Hit and Run

Hit and Run Accidents Attorney in Durham, North Carolina

Have you or a loved one been struck by a hit-and-run driver? These cases can be complicated and stressful, especially if the driver is never caught. You need an experienced hit-and-run lawyer on your side who knows how to navigate the legal system and get you the compensation you deserve.

At Diener Law, we have over ten years of experience handling hit-and-run car accident cases in North Carolina. We know the ins and outs of the law and will fight tirelessly to get you the justice you deserve.

If you’ve been hit by a hit-and-run driver, don’t go through this tough time alone. Touch base with our law firm today for a free consultation. We’re here to help.

Why do I need a Hit and Run Accidents Attorney in North Carolina?

Being involved in a hit-and-run car accident can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. There is significant damage to your vehicle, and you might have injuries requiring medical attention. If you live in North Carolina, you need a North Carolina hit and run accident lawyer or personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the legal system and get the compensation you deserve.

At Diener Law, we have extensive experience handling hit-and-run cases. We understand that this is a painful time for you, and we will do everything we can to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

If you have been entangled in a hit-and-run accident, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team today. We will give you the guidance and support you need to overcome this difficult time.

What is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run auto accident is when a driver causes an accident and leaves the scene immediately without exchanging information or rendering aid. In North Carolina, law enforcement and prosecutors take hit-and-run accidents very seriously.

If you have been in a hit-and-run accident, it is crucial to seek the help of a hit-and-run lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you contact an auto accident lawyer, the better your chances are of building a solid defense.

An experienced hit-and-run lawyer will be able to investigate the accident, speak to witnesses, and gather evidence to help prove your innocence. If you have been embroiled in a hit-and-run incident, do not try to navigate the legal system on your own. Speak to a hit-and-run lawyer today.

What are some of the penalties for a hit-and-run accident?

Hit-and-run penalties can be significant in North Carolina. If a hit-and-run collision causes a fatality or a grave injury, it is a felony. A hit and run are typically regarded as a misdemeanor if all that is damaged is property.

But even a minor hit-and-run charge carries the potential for jail time. And if you are convicted of a hit and run, your insurance rates can increase. 

What should I do if I am the victim of a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident?

If you’ve been hit by a car in a hit-and-run accident, you must act quickly to safeguard your legal rights and interests. Here are six actions you should do if a hit-and-run accident leaves you injured in Durham, NC:

1. Wait for the police.

You must wait for the arrival of law enforcement before leaving the accident area. This way, any injuries can be verified and recorded. Having a Durham hit and run accidents lawyer on your side ensures you will get the best possible outcome. In North Carolina, hit-and-run incidents are a felony, and drivers who are apprehended face harsh penalties.

2. Have “your version” of the accident in the Police’s Accident Report.

The next thing to do is file an accident report with the police. Make sure to include your account of what happened in the report. It’s also valuable to disclose any injuries to a medical professional, even if they seem minor. You may need to amend your statement later if the police decide not to include it in their report.

Doing so lets you get fair compensation for any medical bills or damage to your property caused by the hit-and-run accident, even if you can’t agree on who was at fault.

3. Seek medical attention for your injuries.

This is your top priority after a hit-and-run accident. Even if you don’t think you’ve sustained severe injuries, it’s crucial to have a medical professional evaluate you as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, may not be immediately apparent.

4. Get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident.

This will help to ensure that the police report contains all the relevant information. If you cannot obtain this information by yourself, ask a bystander for help. It’s imperative to get the names and contact information of everybody who saw the accident. The more information you have about the hit-and-run driver, such as their license plate number, the brand and model of their car, and any other distinguishing characteristics, the better.

5. Keep a record of everything. 

Write down any details you can recall about the accident, such as the time and location of the accident, the state of the road, and weather conditions. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and your injuries. Documentation is necessary for any personal injury claim, and photographs help in proving the extent of the damage and injuries caused by the hit-and-run driver.

6. Keep a daily log of your injuries. 

Documenting your injuries is critical in case the accident isn’t reported, and you need to file a personal injury claim.

You should also take photos of your injuries and keep a daily journal detailing how they affect your life. This will help increase your chances of getting the money you deserve.

Contact an experienced hit and run accident attorney in North Carolina!

An experienced hit-and-run lawyer can help you find out what happened, gather evidence, and file a claim with your insurance company or a personal injury lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident.

Types of Catastrophic Injury in a Hit and Run Accident

If you are the victim of a hit and run, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, if the driver is unidentifiable, you may have to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. The following are some common types of injuries that can occur in a hit and run accident:

1. Whiplash

This is a neck injury that occurs when your head is suddenly thrown forward or backward. Symptoms include neck pain, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

2. Fractured bones

A hit-and-run accident can cause fractures in any part of the body. Common fractures include broken ribs, collarbones, and legs.

3. Internal bleeding

A hit-and-run accident can cause internal bleeding, leading to organ damage or death.

4. Brain injuries

A hit-and-run accident can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI), leading to long-term disability or even death.

5. Spinal cord injury

This is one of the gravest injuries resulting from a hit-and-run accident. A spinal cord injury can lead to paralysis or other long-term impairments.

6. Back injury

Back injuries can range from mild to severe and may require surgery or other treatments.

7. Neck injury

A neck injury can cause pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. In severe cases, it may require surgery.

8. Amputations

If you lose a limb in a hit-and-run accident, you may be able to recover compensation for both the limb loss and the pain and suffering it causes.

9. Internal injury

Internal injuries are often severe and can require surgery or other treatments. Examples of Internal injuries are pneumothorax (collapsed lung), organ damage, ruptured spleen, and rupture of the abdominal aorta.

10. Cuts and bruises

Cuts and bruises are common injuries that can occur in a hit-and-run accident.

11. Head injury

Head injuries can range from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries.

12. Wrongful death

If someone you love has died in a hit-and-run accident, you may be able to recover damages for the loss of their life.

How does auto insurance get affected by hit-and-run accidents?

Auto insurance rates can be affected by a hit-and-run car crash. If you cause a hit-and-run accident, your insurance provider can revoke your coverage. In some states, hit-and-run car accidents are considered a felony. You could face possible harsh penalties such as jail time if you are found guilty.

It’s necessary to understand your state’s hit-and-run regulations, so you can drive safely at all times to avoid this. If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, don’t forget to stop and exchange information with the other driver. Otherwise, you could suffer negative consequences.

Hit-and-Run Personal Injury Claim

If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you may ponder your options for pursuing compensation. The first step is to consult with an experienced hit and run accidents attorney who can review the details of your case and advise you on the best course of action.

In North Carolina, there are two main ways to pursue a hit-and-run personal injury claim. The first is if the driver is identified and located by police. In this case, you can file a car accident claim against the driver to seek compensation for your injuries.

The second option is if the driver is not found or identified. In this scenario, you may still be able to file a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage can provide compensation even if the other driver is not found or identified. Consulting with a Durham hit and run accidents lawyer will help you understand all your options and determine the best course of action for your case.

Call our Durham Hit and Run Accidents Attorney Now!

If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Durham, North Carolina, it’s pressing to contact an experienced auto accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Diener Law, we have more than a decade of experience handling hit-and-run cases in North Carolina, and we know how to build a strong defense on your behalf.

We understand the complicated laws surrounding hit-and-run accidents, and we will work relentlessly to get the best possible outcome for your case. Contact our law office today for a free consultation.