams that may prove invaluable, as well.
- Inspect the Surroundings of the accident— You or your attorney can determine if any nearby businesses or locations have video footage of the wreck. Video footage can sometimes be critical in finding the hit and run driver.
- Call a Hit and Run Accident Attorney— An experienced hit and run lawyer in can use the police report and information from a criminal investigation to help your case. If the authorities find the hit and run driver, an attorney can help you obtain his or her insurance information and file a car accident claim. If the police cannot locate the driver, your lawyer can advise you on other options for compensation.
Don’t wait — the longer you wait to contact a hit and run accident lawyer at Riddle & Brantley, the harder it may be to identify and locate the at-fault driver and recover the compensation you need and deserve. Call 1-800-525-7111 today and let’s talk. The consultation is free and there are no upfront costs or attorney fees unless we win your case and you get compensation.
“I would not have won my case without help from my team at Riddle & Brantley.”
–Jim S., Riddle & Brantley client
Police Reports and Witness Statements
Police reports and witness statements are key to our success in pursuing compensation for those injured in hit-and-run accidents. If you or a loved one was injured in a hit and run accident, we recommend you call us right away at 1-800-525-7111 so we can get a head start in gathering evidence and investigating the accident.
A Real-Life Example
Sometimes accidents hit close to home. Not too long ago, founding partner and attorney Gene Riddle’s wife was t-boned by a hit and run driver on a very busy street in NC. Thankfully, she was able to pull into a gas station and call the police and Gene. Gene showed up before the police and immediately advised his wife what to do. Thankfully, her injuries were not life-threatening but her car sustained several thousand dollars in damage..
Gene helped the police locate and review the surveillance footage from the camera at a nearby gas station. He also collected the front bumper from the other vehicle. With the footage from the surveillance, the bumper and a partial plate number, the police were able to find the driver who fled because he had other warrants out for his arrest. We aggressively pursued justice in this case and were pleased to have helped find the at-fault driver. There are many other clients whom we have helped locate the at-fault hit and run driver.
Injured in a Hit and Run Accident?
At the law offices of Riddle & Brantley, we understand how difficult and confusing filing a hit and run accident claim can be. Most people may not even know that filing a claim is an option if the other driver is not identified. However, a hit and run accident lawyer at Riddle & Brantley can answer your questions and provide comprehensive legal counsel to help get you the compensation you need and deserve.
For a FREE, no-obligation consultation with an experienced North Carolina car accident lawyer handling hit and run accident claims, please call 1-800-525-7111.
The consultation is free, and we don’t get paid unless you do. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you won’t pay any attorney fees. It’s as simple as that.
Please call 1-800-525-7111 today and let’s review your claim.
“They handled my case very professionally, with respect from beginning to end.”
–Joseph P., Riddle & Brantley client
We proudly serve clients with several convenient locations in North Carolina, and we can consult with you from the comfort of your home or anywhere else by phone, email, text, and video conference. We always try to respond to calls, emails, and texts quicky after hours and on weekends, and have bilingual interpreters available for the convenience of our Spanish-speaking clients.
Justice Counts. Don’t wait — the longer you wait to have your hit and run accident case investigated, the harder it may be to win your case and recover the compensation you deserve.
Call 1-800-525-7111 today and let’s review your claim.
*** Disclaimer: The results mentioned are intended to illustrate the type of cases handled by the firm. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and they should not be construed to constitute a promise or guarantee of a particular result in any particular case. Every case is different, and the outcome of any case depends upon a variety of factors unique to that case.