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A hit and run accident can turn your life upside down. If you were involved in one, a Shelby car accident lawyer can help you seek justice.
Perpetrators of hit and runs deserve to be held accountable for their recklessness. A Shelby hit and run accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can investigate your accident and pursue the compensation you are entitled to.
How a Shelby Hit and Run Accident Attorney Can Help
If you were injured in a car crash, and the other driver fled the scene, a hit and run accident lawyer in Shelby can investigate the accident, gather available evidence, work with law enforcement to identify the driver, and handle communication with insurance companies.
They can also evaluate whether uninsured motorist coverage applies and push back when insurers attempt to minimize or deny your claim. Most importantly, a lawyer can keep your case on track while you focus on your recovery.
How Compensation Works When the Driver is Unknown
One of the biggest concerns after a hit and run is how you will recover compensation if the at-fault driver isn’t found. In North Carolina, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may apply when the driver who caused the crash cannot be identified. Depending on your policy and the specifics of your case, compensation may cover:
- Medical expenses: You can recover damages related to emergency care, hospital stays, follow-up treatment, and rehabilitation.
- Lost income: You can seek compensation for time missed from work and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: You can pursue damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage: You can recover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle.
A Shelby personal injury lawyer can work to make sure you are compensated fairly for the accident.
Time Limits for Filing a Car Accident Claim in North Carolina
North Carolina law places a strict deadline on personal injury claims. In most cases, you have three years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit. Missing a deadline can mean losing your right to compensation entirely.
A hit and run accident attorney in Shelby can help you start putting together your claim right away.
Challenges Unique to Hit and Run Claims
Some of the biggest challenges that accompany these types of cases include:
- Limited evidence: Without the other driver, proving how the crash happened can be difficult.
- Insurance resistance: Insurers may argue that there isn’t enough proof that a hit and run occurred.
- Strict reporting requirements: Failing to report the accident promptly can jeopardize uninsured motorist claims.
- Contributory negligence rules: North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence law can bar recovery if you are found to be even slightly at fault for the accident.
How Hit and Run Accidents Happen
In North Carolina, a hit and run happens when a driver causes a crash and leaves the scene without stopping to provide information or help. This applies whether the accident involves another vehicle, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or even property damage. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in North Carolina.
What to Do After a Hit and Run in Shelby
After this type of accident, it’s crucial to:
- Get to safety: Move out of traffic and check yourself and others for injuries.
- Call 911 immediately: Law enforcement and emergency responders need to document the crash as soon as possible.
- Gather details: Write down anything you remember about the fleeing vehicle, including color, make, model, direction of travel, and partial license plate numbers.
- Look for witnesses: Nearby drivers, pedestrians, or business employees may have seen what happened.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel okay, a medical evaluation creates a record and can catch hidden injuries.
- Consult a lawyer: Reach out to an attorney as soon as you can to discuss next steps.
Common Reasons Drivers Flee the Scene
Hit and run crashes don’t happen by chance. There are clear patterns behind why drivers choose to leave. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Lack of insurance: Drivers without valid insurance often panic and flee to avoid financial and legal trouble.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use makes drivers more likely to leave before law enforcement arrives.
- Outstanding warrants or legal issues: Some drivers fear being arrested for unrelated matters.
- Fear and shock: Even drivers with no prior issues may act irrationally after a serious collision.
Talk to a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Shelby
A hit and run can leave you feeling angry, confused, and uncertain about the future, but you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. A Shelby hit and run accident attorney from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can gather evidence to identify the at-fault driver and work to obtain a fair settlement for your losses.
Schedule a free case review to find out how you can get justice.
