Whether you are driving a vehicle, are a bicyclist, or are a pedestrian, surviving a hit and run accident can be devastating for you and your family. Severe injuries, extensive financial losses, and an inability to work can have a ripple effect throughout your life. A hit and run accident lawyer in Fayetteville understands the challenges you are facing and is prepared to advocate for you.
A Fayetteville car accident lawyer from Shane Smith Law is your ally and voice when you don’t know who injured you. We provide clarity and guidance when you’re unsure how to proceed, and help you find a way to recover your losses. Our firm has been helping clients for more than 15 years find solutions to their legal challenges so they can face the future with confidence.
Medical Treatment and Attention to Detail are Crucial After a Hit and Run Accident
The moments after a hit and run are critical for both your safety and your chances of holding the at-fault driver responsible for their actions. Because the other driver didn’t stop, every detail and minute matters. This type of information can help law enforcement or Fayetteville personal injury lawyers identify and locate the driver who injured you. This is often one of the most challenging parts of a hit and run case.
The more details you can remember about the accident, the better the chances are of finding the at-fault party. Helpful information could include license plate information, color, make or model of the vehicle, and distinct features of the person or vehicle, to name a few. Relay this information to police officers when filing a police report. Take pictures of your vehicle, injuries, and other losses as well.
Additionally, seek medical care as soon as possible. Early care can ensure you receive the treatment you need, as well as identify internal or delayed injuries. It’s also essential for the success of your claim. Insurance companies may refuse to pay for your losses if you didn’t receive medical care in a timely manner, which is why failing to get medical treatment hurts your health and case.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accident lawyer serving Fayetteville, call (980) 246-2656
Options for Recovering Losses After a Hit and Run Accident in Fayetteville
North Carolina requires all drivers to stop after an accident and exchange information and to provide aid if needed, per N.C.G.S. § 20-166. When a driver chooses not to stop, they violate the law and could face a Class F felony charge if found and arrested. Finding the driver who caused the accident is often difficult and makes it significantly harder for victims to recover their losses.
Victims generally have two options after a hit and run accident. If the driver can be found, then civil action can be taken to recover losses from them as you normally would after an accident. If the driver isn’t found, then victims may have to recover their losses through their uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. All drivers are required to carry this coverage as part of their insurance policy.
All claims must be filed within the state’s statute of limitations period. According to N.C.G.S. § 1-52, victims have three years to file a claim or lose their right to recover compensation for their losses. This is one of the many reasons why seeking legal counsel from a Fayetteville hit and run accident lawyer as soon as possible is important.
Fayetteville Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (980) 246-2656
A Hit and Run Accident Attorney in Fayetteville Helps You Recover Damages to Offset Your Losses
While recovering losses after a hit and run is more complicated, victims can generally pursue compensation for all or some of their losses. What can be recovered depends on what you have suffered, and whether you are able to sue the at-fault party or have to file a claim through your insurance coverage. Depending on your situation, recoverable losses may include the following:
- Cost of medical care
- Lost wages or earning potential
- Property damage expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of consortium, services, or quality of life
To determine what losses you may be able to recover and how much your case is worth, it’s important to talk with a Fayetteville personal injury lawyer. Shane Smith Law can review your case and calculate its value so we can effectively negotiate a fair sum that accurately reflects the losses you’ve suffered.
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Navigating Fatal Hit and Run Accident Cases
Sadly, hit and run accidents do not always just result in property damage and injuries. Sometimes they result in the wrongful death of the victim, which may occur immediately or later due to the severity of their injuries. According to the most recent data on the state of hit-and-runs in the U.S., this type of accident contributed to 2,854 deaths across the country. Over five years of data, this was an all-time high.
A fatal hit and run accident can leave families reeling and with the right to take action to recover the losses they suffered. If the driver is found, families can pursue a civil lawsuit against the driver to recover and offset losses, the victim’s medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, and more. If the driver was not found, then families may pursue damages through the victim’s UI/UIM insurance coverage.
Families who file a wrongful death claim on behalf of their deceased loved one have two years to file their claim, according to N.C.G.S. § 1-53(4). Since the statute of limitations for this type of case is shorter than that of an injury hit and run accident, it’s essential to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options and file a lawsuit if applicable.
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Seek Guidance from Shane Smith Law After a Hit and Run Accident in Fayetteville
Shane Smith Law is dedicated to helping you find the person responsible after an accident and holding them accountable. Even if the driver cannot be found, our team helps you determine the most effective and beneficial way forward in your situation.
A Fayetteville hit and run accident attorney is ready to help you get started when you schedule a free consultation with our team today.
Call or text (980) 246-2656 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
