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What to Do If You’re Injured in a Hit-and-Run on North Carolina’s Highways
May 7, 2025Being injured in a car crash is traumatic enough, but when the at-fault driver flees the scene, it adds confusion, frustration, and uncertainty to an already overwhelming situation. Hit-and-run crashes happen far too often on North Carolina’s highways, leaving injured drivers and passengers without the immediate answers or support they need.
At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, our Charlotte personal injury lawyers help victims of hit-and-run crashes hold negligent parties accountable and recover compensation through every legal avenue available. If you’ve been injured on one of North Carolina’s highways by a driver who fled the scene, here’s what you need to know.
Take Immediate Action After the Crash
The moments after a hit-and-run are critical for your safety and case.
If you’re physically able, take these steps:
- Call 911 – Immediately report the crash and request medical assistance.
- Stay at the scene – Leaving the scene could complicate your claim or raise legal issues.
- Document everything – Take photos of your injuries, vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, and the surrounding area.
- Write down what you remember – Note the make, model, color, or any part of the fleeing vehicle’s license plate.
- Look for witnesses – Bystanders may have seen or captured the vehicle on dash cams or security cameras.
The more information you can gather, the stronger your case will be, especially when trying to identify the fleeing driver or file an uninsured motorist claim.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, always seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries take hours or days to present symptoms fully. A medical record also creates necessary documentation that links your injuries directly to the crash, which is essential for your claim.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage
In hit-and-run cases, the at-fault driver may never be found. Fortunately, North Carolina requires uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as part of every standard auto insurance policy. This allows injured drivers and passengers to pursue compensation even when the at-fault party disappears.
UM coverage can help pay for:
- Medical expenses.
- Lost income.
- Pain and suffering.
- Property damage.
Filing a claim under your policy does not guarantee easy approval. Insurance companies often minimize payouts or dispute claims, so having legal representation is essential.
Don’t Delay—Preserve Your Legal Rights
North Carolina’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally three years from the crash date. However, evidence in hit-and-run cases can disappear quickly. Surveillance footage may be erased, and witnesses can become harder to locate. Taking prompt legal action is the best way to protect your rights.
Let Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt Help You After a Hit-and-Run Injury
At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, we understand how devastating a hit-and-run injury can be, especially when you’re left with unanswered questions and unexpected bills. Our experienced Charlotte personal injury lawyers are here to guide you through every step of your recovery and fight for the compensation you deserve. Let us help you hold the responsible party accountable—whether they’re found or not.
Call 704-377-3737 or contact us online today. We provide unique legal services tailored to each client’s needs and do not get paid unless you do.
Your Injury, Our Fight. How can we help you take a stand?
Because every case is different, the description of awards and issues previously managed by our law firm does not guarantee a similar outcome in current or future cases.