Hit and run accidents are unfortunately relatively common in North Carolina, including Wilmington. If you’ve been injured in a hit and run, a Wilmington hit and run accident lawyer can help.
Riddle & Brantley has been serving the Wilmington, North Carolina area for decades, recovering over $665 million in compensation for victims since 2000 alone (see disclaimer below). For a FREE, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Wilmington hit and run attorney, please call (910) 889-4064. Free consultations are available at our convenient Wilmington office by appointment only, and we can consult with you from anywhere by phone, email, text, or video conference.
IMPORTANT: If you’ve been injured by a hit-and-run driver, call 911 immediately and report the accident. You should also contact an experienced hit and run attorney in Wilmington right away — time is of the essence in tracking down hit and run drivers.
Attorneys Handling Serious Hit and Run Accidents in Wilmington, NC
Hit and run accidents are tragic and often result in serious injury or death. Additionally, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in North Carolina and it is often difficult to locate the at-fault driver, further complicating these cases.
In many cases, the hit and run driver leaves the scene of an accident because they do not have insurance, or a driver’s license, or they are simply afraid to face the consequences of their actions. In these cases, injured victims are encouraged to contact an experienced Wilmington hit and run accident lawyer to help identify the at-fault driver and pursue the justice and compensation they deserve.
Why Do People Flee the Scene of an Accident?
There are many reasons why a driver might flee the scene of an auto accident, including:
- They do not have state-required auto insurance
- They do not have a driver’s license
- They fear any penalties associated with the crash
- They are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
- There is a warrant out for their arrest
- They think the accident did not result in any bodily injury and/or property damages
- They feel disoriented after the accident
- They do not know they are legally required to stop
No matter the reason why the other driver left the scene, it is important to contact a Wilmington hit and run lawyer right away. Call (910) 889-4064 today for a free consultation and let’s see how we can help.
Our experienced car accident attorneys have extensive experience handling hit and run claims. In one recent case, attorney Gene Riddle helped track down a driver who injured his wife in an accident in eastern North Carolina.
Injured in Wilmington? Contact Us Today!
Hit And Run Accidents in North Carolina
A “hit and run” accident occurs when a driver leaves the scene after an accident. In fact, it can be a criminal offense. 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 North Carolina 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.
You DO Have Options After a Hit and Run
After a hit and run accident, victims may think they have no options when the negligent driver cannot be identified. However, following a hit and run accident in North Carolina there are still options to try to secure compensation for injury or property damage.
It is important to work with an experienced hit and run accident attorney if you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident. At Riddle & Brantley our knowledgeable Wilmington hit and run lawyers can help you navigate the system and answer any questions you have.
Don’t wait — call (910) 889-4064, and let’s review your claim.
“What Can a Hit and Run Lawyer Do for Me?”
When you hire Riddle & Brantley to help with a Wilmington hit and run claim, we can handle all aspects of your case, including:
- Reviewing witness accounts, including surveillance footage and accident reports to understand the circumstances of the accident and identify the at-fault driver
- Filing a claim on your behalf and helping you navigate the complicated legal process
- Negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company on your behalf
- Representing you at trial if the insurance company does not agree to a fair settlement
Call Riddle & Brantley after a hit and run accident in Wilmington or elsewhere in North Carolina and let us help you with your compensation claim.
“How Can I Get Paid After a Hit and Run Accident?”
If you are involved in a hit and run accident, there may be options for seeking compensation — even if the at-fault driver cannot be found.
- Filing an uninsured motorist claim (UM) – Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is required in North Carolina and protects the victim in an accident if the other driver does not have auto insurance. This also protects you if you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident. UM insurance can pay for your medical bills and auto repairs after an accident. However, UM may not cover all damages.
- Filing a personal injury claim – If the hit and run driver is located, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the driver who fled the scene. Be sure to contact law enforcement so they can conduct a thorough investigation and help find the at-fault driver. A Wilmington hit and run attorney at Riddle & Brantley can help coordinate with law enforcement, as well.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Crash
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. This is potentially dangerous and could result in further injury. The police can help identify the other driver. Once they are aware of the accident, they will start trying to track him or her down.
- Get emergency medical attention— As with any car accident, always call 911. Not only can medical attention help protect your health and safety, but your medical records and doctor’s 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.
- 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 a hit-and-run driver.
- Call a Wilmington hit and run accident attorney— An experienced lawyer 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.
Call Today for a Free Consultation
Hit and run accidents can be very scary. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime with penalties. Let the Wilmington hit and run attorneys at Riddle & Brantley help.
We’re proud of the results we’ve secured for our clients, including a $1,000,000 verdict in a car accident case in which our client suffered a serious back injury (see disclaimer below).
“You’ll walk in the front door as a client but leave as family. They’re the absolute best.”
-Susan S., Riddle & Brantley client
While police conduct their investigation, we will do our own investigation on your behalf. These cases can be complex, but we are ready to help you through the difficulties and get you the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (910) 889-4064 or fill out the short form below. We are here to help. Justice Counts for you and your loved ones.
*** 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.