Hit and Run Accidents

Durham Personal Injury Lawyer – Being involved in an accident can be scary, difficult, and can have a long lasting impact on your daily life. When you are injured in a Durham Car Accident due to another person’s negligence, there is some reprieve in knowing that you will likely be compensated for your injuries.

However, what happens when you are hit by another driver and then the driver leaves the scene? This immediately creates a bit of panic and confusion but there are steps you can take. Before you over analyze the situation too much, consider calling a personal injury lawyer to discuss your options and how to pursue compensation for your injuries.

What to do if you’re involved in a hit and run accident

While it’s a well-known fact that leaving the scene of the accident is against the law, it can still happen. When drivers are at fault, especially if they do not have the proper insurance or a driver's license, they will often flee the scene. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t get caught.

It’s understandable that your initial reaction may be anger. You may not be thinking clearly and may even consider driving off because you feel you have no other choice. However, this is not a wise idea. Don’t let your adrenaline get the best of you. Instead, take the following steps when you have been involved in a hit and run accident:

Immediately write down any details you remember about the vehicle who hit you – driver description, license plate number, car color, make, model – this information will be helpful to the police and could lead to the capture of the driver who hit you. Leaving the scene of the accident is a very serious crime in North Carolina.
Call the police. It’s important to get the accident documented and on file to show you did not leave the scene like the other driver and can also help to prove the other driver was at fault when dealing with an insurance company. Additionally, a law enforcement officer can begin investigating the accident once he arrives.
Gather witness contact information. Were you in front of an office building where someone may have witnessed the accident? Maybe another vehicle pulled over or a pedestrian was on the sidewalk who saw the hit and run accident. There is a good chance they may have additional information about the driver. This information will be helpful to the police, the insurance company, and your attorney.
Seek medical attention immediately. If you were injured in the accident, it’s important to see a doctor whether you follow-up with your primary care physician or go to the emergency room. Letting your injuries go untreated is not only bad for your case but could cause you to have an even more serious injury down the road that takes twice as long to heal.
Call a Durham Personal Injury Lawyer. Before you file a claim, give a recorded statement or sign any releases to the insurance company, schedule a consultation with a Durham Personal Injury Lawyer at Wallace Pierce Law. The experienced staff will know the proper way to handle a hit and run car accident and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.