Goose Creek Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Have you been the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Goose Creek? All car accidents can be traumatic and potentially result in serious injuries, but hit-and-run accidents are incredibly distressing, as the at-fault driver flees the scene, evading responsibility and potentially leaving you with hefty medical bills.

Law enforcement treats hit-and-run cases seriously and will strive to identify the at-fault driver to bring them to justice. Meanwhile, you may still face property damage and personal injury claims, compounded by an unsympathetic insurance company that claims they cannot assist with your costs.

Hiring an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney is wise to enhance your chances of obtaining the financial recovery needed to cover your medical expenses.

At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our hit-and-run accident lawyers have years of experience providing compassionate and dedicated legal representation to needy accident victims. Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay legal fees unless we successfully recover financial compensation for your hit-and-run case.

To discuss your claim with an Atlanta-based hit-and-run accident lawyer, please contact our offices to schedule your risk-free, complimentary case review.

Reasons to Hire Our Goose Creek Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys 

The aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be challenging, fraught with uncertainty and potential pitfalls. The best way to navigate this challenging time is to hire our experienced hit-and-run accident attorney.

Applying Knowledge of Hit-and-Run Accident Laws

The law surrounding hit-and-run accidents is complex and varies greatly depending on the jurisdiction. Our experienced hit-and-run attorney brings a nuanced understanding of the law and can adeptly apply this legal knowledge to your unique case.

We can interpret and explain the relevant laws, identify applicable legal strategies, and provide a clearer picture of your legal standing and potential outcomes.

Gathering and Preserving Evidence

Evidence plays a pivotal role in any hit-and-run accident case, as it helps establish the facts of the accident, identify the perpetrator, and prove liability. Our hit-and-run accident attorney can gather, preserve, and present evidence effectively.

We can also guide you through the timely steps to ensure no crucial evidence is lost or overlooked.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies’ primary interest is to minimize payouts, which can pose a significant challenge after a hit-and-run. These companies often employ tactics to reduce or deny your claim.

With a hit-and-run attorney by your side, you have an expert negotiator advocating for your rightful claim. Our skilled attorney can file an insurance claim, negotiate fair compensation, and counter unfair tactics.

Representing You in Court if Necessary

If your case goes to court, having a hit-and-run accident attorney represent you is a significant advantage. Our attorneys understand courtroom procedures and how to effectively present your case before a judge or jury.

We can handle all the legal formalities, argue your case, and work relentlessly to secure a favorable judgment.

Ensuring That You Don’t Run Out of Time To Pursue Legal Action

A hit-and-run accident attorney can keep track of any deadlines or statutes of limitations that apply to your case. Every jurisdiction has specific time limits for initiating legal action. If this period expires, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.

Our attorneys can take the necessary steps promptly and initiate all legal procedures within these time limits. They keep you informed about the timeline for your case and ensure that a court doesn’t bar your claim due to the passage of time.

Obtaining Fair Compensation

Perhaps most importantly, a hit-and-run accident attorney can substantially improve your chances of obtaining fair compensation. They can effectively communicate the full extent of your damages—including medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering—and advocate for a settlement or verdict that genuinely reflects your losses.

By hiring a hit-and-run accident attorney, you gain a knowledgeable and dedicated ally who will fight for your rights and help you manage the complications of your case.

Why Choose Our Goose Creek Hit-and-Run Accident Law Firm?

The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm specializes in personal injury cases, allowing us to deeply understand what our clients are going through after a hit-and-run crash. We recognize that the aftermath of such an incident can be overwhelming, with bills piling up, medical appointments filling your schedule, missed work hours or days, and lost wages.

This is why hiring our talented Goose Creek hit-and-run accident lawyer is important to help you recover the compensation you deserve. We will handle the legal work for you, enabling you to focus on getting your life back on track.

Our knowledgeable lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and the options available, assisting in building a strong case to secure the compensation you deserve.

