By: Brent Adams & Associates July 22, 2026

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in North Carolina: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Stay Safe and Call 911

Your priority is your safety. Move to a safe location if possible, and call 911 immediately to report the crash and request medical help.

Do not chase the other driver. Instead, pull your vehicle out of traffic if you can do so safely. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if you feel fine, call 911 right away.

A police report is not just a formality in a hit-and-run case. Under North Carolina law, drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury, death, or significant property damage must stop at the scene and provide required information, and in certain cases must report the crash to law enforcement. When the other driver flees, that report becomes critical documentation for your insurance claim and any future legal action.

Step 2: Document Everything at the Scene

Gather as much evidence as you can before leaving the scene: photos, witness contacts, and any details about the fleeing vehicle.

Pull out your phone and photograph the damage to your vehicle, any skid marks, debris, and the surrounding area. If you caught even a partial plate number, write it down immediately. Note the make, model, color, and direction the vehicle traveled.

Talk to anyone who witnessed the crash. Get their names and phone numbers. Bystanders often see details that you missed, and their accounts can be valuable if the driver is later identified.

Check nearby businesses and intersections for surveillance cameras. You may not be able to retrieve that footage yourself, but noting the locations lets law enforcement and your attorney pursue it quickly before recordings are overwritten.

Step 3: Seek Medical Attention Right Away

See a doctor as soon as possible after the accident, even without visible injuries. Delayed symptoms are common, and a documented medical visit protects your claim.

Adrenaline can mask pain. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal trauma often do not present obvious symptoms until hours or days later. Seeking prompt medical care creates a record that links your injuries to the crash, which matters when it comes time to file a claim.

Follow all treatment recommendations and keep records of every appointment, prescription, and related expense. These documents form the foundation of your injury claim.

Step 4: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurer about the hit-and-run promptly. Delays can complicate or jeopardize your ability to collect under your own policy.

North Carolina does not require drivers to reject uninsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in writing if they want to avoid it; rather, UM/UIM coverage is generally included in auto policies unless it is affirmatively rejected in writing. If you have UM coverage, it may apply when the at-fault driver is uninsured or cannot be identified after a hit-and-run.

Under North Carolina General Statute Section 20-279.21, UM coverage can apply to hit-and-run accidents, but coverage depends on specific policy language and legal requirements. Many UM hit-and-run claims involve a physical contact requirement, though the application of that requirement can vary based on the facts and the insurance policy. Because coverage disputes are common in these cases, it is important to review your policy and consult an attorney if questions arise. This is a critical distinction, so review your policy language carefully and speak with an attorney if you have questions about how your coverage applies.

Report the accident to your insurer promptly. Most policies require timely notification, and failing to report quickly can create complications down the road.

Step 5: Cooperate With the Police Investigation

Provide law enforcement with every detail you can recall. The sooner they have your statement, the better the chances of identifying the driver.

Follow up with the investigating officer after your initial report. Ask for a copy of the accident report and confirm the case number. If new information surfaces, such as a witness who came forward or surveillance footage you identified, share it with law enforcement right away.

North Carolina hit-and-run charges range in severity depending on the circumstances. Under N.C.G.S. Section 20-166, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a felony offense, while leaving the scene of a crash involving only property damage is typically a misdemeanor. Knowing this may motivate some drivers to come forward, and it underscores why law enforcement takes these cases seriously.

Step 6: Understand Your Legal Options

Even if the driver is never caught, you may still have legal options through your own insurance coverage or other avenues worth exploring with an attorney.

North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule makes injury claims complicated even in straightforward crashes. In a hit-and-run, the challenges multiply. Identifying coverage sources, preserving evidence, and meeting filing deadlines all require careful attention.

The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in North Carolina is generally three years from the date of the accident under N.C.G.S. Section 1-52, though certain types of claims, such as wrongful death or claims involving minors, may have different deadlines. Missing that window closes the door on your claim entirely.

An attorney familiar with North Carolina car accident claims can evaluate your coverage, help identify all potential sources of compensation, and handle communication with insurers so you can focus on recovering.

Contact Brent Adams & Associates

At Brent Adams & Associates, we have represented injured North Carolinians for decades, and we understand how disorienting a hit-and-run can be. Our team handles personal injury cases across the state and is ready to help you understand your options without pressure or obligation.

To speak with our team, call 910-249-6891 or contact us through our website. There is no cost to talk, and no obligation to move forward until you are ready.

Last updated: July 2026

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