Hit and Run Lawyer

Hit and Run Lawyer Near You

When a driver flees the scene after causing a collision, victims face unique challenges in pursuing compensation and justice. At The Law Offices of John M. McCabe, our hit and run lawyers understand the frustration and confusion that follows these incidents. A hit and run lawyer provides essential guidance through the complex legal process while working to identify responsible parties and secure the compensation you deserve.

Can I Sue if I Was Injured in a Hit and Run Accident?

Yes, you can sue if you were injured in a hit and run accident, but your legal options depend on whether the at-fault driver is identified. If law enforcement or investigation efforts successfully locate the fleeing driver, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. The driver faces both criminal charges for leaving the scene and civil liability for the injuries they caused.

If the hit and run driver cannot be identified or located, you typically cannot file a lawsuit against an unknown party, but you can still pursue compensation through your own insurance policy's uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. North Carolina requires insurers to offer this protection, which covers injuries caused by hit and run drivers. While this involves filing a claim rather than a lawsuit, if your insurance company unfairly denies or undervalues your UM claim, you may have grounds to take legal action against your own insurer. Our hit and run lawyers help hit and run victims explore all available legal remedies to secure the compensation they deserve.

What Are Hit and Run Accidents in North Carolina?

Hit and run accidents occur when a driver leaves the scene of a collision without stopping to provide identification, render aid, or exchange information with other involved parties. North Carolina law requires all drivers involved in accidents to remain at the scene, particularly when the collision results in injury, death, or property damage. Violating this requirement constitutes a criminal offense that carries serious penalties.

These incidents create significant obstacles for victims seeking compensation. Without immediate access to the at-fault driver's information, pursuing an insurance claim becomes complicated. The fleeing driver may have left minimal evidence behind, making identification difficult. Time-sensitive investigations become critical to building a strong case.

A hit and run lawyer navigates these challenges by immediately launching an investigation, working with law enforcement, gathering evidence, and exploring all available compensation options. The legal representation you choose can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case.

Financial Compensation You Can Pursue in a Hit and Run Accident Claim

Our hit and run lawyers work to secure full compensation for all damages resulting from your hit and run accident. Understanding the types of financial recovery available helps you recognize the true value of your claim.

Available damages in hit and run cases include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation covers emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgery, diagnostic tests, prescription medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and all future medical care related to your accident injuries.
• Lost Wages: Recovery includes income lost while unable to work during your recovery period, as well as compensation for used sick leave, vacation time, and other employment benefits exhausted due to the accident.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or reduce your ability to earn income in the future, you can pursue compensation for diminished earning potential over your lifetime.
• Property Damage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle, as well as compensation for damaged personal belongings such as electronics, clothing, or other items in your car at the time of the collision.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages address the physical discomfort, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life you experience as a result of your injuries.
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: When injuries result in lasting impairment, scarring, or changes to your physical appearance, you may recover additional compensation for the permanent impact on your life and self-image.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation addresses your inability to participate in hobbies, recreational activities, social events, and daily activities you enjoyed before the accident.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Recovery includes expenses for transportation to medical appointments, home modifications for accessibility, assistive devices, household help during recovery, and other accident-related costs.
• Wrongful Death Damages: When hit and run accidents result in fatalities, surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and the deceased's pain and suffering before death.

A hit and run lawyer evaluates all applicable damages to ensure your claim reflects the full financial, physical, and emotional impact of the accident. Our hit and run lawyers document your losses thoroughly and negotiate aggressively to secure maximum compensation through the at-fault driver's insurance or your uninsured motorist coverage.

How Our Hit and Run Accident Lawyers Can Maximize Your Compensation

Our hit and run lawyers employ proven strategies to build strong cases and secure the maximum compensation available for your injuries and losses. Our comprehensive approach addresses every aspect of your hit and run claim to protect your financial recovery.

