If you are in a car accident in Charleston, exchanging auto insurance information with the other driver is standard practice, especially if injuries are involved. However, in a hit-and-run accident, the other party flees before identification or insurance details can be obtained. Unfortunately, these accidents are quite common.
As the victim of a hit-and-run, expenses can quickly accumulate. The question is, who pays?
Hiring a hit-and-run accident legal team serving Charleston can be highly beneficial.
First, your insurance company might delay or deny payouts, but with a car crash legal team serving Charleston advocating for your rights, you are more likely to receive full and fair compensation. Second, a personal injury legal team can investigate the accident, eliminating the need to wait for police findings.
Third, you can receive immediate support. Contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with our hit-and-run accident legal team serving Charleston.
Why Choose Our Hit and Run Accident Attorney Serving Charleston?
- Knowledge – Our legal team handles hit-and-run accident cases with a thorough understanding of the challenges involved, including identifying the responsible party and pursuing compensation through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. We are skilled in navigating the legal process to help achieve the most favorable outcome possible.
- Resources and Support – We conduct thorough investigations and gather critical evidence, ensuring that no important detail is overlooked in building a strong case. Our team works diligently to provide you with comprehensive legal representation so you can pursue the justice you deserve.
- Personalized Representation – We know every hit-and-run case is different, with specific needs and concerns for each client. Our approach focuses on tailored representation that addresses your situation directly. Our team takes the time to listen to your story, understand your goals, and guide you through every step of the legal process with care and commitment.
Secure Your Rights With Our Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Serving Charleston
Hiring a hit-and-run accident legal team serving Charleston is crucial due to the complex nature of these cases. If managing a regular accident claim is challenging, handling the challenges of a hit-and-run can be even more daunting for injured victims.
Dealing with legal procedures while recovering should not be a solo endeavor.
Our legal team at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is ready to assist victims of hit-and-run accidents. Our legal team brings years of experience and is fully prepared to pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Our legal team collaborates with private detectives and other professionals to identify those responsible.
We utilize every available resource, including accident scene cameras, to gather the necessary evidence. Our primary commitment is to advocate for your rights and ensure justice is served.
What Is a Hit & Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident in South Carolina occurs when a driver leaves the scene without fulfilling legal obligations, such as providing insurance details or notifying law enforcement. These incidents can happen for many reasons, including:
- The driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- The driver is operating the vehicle without insurance
- The driver panics and flees the scene
- The vehicle is stolen
In some cases, the at-fault driver may later be identified. For example, a driver who initially left the scene might contact law enforcement after regaining composure. Identification can also occur through witness statements or video footage, such as images of the vehicle’s license plate captured by traffic or security cameras.
What Happens If the Hit-and-Run Driver Isn’t Found?
In some cases, the hit-and-run driver is eventually located and held accountable. Eyewitness accounts and video footage can provide enough information for law enforcement to identify the vehicle and driver.
When the driver is found, the case generally proceeds like other car accident claims. Our legal team serving Charleston works to negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other related losses. In certain situations, we may also seek punitive damages to address the driver’s conduct and emphasize that leaving the scene of an accident is unacceptable.
However, in many situations, the hit-and-run driver is never identified. Law enforcement often prioritizes cases involving serious injury or death, while minor accidents with property damage alone may receive less investigative attention. In the absence of strong leads, our legal team may collaborate with private investigators to attempt to locate the driver.
If the driver remains unidentified, we focus on negotiating with our client’s insurance provider to obtain coverage for expenses such as medical treatment and property repairs. Regardless of whether the driver is identified, a knowledgeable Charleston legal team can help you manage the specific challenges of a hit-and-run case and seek the compensation you’re entitled to.
Hit and Run Laws in Charleston, South Carolina
Overview of Hit and Run Regulations in South Carolina:
- Unattended Vehicle: If a driver collides with an unattended vehicle, they must make a reasonable effort to locate the owner. If the owner cannot be found, the driver is required to leave a written note with their name, address, and registration details securely on the vehicle. Failing to leave a note and leaving the scene is treated as a misdemeanor.
- Attended Vehicle: When a driver is involved in a collision with an attended vehicle, they must stop at the scene and provide their contact and insurance information to the other driver. A driver may leave the scene only to promptly report the incident to law enforcement. Leaving without doing so is considered a misdemeanor.
Accidents Involving Injury or Death:
- Injury: If someone is injured and the driver leaves the scene, it is a misdemeanor. Penalties can include 30 days to 1 year in jail and fines between $100 and $5,000.
- Severe Injury: If the victim suffers a severe injury—such as one that is potentially fatal, causes disability, or results in permanent disfigurement—and the driver flees, it is a felony. Penalties may include 30 days to 10 years in prison and fines between $5,000 and $10,000.
- Death: If the collision results in death and the driver leaves the scene, it is a felony with penalties ranging from 1 to 35 years in prison and fines between $10,000 and $25,000.
How to Identify the Culprit Behind Your Charleston Hit-and-Run Accident?
Experiencing a hit-and-run accident in Charleston can be overwhelming and distressing. Not knowing who caused the accident or why they fled the scene adds to the stress, especially when dealing with injuries that require immediate attention.
