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A hit and run can leave you dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and uncertainty about what to do next. If this happened to you, a Forest City car accident lawyer can help you pursue justice.
Hit and run accidents can be incredibly frustrating. A Forest City hit and run accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can take on your case and help you obtain compensation for your losses.
How a Forest City Hit and Run Accident Attorney Can Help
If you were the victim of a hit and run, a hit and run accident lawyer in Forest City can help by:
- Investigating the accident: A lawyer can gather evidence, review police reports, and work with investigators to identify the driver.
- Handling insurance communications: An attorney can deal with insurers and push back against unfair settlement offers.
- Identifying all sources of compensation: A lawyer can review your insurance coverage and explore all potential claims.
- Pursuing litigation: An attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court if a fair settlement is not offered.
Compensation Available to Hit and Run Victims
Depending on the specifics of the case, hit and run victims in Forest City may be able to pursue compensation for a wide range of losses, including:
- Medical expenses: You can recover costs related to emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Lost income: You can seek compensation for wages you would’ve earned while recovering from your injuries.
- Reduced earning capacity: You can pursue damages if your injuries limit your ability to work in the future.
- Pain and suffering: You can be compensated for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Property damage: You can recover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged property.
A North Carolina car accident lawyer can tally your losses and determine the true value of your claim.
How Insurance May Apply in Hit and Run Cases
If the at-fault driver in your accident cannot be identified, your own uninsured motorist policy may provide coverage for certain losses. However, insurers often scrutinize these claims and may argue that the accident does not qualify or that injuries are overstated.
Your attorney can handle these conversations and help ensure fair treatment.
What is a Hit and Run?
A hit and run accident occurs when a driver involved in a crash fails to stop, provide identifying information, or render aid as required by law. In Forest City, these incidents can happen on busy roads, neighborhood streets, or parking lots.
North Carolina law requires drivers to remain at the scene, exchange information, and assist injured parties. When a driver flees, they may face criminal penalties in addition to civil liability.
Why Hit and Run Accidents Happen
Drivers leave the scene of an accident for many reasons, such as:
- Fear of legal consequences: Drivers may flee because they are worried about being arrested, receiving a ticket, or facing serious charges.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drug impairment is a common factor, especially when drivers believe staying will lead to immediate arrest.
- Lack of insurance: Uninsured or underinsured drivers may panic and leave to avoid financial responsibility.
- Outstanding warrants or license issues: Drivers with suspended licenses or prior legal trouble may see fleeing as the lesser risk.
- Panic and poor judgment: Some drivers make a split-second decision to flee without thinking through the long-term consequences.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Forest City
Taking the right steps after a hit and run can protect both your health and your legal rights. If you are able, be sure to:
- Call 911 immediately: Reporting the crash right away creates an official record and brings medical help to the scene.
- Gather information: Write down everything you remember about the fleeing vehicle, including color, type, damage, and partial plate numbers.
- Speak with witnesses: Collect names and contact details from anyone who saw the crash or the driver flee.
- Document the scene: Take photos or videos of the vehicle damage, skid marks, and surrounding conditions of the accident, as well as any visible injuries.
- Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries don’t seem severe, getting checked by a medical professional documents your condition for your claim.
- Report the accident to your insurer: Notify your insurance company promptly, but avoid providing recorded statements.
- Contact an attorney: Speaking with a hit and run accident attorney in Forest City early can help you avoid mistakes that could weaken your claim.
Contact a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Forest City
A hit and run accident can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial effects. If you were involved in a crash, and the other driver fled, a Forest City hit and run accident attorney from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can work to identify them and fight for the compensation you are entitled to.
Schedule a free case review to discuss your situation with a lawyer.
