Charlotte Hit and Run Accident Attorneys
Legal help when you are injured in a hit-and-run in North Carolina
A hit and run accident can happen in an instant – one second everything is fine, and the next you are blindsided. After picking up the pieces, you realize the at-fault driver has fled the scene. In situations like these, what are your options? Who pays for your medical bills, your vehicle damage, and your lost paychecks when an accident wasn’t your fault? When you are trying to recover from serious injuries, you should not have to figure this out on your own.
After a hit and run accident, insurance companies often throw up as many hurdles as possible to prevent victims from obtaining the financial compensation they deserve. However, the team at Price, Petho & Associates is ready to stand by your side. Our Charlotte hit and run accident attorneys pledge to conduct a full investigation into your case, working to secure the fair and proper compensation to which you are entitled. We can help.
What would you like to know?
How serious are Charlotte hit and run accidents?
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) says there were 247,214 total car accidents reported across the state in 2020. Out of these incidents, 105,382 people were injured, and 1,658 people lost their lives. While we do not have exact statistics on how many hit-and-runs take place each year in North Carolina, we do know that these accidents happen regularly, and that they can lead to severe and devastating injuries.
It is not uncommon for victims of hit and run accidents to sustain the following:
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations or puncture wounds
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash, shoulder, and back injuries
- Burn injuries
- Wrongful death
Each of these injuries will require medical care, and victims may not be able to work while they recover. With medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage to contend with, hit and run victims need to know where to turn for compensation.
What should I do after experiencing a hit and run?
The aftermath of a hit and run accident can be incredibly confusing, and those involved often do not know what to do. As we go through these steps, we hope that you never need to follow them. We do not want anyone to become the victim of a hit and run accident. However, if this does happen to you, these steps could help ensure you receive the compensation to which you are entitled.
- Call 911: As soon as you get your vehicle to a safe location after a hit and run accident, call 911. The police and EMS need to come to the scene of the incident to assess your injuries and make an official police report. Additionally, it is the responsibility of law enforcement officials to track down the hit and run drivers. It can be tempting to try to follow a driver who flees the scene of an accident, but this will put even more people in danger, including yourself.
- Seek immediate medical care: All hit and run accident victims need to seek immediate medical care. The signs and symptoms of many injuries do not appear until hours, or even days, following an accident, but every crash victim needs to be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. This ensures your physical well-being while also establishing a direct link between your injuries and the accidents.
- Take notes: Memories can fade very quickly after an accident, and we always recommend that hit and run victims write down as much as they remember as soon as they can. This can include a description of the vehicle that hit them and a description of the driver or passengers in the vehicle responsible for the hit and run.
- Gather much evidence as possible: Hit and run accident victims in Charlotte can begin gathering evidence if it is safe to do so at the scene of the crash. This can include getting the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses. It can also include using your cell phone or other camera to take photographs of vehicle damage, debris on the roadway, skid marks, traffic and weather conditions, your injuries, and more.
- Report the incident to your insurance carrier: Your insurance carrier will need to be notified that you have been in an accident. You do not have to go into detail, but you do need to let them know that the incident was a hit-and-run crash.
- Contact an attorney: You should contact a skilled car accident attorney. Because these accidents are not always straightforward, having the Charlotte lawyers at Price, Petho & Associates on your side is an essential piece of the puzzle when it comes to securing compensation.
If you have any questions about your next steps following a hit and run accident, we are happy to provide answers and guidance.
How do I get compensation for my injuries after a hit and run?
Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in North Carolina. However, that will not help people like you who are not sure how they will secure compensation for their losses. Further, this can be particularly difficult if a hit-and-run driver is not located by law enforcement.
All drivers in North Carolina are required to carry the following insurance coverage to remain legal on the roadway:
- Bodily injury liability coverage at $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident
- Property damage liability coverage at 25,000
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury at $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage at $25,000
If a hit and run driver cannot be located, victims will need to rely on their uninsured motorist coverage to recover compensation for their losses.
If the hit and run driver is located and he or she has insurance, a claim can be made against that driver’s insurance carrier to recover compensation. Finally, if the at-fault driver does not have insurance or if the coverage limits are not sufficient, it may be necessary to file a personal injury claim to recover the proper compensation. Our experienced attorneys can help.
Google Reviews
I reached out to Price, Petho, and Associates after I found myself in need of an attorney for an accident I was in that led to personal injury. This was my first experience with something like this and they guided me through the process every step of the way. Every question I had was answered promptly and I truly feel they had my best interest at heart. I highly recommend them if you should find yourself in need of these services.
- C.P.
BEST ATTORNEYS
Price Petho and Associates are the best Attorneys in Law I’ve ever worked with. I was involved in a car accident last year and since I was injured, they handled my case and did not disappoint, they took care of everything. Also, my wife got rear ended in her car (total loss) about 6 months ago and my insurance company was delaying our claim and payment, we went to Price Petho and Associates again for some advice, Margaret E. Ford welcomed us right away, we explained the situation, she understood and explained to us what options we had. She was extremely knowledgeable about cases like this, she even called our insurance company for us and made them pay us the same day we talked to her. I’m very glad we asked for their help.
- Y. M.
How long do I have to file a Charlotte hit and run accident claim?
Victims of hit and run accidents should be aware that they have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. The North Carolina personal injury statute of limitations is three years from the date the injury occurs. This means that hit and run accident victims have a three-year window with which to file a lawsuit against the alleged negligent driver.
It should be pointed out that insurance carriers have fairly strict reporting deadlines in these cases. Most insurance carriers in North Carolina require accidents to be reported within a day or two after the incident occurs. Failing to promptly report an accident could result in the carrier delaying or denying the claim.
Because the vast majority of hit and run accidents can be resolved through settlement with insurance carriers (including claims the victim may make with his or her own insurance carrier), our attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies in order to secure the compensation to which you are entitled. However, we are always prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to achieve the justice you deserve.
Is there a hit and run accident attorney near me?
You can find Price, Petho & Associates at 1420 Elizabeth Ave in Charlotte, NC. We also maintain offices in Rockingham and Rutherfordton for your convenience. If you are unable to come to us, we can make arrangements to visit you at home or in the hospital.
Experienced Charlotte hit and run attorneys on your side
If you or somebody you love has been injured in a hit and run accident, it’s imperative to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. At Price, Petho & Associates, our team conducts a complete investigation into your case, working to secure the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and get a fresh start. We can help. To schedule a free consultation, call 704-372-2160 or fill out our contact form. We serve clients in Charlotte, Rockingham, Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Google Reviews
I reached out to Price, Petho, and Associates after I found myself in need of an attorney for an accident I was in that led to personal injury. This was my first experience with something like this and they guided me through the process every step of the way. Every question I had was answered promptly and I truly feel they had my best interest at heart. I highly recommend them if you should find yourself in need of these services.
- C.P.
BEST ATTORNEYS
Price Petho and Associates are the best Attorneys in Law I’ve ever worked with. I was involved in a car accident last year and since I was injured, they handled my case and did not disappoint, they took care of everything. Also, my wife got rear ended in her car (total loss) about 6 months ago and my insurance company was delaying our claim and payment, we went to Price Petho and Associates again for some advice, Margaret E. Ford welcomed us right away, we explained the situation, she understood and explained to us what options we had. She was extremely knowledgeable about cases like this, she even called our insurance company for us and made them pay us the same day we talked to her. I’m very glad we asked for their help.
- Y. M.