A hit and run accident can flip your life upside down. If you got injured in one, an Asheville car accident lawyer can help you recover damages.
These cases are frustrating, stressful, and often more complicated than standard car accident cases. An Asheville hit and run accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can handle every part of your claim and pursue compensation so you can focus on your recovery.
Why Work With an Asheville Hit and Run Accident Attorney?
A hit and run accident lawyer in Asheville focuses on helping injured people navigate the legal and insurance challenges that follow these types of crashes. A personal injury lawyer in Asheville may assist with:
- Reviewing police reports and evidence
- Identifying possible insurance coverage
- Calculating the full value of your claim
- Communicating with insurers on your behalf
- Pursuing compensation through negotiation (or, if necessary, litigation)
Insurance Options After a Hit and Run
Insurance plays a major role in hit and run claims. In many cases, your own uninsured motorist coverage becomes the primary source of compensation. This type of coverage may help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or has no insurance. Depending on your policy, the following may also apply:
- Medical payments coverage
- Collision coverage for vehicle repairs
- Health insurance for ongoing treatment
Insurance companies may still push back, even if you were clearly the victim of the accident. A North Carolina car accident lawyer can work to negotiate a fair settlement for you.
Injuries Caused in Hit and Run Accidents
Since hit and run crashes often involve sudden, unexpected impacts, injuries can be severe. Common ones include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
If you sustained any of these injuries in an accident where the other driver fled, a hit and run accident attorney in Asheville can help you obtain compensation for medical expenses.
How Many Hit and Run Accidents Get Solved?
Many people assume most hit and run cases are never solved, but the reality isn’t that simple. Some cases are resolved quickly, especially when there are witnesses or video evidence. Others remain open for months or longer. Factors that affect whether a hit and run is solved include:
- Quality of witness statements
- Availability of video footage
- Severity of injuries or vehicle damage
- Location and time of day
- Physical evidence left behind
Common Hit and Run Scenarios in Asheville
Hit and run accidents don’t all look the same. Some happen on busy roads, while others occur in quiet neighborhoods or parking lots. Common scenarios include:
- Pedestrian hit and runs: These often happen in downtown Asheville, near crosswalks, or along roads without clear pedestrian protections.
- Bicycle hit and runs: Cyclists are especially vulnerable on narrow roads and winding routes common in the area.
- Rear-end collisions: A driver may strike another vehicle and speed off, assuming the damage is minor.
- Intersection crashes: Drivers who run red lights or fail to yield may flee to avoid responsibility.
- Parking lot incidents: Drivers sometimes hit parked cars and leave without leaving a note or alerting anyone.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident?
A hit and run accident happens when a driver causes a crash and leaves the scene without stopping to provide information or help. Under North Carolina law, drivers are required to remain at the scene, exchange contact and insurance details, and render reasonable assistance to anyone injured. When a driver flees, they violate that duty.
Hit and run crashes in Asheville can involve vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, or even parked cars. While some drivers flee out of panic, others leave because they are uninsured, intoxicated, or trying to avoid arrest.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident
What you do after a hit and run can make a real difference in your case. First, call 911 to report the accident to law enforcement and, if necessary, request medical assistance. Second, write down as much information as you can, including:
- The color, make, model, or body type of the other vehicle
- A partial license plate number
- Where the vehicle went after leaving
If any witnesses are present, you should exchange contact information with them. It’s also advisable to take photos or videos of the accident scene. Once you leave the scene, you should seek medical attention right away. Lastly, be sure to get in touch with an Asheville Hit and Run Accident Lawyer to get help with your case.
Get Assistance from a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Asheville
A hit and run accident can leave you feeling powerless, but you are not without options. While these cases are challenging, many victims are able to recover compensation even when the at-fault driver is never found.
If you were injured in a hit and run accident in Asheville, an Asheville hit and run accident attorney from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can work to track down the perpetrator and secure the compensation you are entitled to.
Schedule a free case review to find out how you can get paid for your crash.