What happens if the at-fault party leaves the scene?

Leaving the scene of an accident may lead to criminal penalties under North Carolina law, but it does not necessarily prevent an injured person from pursuing a civil claim. Law enforcement may investigate the collision, and available evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, debris patterns, and vehicle damage may help identify the responsible driver. If the driver cannot be identified, uninsured motorist coverage may provide another potential avenue for pursuing compensation, depending on the policy.