Our team maximizes your compensation through:

• Immediate Investigation: Our hit and run accident lawyers launch investigations within hours of being retained, preserving critical evidence before it disappears and working to identify the fleeing driver while the trail remains fresh.
• Coordination with Law Enforcement: Our hit and run accident lawyers maintain close communication with police investigators, sharing information and resources that may help locate the responsible party and strengthen both criminal and civil cases.
• Independent Evidence Collection: Our hit and run accident lawyers conduct our own investigations, hiring private investigators when needed to canvass for witnesses, obtain surveillance footage, and uncover details that law enforcement may have missed.
• Thorough Damage Documentation: Our hit and run accident lawyers gather comprehensive medical records, employment documentation, expert opinions, and other evidence to establish the full extent of your physical, financial, and emotional damages.
• Policy Analysis and Coverage Maximization: Our hit and run accident lawyers carefully review all applicable insurance policies, including your uninsured motorist coverage, to identify every available source of compensation and ensure you receive maximum benefits.
• Accurate Claim Valuation: Our hit and run accident lawyers calculate both current and future damages, consulting with medical professionals, economists, and vocational rehabilitation specialists to project long-term costs and losses accurately.
• Strategic Insurance Negotiations: Our hit and run accident lawyers handle all communications with insurance adjusters, countering lowball offers and bad faith tactics with compelling evidence that demonstrates the true value of your claim.
• Protection from Statement Traps: Our hit and run accident lawyers shield you from insurance company attempts to obtain recorded statements or signed releases that could be used to minimize or deny your claim.
• Litigation Readiness: Our hit and run accident lawyers prepare every case as if it will go to trial, demonstrating our willingness to pursue maximum compensation in court when insurers refuse to offer fair settlements.
• Deadline Compliance: Our hit and run accident lawyers ensure all statute of limitations deadlines, insurance reporting requirements, and court filing dates are met, protecting your right to pursue compensation.

A hit and run lawyer from our firm provides the guidance, resources, and aggressive advocacy needed to overcome the unique challenges these cases present. Contact our hit and run lawyers to discuss how we can help you pursue the full compensation you deserve after a hit and run accident.

Injuries Associated with Hit and Run Accidents

Hit and run collisions often result in severe injuries because fleeing drivers may have been speeding, driving recklessly, or operating vehicles while impaired. Our hit and run lawyers represent victims suffering from a wide range of injuries caused by drivers who left the scene.

Common injuries in hit and run accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: These range from concussions to severe brain damage, causing cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, and long-term disability that may require lifetime care and supervision.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, impaired motor function, and permanent disability affecting every aspect of daily life.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of impact often causes fractures to arms, legs, ribs, hips, and facial bones, requiring surgery, extended recovery periods, and potentially leaving permanent limitations or deformities.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, torn ligaments, and muscle damage may seem minor initially but can cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, and long-term physical limitations that affect work and daily activities.
• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden impact causes the head to snap forward and backward violently, damaging neck muscles, ligaments, and vertebrae, often resulting in chronic pain and headaches.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs including the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs, creating life-threatening conditions that may not be immediately apparent after the collision.
• Lacerations and Scarring: Broken glass, twisted metal, and impact with vehicle components cause deep cuts that may require stitches or reconstructive surgery and leave permanent scars or disfigurement.
• Back Injuries: Herniated discs, compressed vertebrae, and damaged muscles in the back cause severe pain, limit mobility, and may require surgery or ongoing treatment to manage symptoms.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, victims often experience post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and fear of driving that requires mental health treatment and impacts quality of life.
• Wrongful Death: The most tragic outcome occurs when hit and run accidents result in fatal injuries, leaving families to cope with devastating loss and financial hardship.

A hit and run lawyer understands that the severity of your injuries directly impacts the compensation you need and deserve.Our hit and run lawyers work with medical professionals to document your injuries thoroughly, establish treatment plans, and project future medical needs to ensure your claim accounts for both current and long-term consequences of the accident.

Causes of Hit and Run Accidents

Understanding why hit and run accidents occur helps guide investigations and builds stronger cases for compensation. At Our hit and run lawyers investigate the circumstances surrounding these collisions to identify the fleeing driver and establish liability.

