Hit & Run Car Accidents

A hit and run accident is one of the most devastating experiences a driver or pedestrian can face. In an instant, another person’s reckless or panicked decision to flee the scene can leave you injured, frightened, and wondering who will pay for your medical bills or property damage. These accidents are not only traumatic—they are illegal under North Carolina law. Still, thousands of victims each year find themselves dealing with the aftermath of collisions where the at-fault driver simply disappears.

At Lanier Law Group, we know how difficult it is to move forward when the responsible party refuses to come forward. Our car accident attorneys have decades of experience helping victims of hit and run crashes recover compensation through police investigations, uninsured motorist coverage, and civil lawsuits. When the driver runs, we step into the ring for you. Our team works tirelessly to uncover the truth, locate every available source of recovery, and guide you toward justice and closure.

Why Accident Victims Choose Lanier Law Group

Our firm has earned a reputation as one of North Carolina’s most trusted advocates for hit and run accident victims. These cases demand persistence, knowledge of insurance law, and a compassionate approach to client care—all values that define our practice.

Decades of Experience Representing Victims of Hit and Run Crashes Across North Carolina

For more than 25 years, we have handled complex cases involving drivers who fled after collisions. From busy intersections in Charlotte to rural highways in eastern North Carolina, we have seen every kind of hit and run scenario. Our team knows how to gather evidence, work with law enforcement, and pursue all available legal avenues for recovery, even when the at-fault driver is never identified.

Proven Record of Recovering Compensation Even When the At-Fault Driver Is Unidentified

Many victims believe that if the driver is never found, they cannot be compensated. That is not true. Our attorneys have helped countless clients recover money for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage through their own uninsured motorist policies. We also pursue claims against bars, employers, or other parties that may have contributed to the crash, depending on the circumstances.

Compassionate, 24/7 Legal Support and No Upfront Costs for Injury Victims

We understand the emotional and financial stress that follows a hit and run. Our team is available around the clock to answer questions, coordinate medical treatment, and update you on your case. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. With offices across North Carolina and bilingual support staff, help is always close by.

Why Hit and Run Accidents Are a Serious Problem in North Carolina

Hit and run crashes are far too common on North Carolina roads, and their consequences are often tragic. According to data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, thousands of such accidents occur each year, many resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.

The Frequency of Hit and Run Collisions Across the State

From congested urban streets to rural highways, hit and run accidents occur statewide. In recent years, North Carolina has averaged more than 50,000 hit and run incidents annually. These collisions include everything from property damage cases to fatal pedestrian impacts. Despite law enforcement efforts, many offenders are never caught, leaving victims struggling to recover.

Why Drivers Flee the Scene: Fear of Arrest, Lack of Insurance, or Impairment

Drivers flee accidents for several reasons, but fear is the most common motivator. Some leave because they are uninsured, driving under the influence, or already facing criminal penalties. Others panic in the moment. Regardless of motive, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime under North Carolina law. When this happens, we use every available legal resource to hold the responsible party accountable once identified—or pursue recovery through insurance when they are not.

The Devastating Impact on Victims and Families Seeking Justice

For victims, the aftermath of a hit and run extends beyond physical injuries. There is emotional distress, frustration, and a feeling of helplessness that comes from knowing the other driver escaped responsibility. Families dealing with serious injury or wrongful death must manage medical expenses and financial hardship without the closure of knowing who caused their pain. Our attorneys provide support and clear legal guidance to help families regain control.

How Lanier Law Group Works With Law Enforcement and Insurance to Track Down Offenders

When possible, we coordinate closely with local police, investigators, and insurance adjusters to locate the fleeing driver. This may involve reviewing surveillance video, examining vehicle debris, and interviewing witnesses. We also help clients navigate the insurance claim process while the investigation continues, ensuring they receive timely assistance and medical coverage. Our priority is to move your case forward, even when the criminal investigation takes time.

Common Scenarios of Hit and Run Car Accidents in North Carolina

Hit and run crashes happen in many different ways—from high-speed highway collisions to minor parking lot incidents. Understanding these common scenarios can help victims recognize their rights and take the right steps after an accident.

Rear-End or Intersection Collisions Where the Driver Flees Immediately

One of the most common hit and run situations occurs when a vehicle strikes another from behind or during a traffic signal violation, then speeds away. These accidents often happen at intersections in congested areas where the fleeing driver hopes to disappear before anyone records their license plate. Our attorneys collect traffic camera footage, witness statements, and vehicle debris to help identify the responsible motorist.

