Car crashes are never something that someone welcomes in their life and there is a myriad of aspects to them, even when they appear to be straightforward. Who is at fault, who will pay for my vehicle repairs and rental car, who will pay my medical bills, what if I miss time from work, do I need an attorney, what is going to happen to my insurance rates, and on and on. Now, throw an even bigger wrench into the mix; what do I do when the other vehicle flees the scene? Taylor | Serbin Injury Lawyers have dealt with hundreds of these situations in their 20 years of practice and combined 50+ years of experience between their attorneys. Here is a quick guide on what to do.
Do I need to call the police?
In short, YES. A police report documents not only when and where the accident happens, but the skilled officers of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are able to access close circuit TV cameras, investigate camera footage from any nearby businesses, and note the damage to your vehicle as being consistent with a hit-and-run. Many times, they are able to find fleeing vehicle so that you can present your claim to their liability insurance carrier, but if not, hope is not lost.
What kind of investigation can I do?
First and foremost, your safety is paramount. It is not advisable to turn into a vigilante and run down the fleeing driver, however if you are able to get the license plate information, that is enough for the police to find out who owns the vehicle and if there is insurance on it. In addition to speaking with the police, you can also check the surrounding area to see if there are any businesses nearby that might have footage of the incident. More often than not, people will help you out if they can. If there are any eyewitnesses, either pedestrians or passing motorists, try your best to get their information and see if they have anything that can be helpful. In today’s world of social media, camera phones, dashcams, and cameras on vehicles, it is not uncommon for someone to have photo or video evidence that can help you. Taylor | Serbin Injury Lawyers keeps skilled investigators on staff that can also uncover important information. Whether it is speaking with the police, potential witnesses, or just investigating the scene itself and reconstructing the collision, their experience often can shift a murky situation, to crystal clear.
Can I still make a claim if the vehicle is not found?
North Carolina has adopted the “phantom vehicle” doctrine which DOES allow you to still make a claim on your insurance policy for Uninsured Motorist benefits. There are some caveats to this though. First, there must have been contact between your vehicle and the phantom vehicle. If someone cuts you off and you swerve off the road and crash, but never made contact with the other vehicle, then you cannot bring a claim. This might seem counterintuitive to seemingly allow yourself to be hit, however the purpose is relatively logical which is to prevent insurance fraud. Second, you need to report the incident not only to the police, but to your insurance company as quickly as possible. This will allow the insurance adjusters time to perform their own investigation which may uncover the culprit. Retaining an experienced firm like Taylor | Serbin Injury Lawyers is crucial in these situations. Insurance companies will do everything they can to get out of coverage and having an attorney that knows their playbook and how to fight for your rights can make all the difference.
Do I have Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
In North Carolina, all motor vehicle insurance policies are required to provide Uninsured Motorist Coverage, so you do have it. However, it is important to note that you must have an active policy. If you are uninsured yourself, then there will not be any coverage available unfortunately. Insurance policies are not always the easiest to understand. The attorneys at Taylor | Serbin Injury Lawyers have dealt with many issues relating to coverages, whether if it is there or the amount, and made sure that you receive the full benefits of your policy.
My claim is accepted! Now what?
Once a hit-and-run claim has been accepted by your insurance company, the claims process itself is pretty normal to any other claim. That being said, the claims process is not an easy one if you have not been down that road before. With the skill and proficiency acquired over decades of experience, you can trust that Taylor | Serbin Injury Lawyers will fight for everything you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