Common causes and contributing factors include:

• Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers often flee the scene to avoid arrest for DUI, knowing that leaving creates criminal charges but potentially avoiding more serious consequences for driving while intoxicated.
• Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, using smartphones, eating, or otherwise not paying attention may cause accidents and panic in the moment, choosing to flee rather than face responsibility for their negligence.
• Lack of Insurance: Uninsured drivers fear financial liability and legal consequences, prompting them to leave the scene rather than exchange information and face penalties for operating without required coverage.
• Suspended or Revoked License: Drivers operating vehicles without valid licenses flee to avoid additional criminal charges, fines, and potential jail time for driving with suspended privileges.
• Excessive Speed: High-speed collisions often involve drivers who were already breaking traffic laws and choose to flee rather than face reckless driving charges and civil liability for the devastating injuries they cause.
• Outstanding Warrants: Drivers with existing warrants for their arrest leave accident scenes to avoid being taken into custody by responding law enforcement officers.
• Stolen Vehicles: Individuals operating stolen cars flee immediately to avoid arrest for vehicle theft, leaving victims with no information about the actual driver's identity or whereabouts.
• Immigration Concerns: Some drivers fear immigration consequences or deportation if they interact with law enforcement, leading them to flee even when they have legitimate legal status.
• Drug-Related Activity: Drivers transporting illegal substances or engaging in criminal activity at the time of the collision leave to avoid drug charges or other criminal prosecution.
• Panic and Poor Judgment: In some cases, drivers simply panic after causing an accident, making the impulsive decision to flee without considering the serious legal and moral implications of leaving injured victims.

A hit and run lawyer uses knowledge of these common causes to guide investigations and locate fleeing drivers. Understanding the motivations behind these decisions helps our team anticipate where evidence may be found and which investigative approaches will prove most effective in identifying the responsible party and securing compensation for your injuries.

What To Do After Being Injured in a Hit and Run Accident

The actions you take immediately following a hit and run collision can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation and identify the fleeing driver. Our hit and run lawyers advise victims to follow these critical steps to protect their health, legal rights, and financial recovery.

Essential steps to take after a hit and run accident:

• Ensure Safety and Call 911: Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible, check yourself and passengers for injuries, and immediately call emergency services to report the accident and request medical assistance.
• Seek Medical Attention: Get evaluated by medical professionals even if injuries seem minor, as symptoms of serious conditions like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries may not appear immediately after the collision.
• Provide Information to Police: Give law enforcement officers detailed descriptions of the fleeing vehicle including color, make, model, license plate numbers (even partial), distinguishing features, damage, and the direction the driver traveled.
• Document the Accident Scene: Take photographs of vehicle damage, debris, skid marks, your injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and the surrounding area if you can safely do so without compromising your health.
• Identify and Interview Witnesses: Collect contact information from anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the fleeing vehicle, as their statements may prove crucial in identifying the responsible driver and supporting your claim.
• Check for Surveillance Cameras: Note nearby businesses, traffic cameras, and residential security systems that may have captured footage of the accident or the fleeing vehicle before the recordings are deleted or overwritten.
• Preserve Physical Evidence: Keep damaged clothing, take photos of visible injuries as they develop, and document all physical evidence that demonstrates the severity of the collision and your resulting harm.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the hit and run accident to your insurer promptly to comply with policy requirements, but avoid providing detailed recorded statements before consulting with legal representation.
• Obtain the Police Report: Request a copy of the official accident report from law enforcement, as this document contains critical information about the investigation and may include witness statements or evidence descriptions.
• Keep Detailed Records: Maintain files of all medical bills, treatment records, prescription receipts, repair estimates, missed work documentation, and any other expenses or losses resulting from the accident.
• Avoid Social Media: Refrain from posting about the accident, your injuries, or your activities on social media platforms, as insurance companies monitor these accounts and may use your posts to dispute or minimize your claim.
• Contact a Hit and Run Lawyer: Consult with legal representation as soon as possible to begin an independent investigation, protect your rights during insurance communications, and ensure all evidence is preserved before it disappears.

Following these steps strengthens your case and preserves your legal options for pursuing compensation. A hit and run lawyer from The Law Offices of John M. McCabe can guide you through this process, handle the legal complexities, and work to identify the responsible party while you focus on physical recovery. Contact our firm today to discuss your hit and run accident and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Our Hit and Run Lawyers?

