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Drivers in North Carolina have a legal responsibility to stop their vehicles after an accident. Unfortunately, some drivers ignore their duty and instead flee the scene of a collision. In this situation, you may feel unsure where to turn for help.
A Lincolnton hit and run accident lawyer with Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can step in to help with our claim right away. We understand the legal statutes that involve hit and run accidents in North Carolina and we’re ready to put our experience to work for you today.
Hit and Run Laws in Lincolnton, North Carolina
According to G.S. § 20-166, drivers must legally stop their vehicles after a collision with another driver, a pedestrian, or a bicyclist. After a collision, a driver should:
- Check on other people involved in the accident
- Contact the police if someone sustained an injury, property damage occurred, or someone lost their life
- Provide insurance and contact information to other involved parties
Individuals who fail to follow these steps commit a hit and run. Drivers often leave after an accident if they know they caused the accident and want to avoid taking financial responsibility for their actions.
Other drivers leave the scene of an accident if they were drinking or using illicit substances at the time of the accident and fear losing their license. They may also flee if they were:
- Driving without a license
- Driving without insurance
- Using a stolen vehicle
- Carrying something illegal, such as drugs
- In the U.S. without proper authorization
Our team believes in providing you with legal assistance regardless of the reason a driver fled the scene of your accident.
Steps to Handle Lincolnton Hit and Run Accidents
What can you do after a hit and run accident in Lincolnton, NC? We recommend writing down as much information as you can about the car that struck you, including the:
- Make
- Model
- Color
- License plate number
You can provide this information to the police, along with a description of the driver if you saw them. Do not attempt to chase the other driver as this could put your safety at risk. Keep in mind that North Carolina considers a hit and run a criminal act.
Drivers involved in accidents who flee the scene can face criminal charges, leading to fines and even incarceration.
After you notify the police, ensure that you seek medical care if you sustained injuries in the accident. These accidents may lead to:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries to your organs
- Loss of a limb
- Paralysis
You may require extensive medical care to recover from a hit and run accident in Lincolnton. Getting healthcare assistance right away can allow you to focus on your recovery. It also helps to show that the accident caused your injuries.
Finally, you can reach out to a Lincolnton hit and run accident attorney for assistance reviewing your legal options.
Options to Seek Compensation After a Hit and Run Accident
Many drivers worry that they cannot seek damages following a hit and run accident in Lincolnton. In fact, you have several legal options to handle your losses.
Your Uninsured/Underinsured Insurance Policy
North Carolina requires all drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance. This insurance policy kicks in if you were struck by an uninsured or underinsured driver but can also apply to hit and run accidents.
All drivers must legally carry a minimum amount of this insurance, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). However, you may purchase additional insurance before your accident.
Compensation from the Other Driver
In some cases, the police may find the driver who caused your hit and run accident. In this situation, a hit and run attorney can help you file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company. You may also pursue a lawsuit in some cases.
How Long After a Car Accident Can You Sue in North Carolina?
Generally, North Carolina has a three-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, including those associated with car accident. Per G.S. § 1-52, you have two years from the time of the injury to pursue legal action. This time limit can change due to the nature of your accident.
In some situations, you may have less time to seek compensation. Additionally, you may not always end up filing a lawsuit after a hit and run accident.
Services Offered by a Lincolnton Hit and Run Lawyer
Our team believes in providing you with comprehensive and compassionate help after a hit and run accident in Lincolnton. We’re standing by to:
Answer Your Questions
Hit and run accidents can leave drivers with a lot of questions about their legal rights and options. We use our experience with North Carolina’s legal system to provide you with easy-to-understand answers, boosting your confidence.
Assess Your Options
Our team can review your insurance policy to help you go over forms of compensation for your losses. If the police found the other driver, we’ll discuss additional legal avenues you can pursue.
Stand Up for Your Needs
Insurance companies focus on their bottom line. This fact holds true even for your insurance company. Representatives may try to provide you with subpar compensation that fails to cover all the losses associated with your accident.
We step in to negotiate on your behalf, focusing on all the losses associated with your accident.
Call Us After a Hit and Run Accident in Lincolnton
You can start working with a Lincolnton hit and run accident lawyer today. Reach out to our team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, by calling us today or completing our online contact form. We’re ready to go over your case and answer all your questions.
