Raleigh Hit and Run Lawyer
Hit and run accidents can be dangerous and even deadly. In a hit and run, the responsible driver flees the scene — usually to avoid paying compensation in a civil claim and/or escape criminal charges. In these complicated cases, a Raleigh hit and run lawyer can help victims get the justice they deserve.
Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run accidents are surprisingly and unfortunately common. According to the most recent data reported by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 11.7 percent of all motor vehicle crashes are hit and run accidents.
The same report found that a hit and run accident occurs somewhere in the United States every 43 seconds.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and the other driver has fled the scene, follow these tips to stay safe and protect your legal rights. Remember, just because the responsible driver fled the scene does NOT mean that you cannot recover compensation for your damages.
Follow these tips after a hit and run accident:
- Call 911 — Report the accident to law enforcement immediately and talk with the responding officer. Be sure to give them any details about the other vehicle you can remember, including the make, model, color, and license plate number.
- Seek Medical Attention — Get immediate medical treatment for any injuries. Remember, not all injuries may be apparent right away. Some injuries — such as traumatic brain injury — may require advanced imaging and diagnostic testing, so it’s important you follow first responders’ suggestions and go to the hospital if necessary. Your medical records will play an important part in any potential injury claim or lawsuit.
- Take Photos — Get photos of the accident scene, including debris, skid marks, vehicle damage, road signage, etc. Also be sure to take photos of any injuries.
- Talk with Witnesses — Talk with potential witnesses about what they saw, and see if they got the license plate number of the hit and run driver. Get their contact information and be sure to provide this to your Raleigh hit and run accident lawyer to follow up on later.
- Call the Insurance Company — Call the insurance company to report your claim, but do NOT give a recorded statement to the adjuster before first speaking with an experienced Raleigh personal injury lawyer.
- Consult with an Attorney — Talk with an experienced Raleigh car accident lawyer right away in order to preserve your legal rights. Hit and run accident cases can be complex, and involving an attorney from the very beginning can go a long way in helping secure the evidence you need to prove fault and recover the compensation you deserve.
Hit and Run Accident Injuries
Hit and run accidents can result in all kinds of injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Cuts, scrapes, and contusions
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Amputation (loss of limb)
- Paralysis and semi-paralysis
- Burns
- “Road rash”
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
Damages in Hit and Run Accident Claims
An experienced Raleigh hit and run car accident lawyer can help calculate your damages. In addition to compensation for medical expenses, you may also be entitled to compensation for lost wages, loss of future income, and pain and suffering.
In certain cases, a judge or jury may also grant punitive damages in order to “punish” the hit and run driver for gross negligence.
“What is the Penalty for a Hit and Run Accident?”
In North Carolina and across the United States, fleeing the scene of a motor vehicle accident is illegal. A hit and run can either be a misdemeanor or a felony in North Carolina, depending on the severity of the injuries involved.
Hit and run penalties in North Carolina include:
- Class 1 misdemeanor hit and run — This type of hit and run typically involves minor property damage and/or minor personal physical injury. This Class 1 misdemeanor carries a potential penalty of up to 120 days in jail and a fine to be determined by the judge.
- Class H felony hit and run — This felony hit and run charge involves an accident resulting in serious bodily injury or death and can be punished by up to 25 months in prison, fines, and the suspension of the driver’s license.
- Class F felony hit and run — A driver may be charged with a Class F felony when the hit and run results in serious bodily injury (including substantial risk of death, permanent disfigurement or pain, or resulting in extended hospitalization). Penalties may include up to 41 months of jail, significant fines, and driver’s license suspension.
Keep in mind that the victim of a hit and run accident is entitled to recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company (if the driver is identified), or the victim’s own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
If the at-fault driver is identified and charged with a crime, the criminal trial can help prove liability and further strengthen your own claim for compensation.
*** 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.