When you've been injured in a hit and run accident, choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference in your recovery and outcome. Our hit and run lawyers provide the committed advocacy and personalized attention your case deserves.

Reasons to trust our firm with your hit and run case:

• Comprehensive Investigation: Our hit and run lawyers launch immediate investigations to identify fleeing drivers, working with law enforcement and private investigators to gather evidence, locate witnesses, and pursue every available lead before critical information disappears.
• Proven Track Record: Our firm has successfully represented numerous hit and run accident victims throughout Cary and surrounding areas, securing substantial compensation through insurance claims, settlements, and litigation when necessary.
• Personalized Attention: Our hit and run lawyers treat every client as an individual with unique circumstances and needs, maintaining open communication throughout the legal process and involving you in important decisions about your case strategy.
• No Upfront Costs: Our hit and run lawyers handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf, ensuring access to quality legal representation regardless of your financial situation.

A hit and run lawyer from The Law Offices of John M. McCabe brings the knowledge, resources, and dedication needed to overcome the unique challenges these cases present. Contact our personal injury lawyers today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice and full compensation for your injuries and losses.

Contact Our Cary Hit and Run Lawyers Today

If you've been injured in a hit and run accident, time is critical for preserving evidence and protecting your rights. The Law Offices of John M. McCabe is ready to investigate your case, identify the responsible party, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward recovery. We're here to help you navigate this challenging time and pursue the justice you need to move forward.

Hit and Run Accident FAQs

How long do I have to report a hit and run accident to my insurance company?

Most insurance policies require you to report accidents within a specific timeframe, often within 24 to 72 hours, though requirements vary by insurer. Review your policy carefully and notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the collision to avoid jeopardizing your claim. A hit and run lawyer can help ensure you meet all reporting deadlines while protecting your interests during communications with adjusters.

What if the hit and run driver is never found?

If the fleeing driver cannot be identified or located, you can still pursue compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage, which typically covers hit and run accidents in North Carolina. Your insurance company should process your claim and provide benefits according to your policy limits. Our firm helps clients navigate uninsured motorist claims and fights against unfair denials or undervalued settlements.

Will my insurance rates increase if I file an uninsured motorist claim for a hit and run?

North Carolina law generally prohibits insurance companies from raising your rates for claims where you were not at fault, including hit and run accidents covered under uninsured motorist provisions. However, insurance practices can be complex, and some insurers may attempt to increase premiums improperly. A hit and run lawyer can advise you about your rights and help address any unfair rate increases.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the hit and run accident?

North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule, which can bar recovery if you were even slightly at fault for the accident. However, the fleeing driver's decision to leave the scene is a separate issue from accident fault. Our hit and run lawyers carefully evaluates the circumstances to determine liability and your eligibility for compensation under North Carolina law.

What happens if the hit and run driver who injured me is caught later?

If law enforcement identifies the fleeing driver after you've already filed an uninsured motorist claim, you may have the option to pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver's insurance or through a personal injury lawsuit. Your hit and run lawyer can advise you on the best strategy for maximizing recovery and whether pursuing the identified driver offers better compensation than your existing claim.

Do I need a police report to file a hit and run claim?

Yes, insurance companies typically require an official police report to process hit and run claims under uninsured motorist coverage. The report documents that the accident occurred, that the other driver fled the scene, and that you made reasonable efforts to identify the responsible party. Always contact law enforcement immediately after a hit and run accident to ensure proper documentation.

What if the hit and run accident only caused property damage and no injuries?

You can still pursue compensation for vehicle damage and other property losses through your insurance coverage, though the process differs from injury claims. Property damage claims may be covered under collision coverage or uninsured motorist property damage provisions depending on your policy. Our hit and run lawyers can review your policy and help you recover the full cost of repairs or vehicle replacement.

How much does it cost to hire a hit and run lawyer?

Our hit and run lawyers represent accident victims on a contingency fee basis for personal injury claims, meaning you pay no upfront costs or attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows injured victims to access quality legal representation without financial barriers. During your consultation, we'll explain our fee structure and answer any questions about the costs of pursuing your claim