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A hit and run accident is one of the most stressful types of crashes you can experience. If you were the victim of one, a Rutherfordton car accident lawyer can help you hold the other driver accountable.
Without legal representation, obtaining compensation for this type of car accident can be difficult. A Rutherfordton hit and run accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can work to identify the driver who hit you and secure a fair settlement for your losses.
How a Rutherfordton Hit and Run Accident Attorney Can Help
After this type of crash, a hit and run accident lawyer in Rutherfordton can:
- Work with investigators to identify the fleeing driver
- Gather medical records, wage documentation, and expert opinions to calculate your damages
- Deal directly with insurers and push back against lowball settlement offers
- Fight for the maximum compensation available under the law
Compensation Available in a Rutherfordton Car Accident Case
Even if the at-fault driver is never identified, you may still have options for financial recovery. Potential types of compensation include:
- Medical expenses: You can recover costs related to emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing rehabilitation.
- Lost income: You can seek compensation for wages you missed out on while recovering and for reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.
- Property damage: You can pursue payment for vehicle repairs, replacement, or other property damaged in the crash.
- Pain and suffering: You can recover damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact the accident has had on your daily life.
A Rutherfordton personal injury lawyer can help make sure you are compensated fairly for your losses.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in North Carolina?
North Carolina’s statute of limitations generally gives accident victims three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Insurance policies may impose much shorter notice requirements, especially for uninsured motorist claims. Missing these deadlines can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.
A North Carolina personal injury lawyer can make sure your paperwork is filed on time.
What Counts as a Hit and Run Accident in Rutherfordton?
A hit and run accident happens when a driver is involved in a crash and leaves the scene without stopping to provide required information or assistance. Under North Carolina law, drivers must stop after an accident that causes injury, death, or property damage and exchange identifying and insurance information. Common hit and run scenarios include:
- A driver striking another vehicle and speeding away
- A car hitting a pedestrian or bicyclist and fleeing the scene
- A vehicle damaging parked cars or property and leaving without notice
Even low-speed collisions qualify if the driver leaves before meeting their legal obligations.
How Police Investigate These Accidents
Law enforcement plays a major role in identifying hit and run drivers. Investigations may involve:
- Reviewing traffic and surveillance camera footage
- Interviewing witnesses and nearby residents
- Analyzing vehicle debris left at the scene
- Checking repair shops for vehicles with matching damage
The Role of Uninsured Motorist Coverage
North Carolina requires uninsured motorist coverage as part of most auto insurance policies. In hit and run accidents, the law typically treats the unknown driver as uninsured. UM coverage may help pay for:
- Medical bills related to the accident
- Lost wages during recovery
- Pain and suffering damages
Insurance companies often scrutinize these claims and look for reasons to limit or deny payment, which is why it’s important to work with a hit and run accident attorney in Rutherfordton.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident
Your actions immediately after a car accident can affect your ability to recover compensation. Be sure to:
- Call 911 immediately: Report the accident and request medical assistance.
- Gather evidence: Take pictures or videos of the scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and debris.
- Talk to witnesses: Get names and contact information from anyone who saw the crash.
- Seek medical care: Even if your injuries seem minor, documentation matters.
- Note details: Write down anything you remember about the other vehicle, such as its color, make, model, or direction of travel.
- Contact an attorney: Get in touch with our firm to discuss next steps.
Get Help from a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Rutherfordton
A hit and run accident can leave you feeling powerless, but you have legal recourse. Acting quickly, documenting everything, and working with an attorney can make a meaningful difference when it comes to finding the other driver and recovering compensation.
If you were injured in an accident, and the driver fled, a dedicated Rutherfordton hit and run accident attorney from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can investigate the incident, work to identify the driver who fled, and pursue all possible sources of compensation.
Schedule a free case review to find out how you can get justice.
