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A hit and run can leave you dealing with medical bills, lost income, and frustration over the lack of accountability. A Dallas car accident lawyer can help you file a claim and recover damages.
Hit and run accident cases are complex, but they are far from hopeless. A Dallas hit and run accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can investigate your accident and work to secure compensation for your losses.
Why Hire a Dallas Hit and Run Accident Attorney?
Hit and run cases are anything but straightforward, and without legal help, you may not recover compensation for the accident. A hit and run accident lawyer in Dallas can investigate the crash, work with law enforcement, gather surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and preserve critical evidence before it disappears.
A Dallas personal injury lawyer can also deal directly with insurance companies to push back against low settlement offers and unfair blame-shifting. Lastly, if negotiations fail, an attorney can prepare your case for litigation and present a clear, evidence-backed argument in court.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover in Hit and Run Cases
Compensation in these types of claims often includes both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover measurable losses such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and future loss of earning capacity.
Non-economic damages address the human impact of the accident, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases where the other driver is identified, and their conduct is deemed to have been especially reckless, punitive damages may be awarded.
A North Carolina car accident lawyer can help make sure none of your losses are left out of your claim.
Why Hit and Run Claims are Often Disputed
Insurance companies do not like hit and run claims. Without a known at-fault driver, insurers may question whether the crash happened as reported or whether another vehicle was even involved. They may delay the process, request excessive documentation, or argue that your injuries are unrelated to the crash.
These tactics are designed to reduce your payout. A hit and run accident attorney in Dallas can help counter them.
How North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Rule Affects Your Case
North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule. This means that if you are found even slightly at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation. Insurance companies often try to use this rule to deny valid claims, especially in cases where the other driver is not present to dispute their arguments.
For example, an insurer may claim you were speeding, distracted, or failed to avoid the collision. Countering these claims requires strong evidence, which a lawyer can help gather.
The Role of Evidence in Hit and Run Cases
Even without the other driver present, multiple forms of evidence can establish what happened and who was at fault. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or residential security systems can capture the crash or the fleeing vehicle. Witness statements may confirm the direction the driver fled or describe the vehicle.
In addition, vehicle damage analysis can also show how the collision occurred and support your version of events. The sooner evidence is gathered, the better.
Can You Still Recover Compensation If the Driver is Never Found?
Yes, you may be able to recover compensation even if the at-fault driver is never identified. The most common source of recovery is uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. In North Carolina, UM coverage is required as part of auto insurance policies, and it is specifically designed for situations like hit and run crashes.
Uninsured motorist coverage may help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In some cases, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may also apply if the driver is later identified but does not carry enough insurance to cover your losses.
Common Injuries in Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run crashes often involve sudden, forceful impacts that leave victims with serious injuries. Common ones include:
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries, including whiplash
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Cuts, bruises, and soft tissue injuries
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Dallas
Your actions immediately after a hit and run can affect both your health and your legal options. You should:
- Call law enforcement: A police report is critical in hit and run cases, especially when identifying the other driver later becomes possible.
- Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, debris, skid marks, and the surrounding area if you are able to do so safely.
- Look for witnesses: Bystanders, nearby drivers, or business employees may have seen the crash or the fleeing vehicle.
- Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries don’t appear serious, internal injuries and concussions are common in crashes and may not show symptoms right away.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident promptly, but avoid speculating about fault or injuries before consulting a lawyer.
- Talk to a lawyer: Reach out to an attorney to discuss your case.
Talk to a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Dallas
A hit and run accident can leave you feeling angry, confused, and overwhelmed. A Dallas hit and run accident attorney from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can work tirelessly to identify the driver who hit you and pursue every available means of financial recovery.
Schedule a free case review to discuss your legal options.
