Greensboro Hit & Run DWI Lawyer

Greensboro Hit & Run DWI Attorney

Leaving the scene of an accident is referred to as a hit & run. When a driver who causes or is involved in an accident chooses to leave the scene, it is often because they don’t have a driver’s license or they are driving impaired. If you have been involved in a hit & run DWI accident, hire a local Greensboro hit & run DWI lawyer from LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, to represent you.

When a person leaves the scene of an accident without calling the police or checking for injuries, they are breaking the law and can face criminal charges. Leaving the scene to avoid a DWI charge can result in significant fines and jail time, depending on the severity of the accident.

What Is a Hit & Run DWI in North Carolina?

A DWI in North Carolina is a crime of operating a vehicle while being impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. The legal BAC (blood alcohol content) limit for adults 21 years and over is 0.08. For commercial vehicle drivers, the BAC is 0.04; for drivers under 21, it is 0.00.

North Carolina takes a zero-tolerance approach to prosecuting DWIs. If you are convicted of a DWI, you face significant fines and penalties, including license revocation and jail time. The exact fines and penalties depend on the details of the case. Penalties can also include community service and mandatory substance abuse classes.

A hit & run DWI occurs when you have caused an accident and illegally left the scene. When you leave the scene of an accident, the incident becomes a hit-and-run. Driving impaired can cause drivers to become confused or believe they weren’t involved or didn’t need to stop.

A 2018 to 2022 study found that North Carolina has the 4^th highest hit & run rate in the U.S., at 5.34 crashes per 100,000 drivers. In North Carolina, leaving the scene of an accident can be charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor or a Class H or F Felony, depending on the severity of the accident and any injuries or fatalities.

If you are driving impaired, then you are not 100% in command of your faculties. You are breaking the law, and you can face criminal charges. Hit & run DWI accidents can also involve hitting a pedestrian, bicyclist, or parked cars. If you have driven impaired and possibly caused an accident, hire a hit & run DWI lawyer from LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC.

Understanding the Effects of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

As alcohol or drug consumption rises, it negatively affects a person’s central nervous system, including the brain and nerves. Alcohol passes through the bloodstream and is metabolized by the liver. When BAC is tested, it measures how much alcohol is in the bloodstream. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your driving ability. In 2023, 2,117 people were killed in DWI accidents where the BAC was .01 to .07 g/dL.

At a BAC of .02, people suffer a loss of judgment and an altered mood, including a decline in visual function and an inability to perform two tasks at the same time. At .05, you experience impaired judgement with euphoria and lowered alertness, including a reduced ability to track moving objects – like a bicycle, pedestrian, or other cars. At .08, you lose muscle coordination, blurred vision, slow reaction times, and a lack of self-control.

Why Hire a Hit & Run DWI Lawyer?

If you have caused an accident while driving impaired and left the scene, you need to contact a trusted Greensboro hit & run DWI attorney from LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC.

When you hire our firm, you can take advantage of our experience with North Carolina hit & run DWI laws. We can handle discussions with law enforcement and the prosecution. The experienced attorneys at LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, can represent your hit & run DWI case and provide legal guidance. Our firm can support you from start to finish while respecting your rights and pursuing a fair and just outcome.

FAQs

Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Hit & Run Case in Greensboro?

Yes, you should hire a lawyer for a hit & run case in Greensboro, North Carolina. As a felony offense, you could face years in prison and strict fines. You could also be subject to civil claims from the victim and/or their family. When you hire a hit & run DWI attorney, they can investigate your incident and build a defense for you.

What Evidence Is Needed for a Hit & Run Case in North Carolina?

Evidence needed for a hit & run case in North Carolina includes police reports, photos of vehicle damage, and images of the accident scene. Additionally, you’ll need witness information and statements, physical evidence from the scene, and surveillance footage from local businesses or residences. Consider hiring an attorney to build a strong case, negotiate with the prosecution, and defend you in court if needed.

Do the Police Investigate Hit & Run Cases in North Carolina?

Yes, law enforcement agencies do investigate hit-and-run accidents in North Carolina. In North Carolina, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor or a Class H or Class F felony when there are serious injuries or fatalities. If you are involved in an accident with a hit-and-run driver, immediately report the accident to the police and emergency responders. If you are injured, seek medical attention.

What Percent of Hit & Run Accidents Are Solved in the U.S?

The percentage of hit & run accidents that are solved nationwide is approximately 10%. The number is low due to variability in state-reported statistics that include hit & run cases. Hit & run cases are difficult to solve because they often happen overnight, lack witnesses, and leave little or no clues at the scene. The severity of an accident increases the chances of it being fully investigated and solved.

Consult LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC

When you need a legal team you can trust, consider hiring an experienced Greensboro hit & run DWI attorney from LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC. When you hire us, you can receive devoted personal attention as we manage your hit & run DWI case. Contact us to learn more today.