Hit-and-run accidents in Hickory are frustrating and involve unique legal issues. While the police will look for the driver who hit you, there’s no guarantee they will find the driver. If that happens, you’ll need to find other sources of compensation because you can’t take legal action against the other driver. You might have uninsured motorist coverage that can help, but your insurer might deny your claim or reduce your compensation if you don’t have legal support.
Ted A. Greve & Associates understands the challenges of Hickory hit-and-run crashes and can help you recover compensation for your injuries. Our Hickory hit-and-run lawyers have decades of combined experience that helps us analyze your case from every angle to protect your rights. As a lawyer and doctor, firm founder Ted A. Greve understands your legal needs and the impact of your injuries. You don’t owe us any fees unless you win your case and recover compensation, so call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents in Hickory, NC
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a crash leaves the scene without fulfilling their obligations under North Carolina law. The legally required duties drivers must perform after a collision include:
- Staying at the scene until emergency responders arrive, unless doing so puts a driver in danger
- Arranging for medical treatment for anyone who needs it
- Providing their name, address, driver’s license number, and license plate number to the drivers and other occupants of any vehicle involved in the crash
Any driver who does not fulfill these duties breaks the law and can face legal penalties, including fines and jail time. Unfortunately, many drivers ignore their legal responsibilities and flee the scene of a crash, leaving others involved in the collision to find other ways to cover their medical bills, lost income, and other harm they’ve suffered.
Some reasons why drivers flee the scene of a crash include:
- Driving without a valid license – Some drivers flee because they’re unlicensed or their license is suspended, and they’re worried about the police catching them.
- Lack of insurance – Uninsured drivers may panic and leave to avoid the financial responsibility for an accident.
- Driving under the influence – Drunk or drug-impaired drivers often flee to avoid an arrest or DUI charges.
- Outstanding warrants – A driver with active warrants might run to avoid an arrest by police responding to the collision.
- Fear of legal consequences – Even if the crash was minor, some drivers panic about getting sued or fined and flee the scene.
- Involvement in criminal activity – Stolen vehicles, illegal substances, or other crimes can motivate drivers to flee the scene to avoid potential legal trouble.
- Immigration concerns – Undocumented individuals might fear law enforcement involvement or deportation if they’re caught at the scene of an accident.
- Lack of awareness – In rare cases, the driver may not realize they hit someone, especially after a low-impact collision.
- Emotional panic – Shock and fear can cause drivers to make irrational decisions, including fleeing instead of facing the situation.
Why You Need a Hit-and-Run Lawyer in Hickory, NC
Getting hit by a driver who speeds off is aggravating. You’re likely struggling with injuries and car damage, and you have no idea who’s going to pay for it. Insurance companies might not be quick to help, and you could end up footing the bill if you’re not careful.
That’s where a hit-and-run lawyer comes in. An experienced attorney knows how to deal with these cases from day one. They can help you explore every path to compensation, including filing an uninsured motorist claim through your own policy. Your lawyer can also collect police reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and more to strengthen your case. If the police find the driver who fled, your attorney will work to hold them fully accountable.
Hiring a hit-and-run accident attorney also means you don’t have to fight the insurance company alone. Your lawyer can handle the paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations so you can focus on healing. They’ll also work with medical providers and accident experts to show the full impact of your injuries.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Here’s what to do if the other driver flees the scene of an accident in Hickory:
- Call 911 to report the crash and summon emergency medical help. Stay until they arrive so you can tell them what happened.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to your car and your injuries. Give the police any information you have about the other driver and their vehicle.
- See a doctor immediately and follow their instructions.
- Save your medical bills, proof of lost income, and other evidence showing the crash’s effects.
- Don’t talk to any insurance companies without speaking to a lawyer first.
- Contact a Hickory hit-and-run lawyer.
Pursuing Compensation and Justice
There are two main paths to recover compensation for a hit-and-run accident, depending on whether the police find the driver who fled. If the police catch the other driver, the case proceeds as usual. You can file a claim against the other driver to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost income, vehicle repair costs, and other harm you’ve suffered. As long as you prove the other driver caused the crash, their insurance should cover your losses up to the driver’s policy limits. You can file a lawsuit directly against the other party to seek additional compensation if their insurance isn’t enough to pay for your losses.
Unfortunately, police often struggle to track down hit-and-run drivers. If they can’t find the driver who fled, you must find other ways to recover compensation. The easiest approach in this scenario is to file an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance company. North Carolina law requires auto insurance policies to include uninsured motorist coverage, so you likely have it. Insurance companies treat hit-and-runs as collisions with uninsured drivers, though they might dispute the severity of your injuries or try to blame you for the accident. An experienced attorney can help you counter these tactics by your insurer.
Regardless of whether the police can find the other driver, your hit-and-run accident claim can include compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damaged personal property
Contact Ted A. Greve & Associates Today
Our Hickory hit-and-run attorneys are ready to guide you through this challenging moment. Call Ted A. Greve & Associates today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