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, try to remain calm and follow these steps:
- Call 911 – Report the accident right away. Provide the dispatcher with as many details as possible, including the location, description of the vehicle, and any circumstances of the incident, so that medical personnel and law enforcement can respond promptly.
- Gather Information – Take note of the vehicle’s make, model, color, and any part of the license plate you remember. Record the date, time, and exact location of the accident, along with any other relevant details.
- Look for Witnesses – Speak with anyone who may have seen the accident and collect their contact information. Witness accounts can be valuable in helping identify the driver.
Sometimes, the at-fault driver can be identified through a license plate number, witness information, or video footage. In these cases, working with a hit-and-run accident legal team serving Charleston can help you take the necessary steps to pursue compensation. If you need assistance after a hit-and-run accident, our team is ready to guide you through the process.
Common Causes of Hit & Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents often stem from the same factors as other traffic accidents, typically involving human error, such as:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failing to follow traffic rules
However, there are certain circumstances that may lead a driver to flee the scene after a collision, including:
- Driving without a valid driver’s license
- Lacking the required auto insurance coverage
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Having outstanding warrants
- Not realizing they caused an accident
Regardless of the reason for leaving the scene, drivers who commit a hit-and-run can still be held responsible for any injuries and damages resulting from their actions.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by Hit & Run Accidents
The injuries sustained in a hit-and-run accident can vary based on the severity of the crash. Common injuries may include:
- Neck and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Broken bones and fractures
- Organ damage
- Airbag-related injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
The medical costs associated with treating these injuries can be substantial. Victims may also experience significant loss of income, as well as physical and emotional pain.
While compensation for these damages can be pursued through a personal injury claim, the process becomes more challenging in a hit-and-run case because the at-fault driver is often unidentified.
Who Is Liable for a Hit & Run Accident?
The driver responsible for a hit-and-run accident can be held liable for the damages caused. However, to hold the driver accountable, they must first be identified.
If law enforcement cannot locate the at-fault driver, you may still be able to receive compensation by filing an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurance company. Many policies treat hit-and-run accidents as incidents caused by uninsured motorists.
Additionally, property damage may be covered under your collision coverage. In either case, you will need to provide evidence that the hit-and-run driver caused the crash.
Working with a hit-and-run accident legal team serving Charleston can help you gather the necessary documentation and build a strong case for your claim.
Can You Get Compensation Even if the Other Driver Cannot Be Located?
You may still be able to recover compensation even if the other driver cannot be found. Here’s how:
If you remember the other driver’s license plate number or if a security camera captured footage of the accident, law enforcement may be able to track down and identify them. In such situations, you could file a personal injury claim in addition to any criminal charges the driver may face.
However, in many cases, the driver remains unidentified—either because the license plate wasn’t visible or the crash occurred outside the range of cameras. Even so, you may still receive compensation through your own insurance policy. South Carolina law requires uninsured motorist coverage, which can be used in hit-and-run cases to cover some or all of your losses.
Steps to Follow:
- File an Insurance Claim: Regardless of whether the driver is located, promptly notify your insurer. Seek legal guidance before providing statements to avoid jeopardizing your claim.
- Consult a Legal Team: Avoid accepting a settlement before speaking with a personal injury legal team serving Charleston. Insurance companies sometimes offer less than the true value of a claim. Your uninsured motorist policy should cover your damages up to its limits, subject to your deductible.
A hit-and-run accident legal team serving Charleston can help protect your rights and push for fair compensation, which may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Physical pain and suffering
By working with a dedicated legal team, you can maximize your chances of securing full compensation even if the at-fault driver is never found.
Get Legal Help With Our Hit and Run Accident Attorney Serving Charleston
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping you secure a settlement for your injuries following a hit-and-run accident in Charleston. When you consult with one of our hit-and-run accident legal team advocates serving Charleston, you can be as involved as you prefer.
Our primary objective is to assist you in returning to normalcy as swiftly and smoothly as possible.
We aim to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions, ensuring you are not left to navigate the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident alone. With the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm by your side, you can confidently handle any seemingly insurmountable legal challenges.
Contact our hit-and-run accident legal team serving Charleston at (864) 664-3865 or schedule your complimentary consultation. We’ll help you explore all your legal options.
FAQ:
How long do I have to file a claim after a hit-and-run accident in Charleston?
In Charleston, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a hit-and-run accident is generally three years from the accident date. However, acting promptly and consulting with our hit-and-run accident legal team serving Charleston as soon as possible is essential to preserving evidence and protecting your rights.
What types of damages can I recover after a hit-and-run accident?
You may be eligible to recover various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Our accomplished hit-and-run accident legal team serving Charleston can help you determine the full extent of your damages and work to secure fair compensation.
What should I do immediately after a hit-and-run accident in Charleston?
After a hit-and-run accident, ensure your safety, call 911 to report the accident, and seek medical attention if necessary. Try to gather as much information as possible about the fleeing vehicle, such as the make, model, color, and license plate number. Look for witnesses and obtain their contact information. Notify your insurance company and contact our hit-and-run accident legal team serving Charleston for legal guidance.
