Did someone else cause a collision that injured you and then flee the scene? If so, contact Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., immediately. You could be owed money, and we want to help you demand it.
Any traffic accident is a shocking event, but it is especially upsetting when the person who causes the crash decides to run away instead of taking responsibility. Without someone to hold liable for the accident, seeking compensation can be challenging – but you might still have options. Our attorneys are ready to help you explore them to maximize your compensation.
Let us put our extensive experience in the field of personal injury law to work for you. Contact the law firm of Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., today for a free consultation with a hit-and-run car accident lawyer in North Carolina.
Defining Hit-and-Run Accidents
According to state law, a driver involved in an accident causing bodily injury, death, or property damage must stop their car and remain at the scene until law enforcement investigates. They must provide any other driver involved in the collision with their name, address, driver’s license number, and license plate number. They must also assist anyone with injuries or, if necessary, call for medical assistance.
A driver can leave the scene only after they receive authorization from the investigating officer. A driver who violates any provisions of this law is said to have hit and run, exposing themselves to both criminal and civil liability.
Why Do Drivers Leave the Accident Scene?
There are any number of reasons why a driver might decide to flee the scene, including if they:
- Have a warrant out for their arrest – A motorist might flee if they fear getting arrested. There might be a warrant out for their arrest, and leaving the crash scene seems like a better option than waiting for officers to arrive and discover they are wanted.
- Are under the influence – A person cannot legally operate a motor vehicle while they have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater or are under the influence of an impairing substance. A drunk driver might drive away after an accident because they don’t want to get caught or because the alcohol or drugs prevent them from good judgment and decision-making.
- Don’t have insurance – Car insurance is mandatory in North Carolina. An uninsured motorist involved in a collision might flee to avoid a fine and the expense of compensating their victim out of pocket.
- Panic – Car wrecks are frightening events that can trigger the fight-or-flight response. A driver might panic and drive off without thinking about the consequences they can face.
How a Lawyer Can Help If You Were Hurt in a Hit-and-Run
Uninsured motorist (UM) insurance is mandatory in North Carolina and provides coverage if the at-fault driver doesn’t have liability coverage or if they flee the scene and are never found. North Carolina law requires contact between the hit-and-run driver’s vehicle and the claimant’s vehicle to have a valid UM claim. In other words, if the hit-and-run driver ran you off the road without contacting your vehicle, you will not likely be able to make a successful Uninsured Motorist claim.
Pursuing a UM settlement is more complex than you think, especially if the crash involves a hit-and-run driver. You must meet multiple eligibility requirements for UM coverage, including by:
- Reporting the accident to a police officer, peace officer, another judicial officer, or the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles within 24 hours or as soon as practicable
- Notifying the insurance carrier of the injury within a reasonable amount of time and including the date, location, and time of the injury in the notice
Even though you are dealing with “your” insurance company when pursuing a UM claim, don’t be fooled into thinking they will automatically pay you all you deserve. They are still an insurance company, and their goal is still to pay as little as possible.
A North Carolina hit-and-run accident lawyer from Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., can help you seek maximum compensation on your UM claim. Unlike the insurance company, our interests are the same as yours. We know state laws and how to build a solid case for the compensation you deserve. We can obtain valuable evidence and aggressively negotiate with the insurance company for you.
What Compensation Could I Get for a Hit-and-Run Accident?
The compensation you receive will depend on the available insurance coverage, the extent of your losses, and other factors. If you file a UM claim, the policy could compensate you for your lost wages, medical bills, pain, suffering, and property damage.
Medical Payments (MedPay) insurance is optional coverage. If it’s included in your policy, you can use it to pay for necessary and reasonable medical expenses up to the available limit.
What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Taking prompt action is crucial after hit-and-run accidents in North Carolina. Following certain steps can help you lay the groundwork for a strong claim.
You likely already called 911 at the scene and went to the hospital for an initial evaluation of your injuries. If you didn’t, report the accident now and see your doctor. You need documentation to prove what happened.
After seeking initial medical attention, follow the physician’s recommended treatment plan. You should attend all appointments regularly. That could mean following up with your doctors weekly or monthly. You shouldn’t deviate from the treatment schedule or stop attending your appointments before your medical providers release you from their care.
Starting a journal after the crash can help you record how the crash has affected your life. List every symptom you experience and track each one daily. Mention whether your pain or other symptoms worsen during specific activities. You should also indicate whether your injury limits your physical abilities and how it affects your routine.
Hiring an attorney can help you efficiently and effectively pursue the full range of compensation you’re owed. Having someone to do the legal work for you can also make your physical and emotional recovery easier.
Contact a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in NC
If someone else injured you, you deserve to be made whole again. Let Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., protect your rights and fight for the results you need. Contact us today for a free consultation with a North Carolina hit-and-run accident lawyer.
