What Legal Options Do I Have After a Charlotte Hit & Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident is one of the most stressful situations a driver or pedestrian can experience. Instead of stopping to check on injuries or exchange information, the at-fault driver flees the scene and leaves victims without answers or support. Many injured people feel overwhelmed, angry, or confused about what to do next, especially when the person responsible has not yet been identified.

The good news is that North Carolina law provides several legal options for hit-and-run victims. You may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, even if the other driver is never found.

Understanding your rights can help you take the proper steps to protect your claim.

Report the Hit and Run to Law Enforcement Immediately

Your first step after a hit-and-run is to contact the police. Officers can document the crash, begin investigating, and collect details that may help identify the fleeing driver. A police report also becomes critical when you file an insurance claim.

Provide officers with as much information as you can recall.

This may include:

• The make, model, or color of the vehicle.
• Direction the vehicle was traveling.
• Any partial license plate numbers.
• Any identifying features such as damage or stickers.
• Names of witnesses who saw the crash.

Even small details can help investigators locate the driver.

Seek Medical Treatment Right Away

Hit and run victims often delay treatment because they feel shaken or assume their injuries are minor. This can harm both your health and your claim. A medical evaluation creates a record of your injuries, shows that they are related to the crash, and allows you to begin necessary treatment.

Keep copies of all medical records and bills. These documents support your compensation claim.

File a Claim Under Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage

North Carolina requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage applies when the at-fault driver cannot be located, which makes it essential in hit-and-run crashes.

Uninsured motorist coverage may help pay for:

• Medical bills.
• Lost income.
• Pain and suffering.
• Vehicle repairs or replacement.

Your insurer will investigate the claim, but you should be prepared for challenges. Insurance companies often seek to limit their payouts, especially in hit-and-run cases where the other driver cannot be questioned.

Understand That You Can Still Recover Compensation Even Without Identifying the Driver

Many victims believe they cannot pursue a claim unless the fleeing driver is located. This is not true. Your uninsured motorist policy exists specifically for situations like this.

Compensation may include:

• Emergency room treatment.
• Surgery, therapy, and long-term care.
• Lost wages and reduced earning ability.
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
• Permanent disability or impairment.

Our attorneys can help calculate your damages and present a strong claim to your insurer.

Why Legal Help Is Important in North Carolina Hit and Run Cases

Hit-and-run accidents often require independent investigation. Insurance companies may question how the crash occurred or argue that the injuries are unrelated.

Our experienced attorneys can protect you by:

• Gathering witness statements and surveillance footage.
• Working with accident reconstruction experts.
• Filing claims with all available insurance policies.
• Challenging unfair delays or denials.
• Ensuring your uninsured motorist benefits are fully paid.

Having legal representation ensures that your rights are protected and that you are not taken advantage of during an already stressful time.

When the Driver Flees, You Still Deserve Answers and Support

If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident in Charlotte or anywhere in North Carolina, Ramsay Law Firm can help you understand your options. You may still have a strong claim even if the at-fault driver has not been found. Our team will guide you through the process, communicate with insurers, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call (704) 376-1616 or contact us online for a free consultation. We will stand by your side and help you move forward with confidence.

A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way.