Highway Sideswipes and High-Speed Crashes With Limited Witnesses

Highway collisions are particularly dangerous because of the speed and limited visibility. A driver changing lanes recklessly may sideswipe another vehicle, forcing it off the road before fleeing the scene. Victims often have little information beyond a vague vehicle description. In these cases, we work with reconstruction specialists and law enforcement to piece together clues that lead to the at-fault vehicle.

Parking Lot or Property Damage Collisions With Unidentified Drivers

Hit and run incidents also occur in parking lots when a driver damages another car and leaves without reporting it. Though these cases may not involve injuries, the repair costs can still be significant. Surveillance footage, witness accounts, and insurance claims play key roles in tracking down offenders and securing compensation.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Hit and Run Accidents

Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable in hit and run crashes. A fleeing driver can cause devastating injuries and leave victims without immediate help. These cases require urgent medical attention and detailed investigation. We gather video footage from nearby businesses, street cameras, and vehicle data to identify the driver whenever possible.

Drunk or Impaired Drivers Who Leave the Scene to Avoid Arrest

Many hit and run drivers flee because they are intoxicated or impaired. By leaving, they hope to avoid breath tests or DUI charges. However, law enforcement can often trace these individuals through witness descriptions, vehicle fragments, or license plate data. Our attorneys work to ensure these drivers face both criminal consequences and civil liability for the harm they cause.

Injuries Often Caused by Hit and Run Crashes

The injuries from hit and run accidents vary widely depending on the type of collision, but they are frequently severe because victims are caught off guard and unable to brace for impact. Immediate medical care is vital not only for recovery but also for building a strong legal claim.

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions

Victims who hit their heads during impact may suffer concussions or traumatic brain injuries. These can lead to long-term cognitive issues, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Prompt evaluation by a medical professional ensures proper treatment and documents the connection between the crash and the injury.

Spinal Cord Damage and Paralysis

High-speed hit and run collisions can fracture vertebrae or damage spinal nerves, leading to partial or total paralysis. These injuries require extensive rehabilitation and lifelong care. Our attorneys calculate future medical costs and fight for compensation that covers every aspect of long-term recovery.

Internal Organ Damage and Severe Lacerations

Blunt-force trauma from a crash can damage internal organs or cause internal bleeding. Lacerations from broken glass or debris are also common. Even if injuries seem minor, delayed symptoms can become life-threatening. Medical documentation of these injuries plays a critical role in securing fair compensation.

Broken Bones, Whiplash, and Orthopedic Injuries

Broken arms, legs, ribs, and whiplash injuries are common in both vehicle and pedestrian hit and run cases. Recovery can take months and may involve surgery or physical therapy. We include these medical and rehabilitation costs when calculating the total value of your claim.

Fatalities in Pedestrian and High-Speed Impact Cases

Tragically, many hit and run accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, or high-speed vehicles end in fatalities. Families left behind deserve justice and closure. We guide them through the process of filing a wrongful death claim to hold the responsible party accountable and recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.

Legal Penalties for Hit and Run Drivers in North Carolina

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime in North Carolina. State law requires drivers to stop, exchange information, and assist anyone injured. When someone flees instead, they face harsh criminal penalties, and their actions can also be used as powerful evidence in civil claims for damages.

State Laws Requiring Drivers to Remain at the Scene of an Accident

Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166, any driver involved in a crash that causes injury, death, or property damage must immediately stop at the scene. They are required to provide their name, address, vehicle registration, and driver’s license information and to render reasonable assistance to injured persons, such as calling for medical help. Failing to comply with these requirements constitutes a hit and run offense, regardless of who was at fault for the initial collision.

Criminal Penalties: Fines, License Suspension, and Jail Time

The consequences of leaving the scene vary depending on the severity of the crash. For accidents causing only property damage, a hit and run is classified as a misdemeanor punishable by fines and license suspension. However, if the crash results in injury or death, the offense escalates to a felony. Felony hit and run convictions can lead to significant fines, imprisonment, and permanent revocation of driving privileges. These penalties highlight the seriousness with which North Carolina treats such conduct.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor Charges Depending on Injury Severity

A driver who causes serious injury or fatal harm faces felony charges, while minor property damage typically results in a misdemeanor. Regardless of classification, both levels carry lasting consequences, including criminal records and increased insurance premiums. Our firm helps victims follow criminal proceedings and ensures that any convictions are used to strengthen related civil claims for compensation.

How Criminal Proceedings Intersect With Civil Claims for Compensation

Criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits are separate processes, but they often overlap. While the criminal case punishes the offender, it does not compensate victims. A civil lawsuit allows injured parties to recover for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional harm. Even if the at-fault driver is never criminally charged or found guilty, victims can still pursue compensation in civil court. We coordinate with law enforcement and use evidence from criminal investigations to support our clients’ claims.