Goldsboro Hit & Run Accident Lawyers
Fighting For Hit & Run Accident Victims in North Carolina
Hit-and-run accidents are among the most devastating for injury victims. When drivers fail to stop at the scene of an accident, it can leave these victims without the information needed to file a claim against the at-fault driver or his or her insurance company. This complicates matters, although you may still have avenues you can pursue if the driver is never found. At Strickland Agner Pittman, we are here to help you when struck by a hit-and-run driver. Our team understands the laws, the insurance avenues, and how to help you pursue justice. We are here to assist you in seeking the compensation you need and deserve, both when the driver has been identified and when not identified.
Call Strickland Agner Pittman today at (919) 893-0090 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our hit & run accident lawyer in Goldsboro.
North Carolina Hit & Run Accident Cases
It is against the law in North Carolina to leave the scene of an accident. Nevertheless, these accidents continue to occur. The U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that deaths caused by hit-and-run accidents increased in 2020 by 26 percent. These accidents involve not only the occupants of vehicles but pedestrians and bicyclists as well. They occur for many reasons, such as the at-fault driver driving without insurance, on a suspended license, while drunk, while engaged in other criminal or reckless actions, while having outstanding arrest warrants, or panicked about facing what they have done.
As the victim of a hit-and-run driver, it is vital to have the representation of a trusted attorney who can assist you in the process of trying to identify the driver through accident scene investigation in coordination with police. This can include interviewing witnesses, locating and reviewing available video footage, bringing in accident reconstruction experts, and more.
Where a hit-and-run driver has been identified through detailed investigations, you can then pursue an injury claim against the at-fault driver and/or his or her insurance company to seek the compensation to which you are entitled. Where such a driver cannot be found, you may still be able to seek compensation through your uninsured/underinsured auto insurance policy. Our team is here to help you with this complicated process.
Common Injuries in Hit-and-Run Accidents
Common injuries may include the following:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head injuries are common in high-impact collisions. Victims may experience concussions, skull fractures, or more severe brain trauma. These injuries often demand extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Harm to the spinal cord could lead to partial or full paralysis, chronic pain, or other mobility issues. Such injuries often demand lifelong care and significant medical expenses.
- Broken Bones: The force of a hit-and-run accident frequently causes fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. Recovery from these injuries could involve surgery, physical therapy, and time away from work.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, torn ligaments, and muscle strains are common in car accidents, even at lower speeds. These injuries can cause ongoing discomfort and limit daily activities.
- Psychological Trauma: The emotional toll of a hit-and-run accident can be very overwhelming. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the sudden and violent nature of the collision.
What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Hit-and-Run Accident Claim?
Damages may include:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation may cover immediate medical costs, such as emergency care, surgeries, and hospital stays. It can also include long-term expenses for physical therapy, medication, and ongoing treatment for chronic injuries.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to recover lost income. For severe injuries with lasting effects, compensation can also address diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages account for the physical pain and emotional anguish caused by the accident. While these damages are harder to quantify, they reflect the profound impact on your quality of life.
- Property Damage: A hit-and-run claim can also cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Punitive Damages: In some instances, punitive damages may be granted to punish the at-fault driver for their reckless behavior. Although these damages are not common, they serve as a deterrent against similar conduct in the future.
- Compensation Through Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If the driver who fled the scene cannot be identified, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your auto insurance policy can often provide compensation. This coverage may help address medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Contact Our Hit & Run Accident Attorney in Goldsboro Today
Our mission when injured in a hit-and-run accident is to help you secure compensation for all of your medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and any other losses you have suffered. Where a loved one has been lost in a hit-and-run accident, a wrongful death claim may be pursued by the personal representative of your deceased family member’s estate. We urge you to contact Strickland Agner Pittman as soon as possible to discuss your case directly with one of our attorneys.
Get specific information on your case and options in a complimentary consultation with our Goldsboro hit-and-run accident lawyers at Strickland Agner Pittman. Connect with us online or at (919) 893-0090.