Victim of a Hit & Run Accident?
12 Things You Need to Do After the Wreck

Being in a car accident can ruin anyone’s day, but if the vehicle that hits you takes off before you can get their information, you may not know how to handle the situation.

This can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience. However, there are important steps that you should take if you find yourself in this situation.

If you are in an accident and the other driver flees the scene, you should first and foremost take care of your health and well-being and if you can, that of others.

If possible immediately after this accident, you should also:

  • Move your vehicle to the shoulder of the road (if you can do so safely and no one is injured)
  • Turn off the vehicle.
  • Call 911 and if anyone is injured, offer assistance.
  • Once you have contacted law enforcement, you need to remain at the scene until they arrive.
  • Move yourself to a safe location and instruct others involved to do the same.
  • Do not attempt to move people who are injured unless they are in immediate danger.

Once you are safe, you should also do the following if the other driver(s) fled the scene:

  • Write down the make and model of the vehicle, the license plate number, or any other identifying features you can recall.
  • Take pictures and video of the accident scene and all damage to your car.
  • Tell the officers at the scene everything you know about the driver and their vehicle.
  • Collect contact information from possible witnesses.
  • Contact an experienced accident attorney promptly to discuss your case and protect your rights.

Did you know that contacting an attorney early in the process may increase the odds of locating the hit and run driver? Experienced car accident lawyers like the ones at Fisher Stark have assisted clients in the past with locating hit and run drivers by gathering important evidence such as security camera footage from surrounding businesses. Get the help you need by calling today at 828-505-4300 or visiting our contact page.

 

What is a Hit and Run Accident?

In North Carolina drivers are required to stop if they inflict damage on another person’s property or their person.

A person’s property includes vehicles, mailboxes, bicycles, and even pets. Drivers have a duty to stop and to disclose the appropriate information to remedy the damage they caused.

Drivers who do not stop, leave a scene prematurely, or provide false information could end up with criminal charges, including a felony.

Although there are steep penalties, some drivers still choose to flee for several reasons:

  • They do not have auto insurance coverage.
  • They were already breaking the law in some way.
  • They were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • They do not own the vehicle they hit you with.

Whether or not the other driver is found, you may be able to receive compensation for your damages and injuries.

If you were involved in a hit and run accident, the best practice is to contact an experienced attorney to discuss your individual case. Most attorneys offer a free consultation, so you have nothing to lose.

Asheville NC Hit and Run Attorneys

As experienced personal injury lawyers, Fisher Stark, P.A. understands how to develop your case and take it to trial. We are also trained and experienced in dealing with insurance adjusters.

Our professional expertise covers reviewing medical records, understanding your injuries, and looking at your future to see what impact the accident may have on the rest of your life.

Ultimately, it is a jury who will determine what is fair and reasonable compensation, and with over 200 jury trials under our belt, we stand ready and willing to fight for you and your loved ones.

If you live in the Asheville area or any of the surrounding counties in Western North Carolina, we invite you to call the car accident lawyers of Fisher Stark at 828-505-4300 for a free consultation.