Raleigh Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Hit-and-run accidents leave victims facing physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial uncertainty while the responsible driver flees the scene without accountability. When someone crashes into you and disappears, you may feel helpless with no clear path to justice or compensation.

At Hardison & Cochran, we understand the stress these accidents cause and how to help you obtain compensation during your challenging time. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Raleigh hit-and-run lawyer from our law firm. We’ll discuss your legal options and explain how we can pursue the justice and recovery you deserve.

Understanding Hit-and-Run Laws in North Carolina

North Carolina law places clear duties on drivers involved in collisions. They must stop immediately, exchange identification and insurance details, and provide reasonable aid to anyone who is injured.

Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166, drivers who flee accident scenes face serious criminal penalties, including fines, license suspension, and potential imprisonment, depending on the severity of injuries and property damage.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Raleigh

Taking proper steps immediately after a hit-and-run accident protects your health, preserves evidence, and strengthens your ability to recover compensation. Even when the at-fault driver has disappeared, your actions in the critical hours following the collision can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case.

Assuming you called 911 already, other important steps include the following:

• Obtain a copy of the police report.
• Preserve all physical evidence.
• Document the scene with photographs and videos.
• Write down everything you remember about the fleeing vehicle.
• Collect contact information from any witnesses.
• Note the time, location, and weather conditions.
• Seek immediate medical evaluation even for seemingly minor injuries.
• Report the hit-and-run to your insurance company.
• Keep detailed records of medical treatments and expenses.
• Avoid discussing the accident on social media.
• Do not provide recorded statements.
• Contact an experienced lawyer for hit-and-run accidents in Raleigh.

Insurance Options and Compensation for Hit-and-Run Victims

North Carolina requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage (UIM), which becomes your primary avenue for compensation when a hit-and-run driver cannot be identified or located. Your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist provision steps in to cover damages up to your policy limits.

However, insurers frequently dispute claims and undervalue payouts even when you’re paying premiums specifically for this protection. A Raleigh hit-and-run accident lawyer at Hardison & Cochran can help negotiate for full policy payouts for damages, including the following:

• Medical expenses and hospitalization costs
• Future medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium for family members
• Property damage to your vehicle

The Role of Evidence in Hit-and-Run Accident Cases

Building a strong hit-and-run case requires gathering and preserving evidence that establishes what happened, identifies the fleeing driver (when possible), and demonstrates the full extent of your injuries and losses.

In addition to physical evidence and witness accounts, evidence includes the following:

• Digital Evidence – Footage from traffic and security cameras, dashcams, and witness smartphones can visually capture the accident and the fleeing vehicle. This technology often delivers the key proof needed to identify and locate hit-and-run offenders.
• Forensic Evidence – Specialists in accident reconstruction study tire marks, collision angles, and vehicle deformation to understand how the crash happened. Their technical findings demonstrate impact severity and reinforce the validity of your injury case.
• Accident Reconstruction – Professional reconstruction specialists use physics, mathematics, and engineering principles to recreate the collision sequence and determine vehicle speeds and impact angles. Their expert testimony proves the negligence of the hit-and-run driver and validates your version of events.

How Our Attorneys Can Help with Your Hit-and-Run Case

Hardison & Cochran brings extensive experience handling complex hit-and-run accident cases throughout Raleigh and North Carolina. Our hit-and-run accidents attorney team understands the unique challenges these cases present, and we know how to navigate the legal and insurance obstacles that stand between you and fair compensation.

We provide comprehensive legal services, including the following:

• Immediate Investigation – We deploy our team to the accident scene quickly to gather evidence before it disappears or deteriorates. Time-sensitive evidence collection often makes the difference between identifying the fleeing driver and losing critical leads forever.
• Law Enforcement Coordination – We work closely with police investigators pursuing the criminal case against the hit-and-run driver. Our collaboration with law enforcement increases the chances of locating the responsible party while protecting your civil claim interests.
• Insurance Claim Management – We handle all communications with your insurance company regarding your uninsured motorist claim, ensuring proper documentation and aggressive advocacy. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts even on legitimate claims, but we fight to secure every dollar you deserve.
• Evidence Preservation – Our team of Raleigh hit-and-run accident attorneys obtains and preserves all available evidence. Proper evidence preservation strengthens your claim and prevents insurance companies from disputing your account of the accident.
• Medical Documentation – We ensure your medical records fully document all injuries and treatments resulting from the hit-and-run collision. Comprehensive medical documentation establishes causation and proves the extent of damages you’ve suffered.
• Damage Calculation – We work with medical professionals, financial experts, and vocational specialists to calculate the full value of your claim, including future losses. Many victims underestimate their damages and accept inadequate offers without realizing the long-term impact of their injuries.
• Litigation Representation – When the insurance companies refuse to offer you fair compensation, we can file a lawsuit under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-279.21 and take your case to trial. Our courtroom experience and aggressive advocacy maximize your recovery even against resistant insurance providers.
• Alternative Recovery Sources – We identify all potential sources of compensation beyond your uninsured motorist coverage. Some cases involve additional liable parties whose negligence contributed to the accident, expanding your recovery options.

Contact Hardison & Cochran | Injury & Workers Comp Lawyers Today

We have more than 40 years of experience in personal injury law, securing millions of dollars for injury victims in Raleigh and throughout North Carolina. Our proven track record demonstrates our ability to achieve substantial recoveries for clients facing the most challenging circumstances, including hit-and-run accidents where identifying the responsible party seems impossible.

Our client testimonials demonstrate our commitment to pursuing justice, with Austin S. attesting:

“I was the victim of a hit and run accident. Hardison & Cochran was my first experience dealing with something like this. They did, in my opinion, an amazing job in terms of their speed and also getting me the absolute maximum settlement from my insurance provider. All of the people working at this office were extremely kind and helpful, and I appreciate the help they gave me with this!”

Don’t face insurance companies alone. Let our lawyers’ experience, knowledge, and compassion be the guiding light you need to secure full and fair compensation for your losses. Call Hardison & Cochran or reach out online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Raleigh hit-and-run accident attorney.