Hit-&-Run Accident Lawyers in Asheville

Fighting For Hit-&-Run Accident Victims in North Carolina

A hit-and-run accident can leave you with a devastating financial mess unless you take the right actions to protect yourself. Our lead attorney at Hensley Cloninger & Greer, P.C. has over 30 years of experience and focuses our practice exclusively on personal injury recovery. We help you pursue the compensation you deserve even if the hit-and-run driver is never caught.

Call Hensley Cloninger & Greer, P.C. at (828) 383-8414 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our hit-&-run accident attorney in Asheville.

What To Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Experiencing a hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming and confusing. It's essential to know that as a victim, you have rights and options available to you. At Hensley Cloninger & Greer, P.C., we are dedicated to helping you navigate the complex legal landscape following such an incident.

Here's what to do after a hit-and-run accident:

• Document Everything: Gather as much information as possible about the accident. Take photos of the scene, note the time and location, and collect witness statements. This evidence can be crucial in building your case.
• Report to Authorities: Always report the accident to the police. A formal report can help establish the facts of the case and may assist in identifying the responsible party.
• Seek Medical Attention: Your health and well-being should be your top priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Getting checked out by a medical professional can also provide documentation of your injuries.
• Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney: Engaging with a skilled attorney can help you understand your legal options and rights. Our team at Hensley Cloninger & Greer, P.C. will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Don't navigate this challenging time alone. Contact us for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first steps toward recovery and justice.

What Evidence Is Needed For A Hit and Run in NC?

In North Carolina, gathering evidence promptly is crucial for a hit and run case. Key evidence includes:

• Eyewitness Accounts: Testimonies from individuals who saw the incident can provide vital details.
• Surveillance Footage: Video from nearby cameras may capture the vehicle or incident.
• Vehicle Debris: Fragments left at the scene can help identify the vehicle.
• Police Reports: Official documentation outlines the incident specifics and initial findings.
• Medical Records: Document injuries sustained, providing a timeline and severity.

Collecting this evidence strengthens your case and increases the likelihood of identifying the responsible party.

Hit-&-Run Accident Laws in North Carolina

North Carolina General Statute § 20‑166 imposes a duty on all drivers to stop at an accident in which their vehicle is involved. A driver who leaves the scene may be charged with a crime in addition to being held civilly liable for injuries and property damage. Unfortunately, law enforcement may never apprehend a hit-and-run driver, and even if they succeed in making a quick arrest, the motorist is likely to be one of the 8% of North Carolina drivers who are uninsured.

Common Injuries in Hit-&-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents can lead to a myriad of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Victims may endure physical harm such as:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden impacts from hit-and-run accidents can cause the head to jerk violently, resulting in whiplash or other neck injuries.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): The force of a collision can cause the brain to jolt within the skull, leading to concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: High-impact collisions may cause harm to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis or long-term neurological issues.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The result of a hit-and-run accident can lead to fractures and breaks, affecting various parts of the body.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscles, ligaments, and tendons may suffer damage, causing pain and limited mobility.

What to Do After Suffering Injuries in a Hit-&-Run Accident

Your quick response to a hit-and-run car accident can make a difference in your health and your legal claim. You can protect yourself from injuries and help police officers in their search for the fleeing motorist by taking these important steps:

• Do not chase the driver — this may put you and other drivers at risk
• Note the car’s license plate state and number and the vehicle’s make, model, and color
• Call police immediately to report the incident, including the location of the accident, the direction the automobile was traveling, and any identifying information you can provide
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible
• File a claim with your insurance company — for best results, get counsel from a lawyer on this process first
• Consult with our attorneys about your rights

Maximizing Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage 

Your insurance company classifies an unidentified hit-and-run driver as uninsured. This may pave the way for you to access your uninsured motorist policy coverage. This is true for a driver, passenger, motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian who was injured by a hit-and-run driver.

What Damages Could be Recovered in a Hit-&-Run Accident Claim?

Potential damages that could be recovered may include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any necessary follow-up treatments.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, we seek reimbursement for lost income and evaluate potential impacts on your future earning capacity.
• Property Damage: In many hit-and-run accidents, damage to your vehicle is inevitable. We help you recover the costs of repairing or replacing your damaged property.
• Pain and Suffering: We recognize the emotional toll that a hit-and-run accident can take. We diligently work to quantify and seek compensation for the pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you've endured.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be pursued to penalize the responsible party and deter similar actions in the future.
• Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have impacted your relationships or companionship, we explore avenues for compensation for the resulting loss of consortium.

How Our Asheville Hit-&-Run Accident Attorney Can Assist You

Experienced hit-and-run accident lawyers in Asheville offer a wide range of services to assist victims in recovering compensation. These services include:

• Thorough investigation: They meticulously examine the circumstances surrounding the accident, striving to identify the responsible driver. This enables them to pursue the at-fault party for compensation.
• Legal guidance: Lawyers provide clients with expert advice on their legal rights and available options. They can assist in filing an uninsured motorist claim or initiating civil action against the liable party.
• Skillful negotiation: Lawyers negotiate settlements with insurance companies on behalf of their clients. Their objective is to secure fair compensation for any injuries sustained due to someone else's negligence.
• Court representation: If required, attorneys represent clients in court proceedings. They skillfully present evidence, question witnesses, make compelling arguments, and respond to inquiries from both parties. Their goal is to achieve favorable outcomes for their clients.
• Paperwork assistance: Lawyers offer valuable assistance in completing the necessary paperwork associated with a hit-and-run claim. This includes accident reports, police statements, hospital bills, and other relevant documents. These records are crucial when seeking compensation from insurers or other responsible parties involved in the hit-and-run accident.

By providing comprehensive support and leveraging their legal expertise, Asheville hit-and-run accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve.

Contact Our Asheville Hit-&-Run Accident Attorney

Get the information you need to recover compensation if a driver fled the scene of your accident. We will handle your hit-and-run accident claim on contingency, meaning you will not pay us until we recover money for you.

Call Hensley Cloninger & Greer, P.C. at (828) 383-8414 or contact us online to schedule your free initial appointment with our Asheville hit-&-run accident lawyers.