Approximately 11% of all car accidents involve a driver fleeing the scene. Personal injuries as a result of a hit and run can take years to recover mentally, physically, and emotionally. Our attorneys can get you the compensation you deserve through a number of avenues, including insurance and possibly your employer.
In North Carolina, a hit-and-run offense is covered by GS § 20-166 Duty to Stop, which states:
a driver has a duty to stop in the event of an accident
both parties must provide the other person involved with their identification, contact information, and insurance information
A driver must offer assistance to anyone injured in the event of this case.
a driver must remain at the scene of the accident until the police and related personnel have completed the investigation
GS § 20-166 further discusses driver liability and classifies the severity of the offense as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
If the driver knows or reasonably should know that the collision caused property damage, they may be charged with a misdemeanor. Property can include another person’s vehicle, home, bicycle, pet, and mailbox, or public property such as a telephone pole. If the driver knows or should have known that the accident resulted in serious injury or death, the driver can be charged with a felony.
Hit and run violations are on the rise.
It continues to increase each year. It is important to be vigilant on the road and to know how to respond to this case if you are ever faced with one. The following is a statistical snapshot of hit and run cases over the last 5 years. According to research obtained from the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the number of cases increased by 50 percent between 2012 and 2016.
Total crash fatalities resulting from these cases
2012: 10,385 213,605 15
2013: 11,198 220,271 23
2014: 11,626 226,552 20
2015: 13,612 251,638 24
2016: 15,353 267,494 23
The importance of a hit and run attorney.
Whether you are the responsible driver in a case or the victim, it is in your best interest to hire an attorney to represent you as soon as possible.
If you are the charged driver, it is important that you understand your rights and what the North Carolina duty to stop laws entail. It employs a structured sentencing system, and depending on your case, a hit and run conviction could result in a hefty fine, jail time, or both.
An experienced attorney will help you understand the charges that have been brought against you, as well as the penalties that may result from a conviction. His attorney will work with the other parties involved, including insurance companies and the District Attorney’s Office to help you navigate your case, resolve disputes, and provide a strong defense against any criminal charges.
Do not fight your hit and run case alone.
An experienced Sanford personal injury lawyer will work on your behalf, whether you are a victim or the party accused of committing the crime. Whether it’s identifying the driver or navigating the complex world of filing documents to support your case, your attorney can help you recover damages or defend you to give you peace of mind.