Car Accident Lawyer in Durham

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Durham, navigating the legal process can be overwhelming. At Ward and Smith, our experienced car accident lawyer is dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you deserve. With years of experience handling car accident cases, we understand the impact these incidents can have on your life. Contact us today at (919) 827-8475 for a free consultation and let us guide you through the steps to secure the best outcome for your case.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Being involved in any car accident can be stressful, but when the other driver flees the scene, it adds an extra layer of difficulty. A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling confused, frustrated, and unsure of your next steps. However, knowing how to respond after such an incident is crucial for protecting your safety, securing the necessary evidence, and increasing your chances of recovering compensation for your injuries and damages.

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Durham, here are the steps you should take to protect yourself and your legal rights.

Stay Calm and Assess Your Injuries

The first thing to do is check for injuries, both for yourself and others involved in the accident. If you’re able, check whether anyone else requires immediate medical attention. It’s easy to feel panicked after an accident, especially when the other driver leaves the scene, but staying calm will help you think more clearly.

Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries, may not be immediately obvious. Delaying medical care could affect both your health and your case if you decide to pursue legal action later.

Call 911 and Report the Accident

No matter how minor the accident may seem, always call 911 and report the hit-and-run incident. A police officer will arrive at the scene to document the accident, gather evidence, and file a report. This report will be crucial in any insurance claim or legal action you may take afterward.

When speaking with the police, provide as much detail as you can about the accident. This includes:

The location of the crash
The make, model, and color of the vehicle that fled (if you were able to notice)
The direction in which the vehicle drove away
Any identifying details about the driver or the vehicle (such as license plate number, if you could catch it)

Even if you weren’t able to get a full view of the fleeing vehicle, any small details could be helpful. Try to note anything you remember clearly.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

While waiting for the police to arrive, take the time to gather as much evidence as possible. Use your smartphone or a camera to capture the following:

Photos of your vehicle’s damage
Any damage to surrounding property
The scene of the accident, including the road conditions and any traffic signs
Any visible injuries you have

If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information. They may be able to help corroborate your story and provide more details about the hit-and-run. Having multiple witnesses can be beneficial, especially when the other driver is unidentified.

Check for Surveillance Cameras or Nearby Traffic Cameras

If the accident occurred in an area with security cameras, such as a parking lot, convenience store, or traffic light intersection, check to see if there might be footage of the crash or the fleeing vehicle. Many businesses and intersections have cameras that record traffic. This footage can be valuable in identifying the responsible driver and supporting your case.

In some cases, the police may be able to access traffic camera footage to help with the investigation. Be sure to mention any possible surveillance footage to the authorities when they arrive.

Notify Your Insurance Company

After the police have taken the report and you’ve gathered as much evidence as possible, it’s time to contact your insurance company. Report the accident as soon as possible, and be honest about the details, even if you don’t know all of the information about the fleeing vehicle.

If you have uninsured motorist coverage, this could help cover your damages. Many states, including North Carolina, require uninsured motorist insurance, which protects you in case the at-fault driver is not insured or leaves the scene. Your insurance company will guide you through the next steps, such as filing a claim or gathering additional documentation.

Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer

Hit-and-run accidents can complicate the legal process, especially when the other driver’s identity is unknown. Consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. A skilled lawyer will help you understand your legal options, including pursuing compensation through your own insurance policy or any available uninsured motorist coverage.

Additionally, an attorney can help investigate the incident further. They may work with the police, review potential surveillance footage, and search for any clues that could lead to identifying the hit-and-run driver. A personal injury lawyer can also assist in negotiating with your insurance company to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries and damages.

Keep Track of Medical Treatment and Expenses

After the accident, it’s important to keep detailed records of all medical treatments, appointments, and related expenses. This documentation will be essential for building your case, especially if you need to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Make sure to retain copies of receipts, bills, and any communication from your medical providers.

Follow Up with the Police Investigation

Even if the driver fled the scene, it’s important to stay in touch with the police to follow up on the investigation. In some cases, hit-and-run drivers are apprehended after further investigation, such as if they left behind evidence like part of their vehicle or were captured by surveillance footage. It’s important to stay updated on any developments, as this could affect your case.

Monitor Your Health and Document Symptoms

Sometimes, the full extent of your injuries may not be clear immediately after a hit-and-run accident. Over time, you may notice new symptoms or complications. Be sure to document any changes in your health and continue seeking medical treatment as necessary. Your lawyer will use this information to help build your case and demonstrate how your injuries have affected your life.

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be a stressful and uncertain experience. However, by following the steps outlined above, you can protect your safety, gather essential evidence, and increase your chances of recovering compensation for your injuries and damages. Whether through your insurance company or legal action, Ward and Smith is here to help you navigate the complexities of a hit-and-run case.

Your Trusted Car Accident Attorney in Durham

When you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you need a legal advocate who will put your best interests first. At Ward and Smith, our car accident attorneys are committed to helping you secure fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and losses. Don’t let the stress of insurance claims and legal procedures overwhelm you—reach out to our experienced team for support. Call us today at (919) 827-8475 for a free consultation and speak with a knowledgeable car accident attorney in Durham who’s ready to fight for your rights.