It’s incredibly frustrating to have a motorist slam their car into yours and drive away. Thankfully, you have access to legal help. Consult with a hit and run accident lawyer in Gastonia who’s compassionate, caring, and empathetic. Your attorney can help you track down the at-fault motorist and hold them accountable for the harm that they’ve caused.
In pain after a hit and run accident? Call Shane! The legal team at Shane Smith Law has more than 100 years of combined experience. We encourage you to reach out to us about your hit and run crash. From here, we can connect you with a Gastonia car accident lawyer who’ll give your case the attention it deserves. Contact us today.
How to Find the Motorist Responsible for Your Hit-and-Run
It’s easy to give up on a hit and run accident case before you start on it. Yet, if you choose not to pursue your case, you may have to cover all of your accident losses out of pocket. This means you may have to spend a lot of money on medical bills, car repairs, and other losses, which could compromise your finances.
Your hit and run accident attorney in Gastonia can investigate your auto collision. They may collaborate with the police, interview witnesses who saw your accident, and look at traffic camera footage of the incident. Doing these things and others can boost your chances of identifying the at-fault motorist.
When in doubt about what to do in the aftermath of a hit-and-run, talk with a Gastonia personal injury lawyer from Shane Smith Law. This is an opportunity to discuss your accident with an attorney and learn about your legal options. For more information, schedule a free case review.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accident lawyer serving Gastonia, call (980) 246-2656
How to Get Compensation for Your Hit and Run Accident Losses
If you live in North Carolina and drive a car, you may be subject to the state’s vehicle insurance requirements. Because of these, you are legally obligated to have auto insurance. Meanwhile, if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, your insurer could compensate you for your hit-and-run accident losses.
Unfortunately, if you don’t have UM coverage, you may be liable for your hit-and-run losses. Even if you buy this coverage, your insurer may commit substantial time and resources to contest your claim. The business may also offer a lowball settlement.
Your Gastonia hit and run accident lawyer can negotiate a settlement with your insurance company. Alternatively, if the driver responsible for your hit and run is found, your attorney may get you a settlement from this party’s insurer. Of course, if you know who’s liable for your accident, you may pursue compensation from them via a car accident lawsuit.
Gastonia Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (980) 246-2656
What to Expect in a Hit and Run Accident Lawsuit
You may wonder what happens after a hit and run accident once an at-fault driver is found. In this situation, you may sue this motorist for compensatory damages. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, this driver may face civil and criminal penalties as well.
In your lawsuit, your lawyer wants you to be compensated for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, car repair costs, and other losses. They may retrieve witness statements, accident scene photos and videos, and other evidence. Your attorney’s collection of proof can make it tough for a liable party to dispute your case.
Your lawyer remains focused on getting you case results that line up with your expectations. They may receive a settlement offer before your lawsuit goes to trial. You’re not required to approve this offer. If you want to see your case through to trial, your lawyer supports your decision.
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A Closer Look at the Role of Contributory Negligence in a Hit and Run Accident Case in Gastonia
Due to contributory negligence, you may be barred from getting damages from the motorist liable for your hit-and-run if the court rules that you’re in any way to blame for the incident.
Your attorney can explain North Carolina General Statute (GS) § 1‑139, which defines the burden of proof associated with contributory negligence. As your lawyer crafts their argument, they want a judge or jury to see that you’re not liable for your auto accident in any way.
In your lawyer’s argument, they may focus on how a motorist breached their duty of care to you. They may highlight how this driver committed a careless or reckless act, which resulted in your accident. On top of that, they may explain how this driver didn’t stop at the accident scene. Doing these things and others may put you in a strong position to get damages.
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How Much Time You Have to File a Hit and Run Accident Claim or Lawsuit
Based on NCGS § 1-52, you may have up to three years to submit a personal injury claim or lawsuit. The time frame for you to submit a claim or lawsuit if you’re injured in a hit-and-run may not be extended.
Your personal injury attorney wants you to notify the police about your hit-and-run right away. If you wait too long from the day of your accident to tell the police, it becomes exceedingly unlikely that they will find the liable motorist. Furthermore, the motorist who slammed their car into yours and left the scene could contact the police and blame you for the accident.
After your claim or lawsuit is filed, your lawyer is available to you for the duration of your litigation. They want you to focus on your recovery from your accident as they build your case for compensation. If you have legal concerns or questions at any point, your attorney can address them promptly.
Contact a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Gastonia Today
Allow a Gastonia hit and run accident attorney from Shane Smith Law to serve as your legal representative and advocate. We can help you locate the motorist at fault for your hit-and-run and seek compensation from them accordingly. To get started, request a free case review.
Call or text (980) 246-2656 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
