Hit and run accidents can be very frustrating to the victim. Because the negligent party is unknown, the victim must file a claim against their own insurance company. In most cases this will be filed against the uninsured motorist (UM) portion of your policy. If you were injured in the accident, you would also want to claim against the medical payments (MEDPAY) portion of the plan.
Insurance companies are often quick to deny this or any other type of claim. They cause delays, forget to provide benefits that are part of their policy coverage or try to say that you were partially responsible for the hit and run. Under the North Carolina contributory negligence law, claiming that you were partly responsible for the accident would give them the right to deny the claim and close the case, forcing you to pursue your case through the court system.
Hit and run lawyers know how difficult insurance companies can be when it comes to making a claim. They also know that aggressive legal representation is the best solution to this problem.
What Hit And Run Lawyers Can Do For You
As a resident of North Carolina, you are required by law to carry insurance on any vehicle that you operate. Additionally, North Carolina is one of the few states that has made uninsured motorist policies mandatory coverage. This additional coverage provides drivers with relief if they are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. The policy also provides protection if you are injured in a hit-and-run accident.
Many insurance companies, however, are more concerned with watching their bottom line than honoring the terms of their policy. They place accident victims into a state of confusion and financial hardship because of their compensation practices.
As a consumer, you purchased the insurance policy from that specific company in good faith and because you were satisfied with the coverage they offered in the event of an accident. Now that a crash has happened, they must hold up their end of the contract and pay the compensation you are entitled to under North Carolina law.
Your auto accident attorney will make sure that you receive the benefits that you are entitled to under the terms of your insurance policy. Based on the facts of the case, your attorney may seek the following forms of compensation:
• Medical bills both current and in the future related to the injuries
• Pain & Suffering
• Permanent Injury
• Loss of wages and benefits as a result of the accident
• Damages to personal property
Your attorney will explain to you what types of compensation you are entitled to under the terms of your policy.
What To Do In A Hit And Run Accident
North Carolina has a law known as the “Duty to Stop” law. This law requires that anyone who caused an accident to stop and report the accident to the police. Sadly, many people do not obey this law. If you are involved in a hit and run accident of any type, you should remember the following:
• Contact Police Immediately. To make a successful claim for your losses you will need a police report. Do not change anything about the accident scene prior to police arrival if possible – safety first.
• Seek Medical Care. Even if the accident seems minor, you should be medically evaluated.
• Contact a Hit and Run Lawyer. Protect your rights and eliminate the potential of the insurance company denying your claim by using professional legal representation.
Our team of experienced injury lawyers can help you get a fair settlement for your case – contact us today.
