Raleigh Hit-and-Run Injuries: What You Need to Know After a Crash
Getting injured in a hit-and-run accident can leave you shaken, confused, and unsure of what to do next. When the other driver flees the scene, victims are left to deal with serious bodily injury, property damage, and rising medical expenses. In Raleigh, hit-and-run injuries are more common than many people realize, and knowing how to respond can make a major difference in your physical recovery and legal claim.
In this blog, you will learn what steps to take after a hit-and-run crash, how to gather evidence, how to work with your insurance company, and why partnering with an experienced Raleigh car accident attorney can help protect your rights and secure fair compensation.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Crash
After a hit-and-run crash in Raleigh, your actions at the accident scene can impact your safety, your recovery, and your ability to file a claim for Raleigh hit-and-run injuries.
Ensure Safety First
Move to a safe location if you are able. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Do not attempt to chase the fleeing vehicle. Doing so could increase the risk of further injury or create a greater danger at the scene.
Call 911 and Report the Incident
Contact the Raleigh Police Department immediately. Request emergency medical services if anyone has suffered bodily injury. Give the police as much information as possible about the other driver, the vehicle, and the direction they fled. Ask for a copy of the police report. It may help your car accident attorney build your case.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if injuries appear minor, seek medical care as soon as possible. Certain injuries may not be visible right away. Medical records help document your condition and support your claim for compensation related to medical expenses and bodily injury.
Collect Evidence if Possible
Take clear photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and any debris. Write down the time, date, and location, such as New Hope Road or another specific Raleigh street. If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact details. Ask nearby businesses if they have surveillance footage of the incident.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance company about the hit-and-run accident. Provide all known details. If the at-fault driver cannot be located, you may need to rely on uninsured motorist coverage. Be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters and avoid accepting a quick settlement without legal guidance.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
A Raleigh car accident attorney can help protect your rights and seek full compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses. A free case evaluation can help you understand your legal options after a hit-and-run crash.
Collecting Evidence at the Accident Scene
Strong evidence can help prove fault in a hit-and-run accident and support your claim for Raleigh hit-and-run injuries.
Take Photos and Videos
Use your phone to take clear photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, and any visible injuries. Include close-up shots of damage and wide shots of the surrounding area. Photograph road signs, traffic signals, skid marks, broken glass, and any other relevant scene details. Video can also help show the position of vehicles and conditions at the time of the crash.
Document the Time and Location
Write down the exact time and address of the hit-and-run crash. Note nearby intersections, landmarks, or streets such as New Hope Road. Include weather and lighting conditions. These details help the Raleigh Police Department and your car accident lawyer understand what happened.
Get Witness Statements
If anyone saw the crash or the fleeing driver, ask them to describe what they saw. Get their full names and contact information. Witness statements can confirm how the crash occurred and support your version of events. Give this information to the police and your attorney.
Look for Surveillance Footage
Check for security cameras nearby. Stores, gas stations, and homes often record traffic activity. Ask the property owner to save the footage. Video evidence showing the driver fleeing the accident scene may help identify the vehicle or license plate.
Preserve All Records
Keep all information related to the incident, including the police report, medical records, repair estimates, and insurance correspondence. These documents are important for proving property damage, bodily injury, and the cost of medical care after a hit-and-run accident.
Share Details With Your Car Accident Attorney
Provide all collected evidence to your car accident lawyer. This can support your case and improve your chances of compensation for serious bodily injury, medical expenses, and property damage caused by the at-fault driver.
Reporting the Crash and Working With Your Insurance Company
After a hit-and-run accident, it is important to report the incident quickly and handle insurance communication carefully to protect your rights and claim compensation for Raleigh hit-and-run injuries.
File a Police Report
Call the Raleigh Police Department and report the hit-and-run crash. Give a clear statement about the time, location, and what happened. Include details about the fleeing driver, vehicle description, and direction of travel. Ask for a copy of the police report. It helps support your claim and may assist in identifying the at-fault driver.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide all known details from the police report and the accident scene. If the other driver fled and is not identified, your claim may fall under your uninsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage helps pay for bodily injury, medical expenses, and property damage when the at-fault driver cannot be found.
Be Careful With Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies often try to limit payouts. Be cautious when answering questions from adjusters. Do not admit fault or speculate about what happened. Stick to the facts. Do not sign any documents or accept settlement offers without reviewing them with a car accident attorney.
Keep Records of All Communication
Document every call, email, and letter between you and your insurance company. Save copies of claim numbers, contact names, and dates. This record helps avoid delays and protects you if disputes arise.
Consider Legal Representation
A Raleigh car accident lawyer can deal with the insurance company on your behalf. Legal support helps ensure you are not pressured into accepting less than you deserve. A free case evaluation can determine if your rights are being protected and whether further action is needed.
Understanding the Legal Consequences of a Hit-and-Run in North Carolina
Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal in North Carolina and carries serious penalties, especially when the crash results in Raleigh hit-and-run injuries.
Criminal Penalties for Hit-and-Run Drivers
North Carolina law treats a hit-and-run as a crime. If the driver caused property damage only, the charge is typically a misdemeanor. If the hit-and-run accident results in serious bodily injury or death, the driver may face felony charges. A felony hit-and-run can lead to prison time, heavy fines, and the suspension or revocation of the driver’s license.
Civil Liability for the At-Fault Driver
Even if criminal charges are filed, the driver may still face civil penalties. Victims of a hit-and-run crash can file a claim for damages. These include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. A car accident attorney can help pursue compensation through the civil court system or a settlement with the insurance company.
What if the Driver Is Never Found
If the other driver cannot be identified, you may still be able to recover damages through your own insurance policy. Uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for bodily injury and other losses. A car accident lawyer can review your coverage and determine your options.
How the Raleigh Police Handle Investigations
The Raleigh Police Department investigates hit-and-run cases by reviewing surveillance footage, collecting witness statements, and examining the accident scene. Cooperating fully with investigators and providing all available evidence may increase the chances of identifying the driver who fled.
Legal Help for Hit-and-Run Victims
Victims of hit-and-run crashes often face high medical bills, property damage, and emotional stress. A Raleigh car accident lawyer can manage your legal claim and communicate with the insurance company. Seeking legal representation early helps preserve evidence and improve the chances of a full recovery.
Contact an Experienced Raleigh Car Accident Attorney ASAP!
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a Raleigh hit-and-run accident, do not wait to get the legal help you need. These cases can be complicated, and quick action is often the key to preserving evidence and building a strong claim. Our team at Mogy Law understands the challenges hit-and-run victims face, from serious bodily injury to insurance disputes.
Contact us at (901) 443-9133 for a free case review today!