After a hit-and-run accident, dealing with the insurance company can be challenging, as they may try to lowball you or deny your claim altogether. Our experienced attorneys know how to handle these negotiations effectively.

Hit-and-run cases can be complicated, often involving multiple parties. An attorney with experience in hit-and-run accidents can resolve these complexities to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

If the insurance company is unwilling to offer fair compensation, an experienced attorney will not hesitate to take the case to court. Our attorneys have successfully represented clients in court so that they will stand up for your rights at every turn.

The last thing you want to worry about following a hit-and-run accident is managing the legal proceedings. You may concentrate on improving since our knowledgeable attorneys will handle all legal matters related to your case.

Speaking with a Goose Creek Hit and Run accident lawyer can guarantee that you have the knowledge and assistance required to handle your case skillfully and get to an equitable outcome.

What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident in Goose Creek occurs when a motorist is involved in a collision with another vehicle (or pedestrian) and leaves the scene without stopping. All motorists in Goose Creek must stop at the scene of an accident resulting in injuries or property damage, exchange identification and insurance information, and offer assistance if possible.

Although it is unlawful to flee the scene of an accident, hit-and-run accidents are more likely to occur when the other driver:

• Does not have automobile insurance
• Has a suspended license or a prior record of traffic violations
• Is under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Regardless of the reasons for fleeing an accident scene, a hit-and-run driver who is apprehended may face criminal charges, civil legal action, and other consequences. Finding the other driver can be challenging, even though surveillance cameras and smartphones often capture many car accidents on video.

This is why it is so important to call the police immediately after a hit-and-run accident. Not only can the police begin an investigation to identify and apprehend the driver, but the police report will also be important evidence in your injury claim.

What Are the Reasons for Hit-and-Runs?

Drivers flee the scene of a crash for various reasons. Sometimes, a driver may panic and leave the crash site without fully thinking about their actions.

However, in other cases, drivers who flee the scene are those who believe they will face severe consequences if they remain and talk to the police. According to recent statistics, hit-and-run drivers are more likely to be drunk or under the influence of drugs than other drivers involved in crashes.

Common Reasons for Hit-and-Runs:

• Driving Under the Influence: Drivers who are drunk or under the influence of drugs may understand that they are already violating the law. They know that when the police arrive and discover their impairment, they may face criminal charges. To avoid a DUI charge, these drivers might flee the crash site. Additionally, impaired drivers may be less inhibited, leading them to try to evade law enforcement without considering the additional consequences of their actions.
• Existing Warrants: A driver may leave the scene if they have an existing warrant out for their arrest. Fear of being apprehended on unrelated charges can motivate them to flee.
• No Valid License or Insurance: Drivers without a valid driver’s license or car insurance may fear legal repercussions and decide to leave the scene to avoid penalties.
• Fear of Police Interaction: Some drivers may have a general fear of interactions with law enforcement, prompting them to flee the scene of an accident.

What Injuries Are Most Common for Hit and Run Victims?

Vehicle collisions can result in various injuries, and due to the unexpected nature of hit-and-run accidents, there can often be delays in receiving medical assistance, leading to severe injuries.

Our attorneys demand full compensation for expenses caused by injuries, including:

• Spinal injuries
• Broken or fractured bones
• Damage to internal organs
• Paraplegia and quadriplegia
• Head injuries
• Loss of limb or amputation
• Disfigurement
• Paralysis
• Death

To strengthen the effects of the pain and suffering endured by our clients who were victims of hit-and-run accidents, our experienced accident attorneys handle all negotiations with insurance companies and counsel for the negligent parties. The hit-and-run accident attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm understand compensation claims’ legal complexities and nuances, prioritizing our client’s best interests.

Our legal counselors can travel to your home or hospital to discuss your legal options and answer any questions you may have during the negotiation process, allowing you to focus on your recovery. If you suffered a catastrophic injury or other severe consequences following an accident, please contact our Goose Creek hit-and-run accident lawyers today.

What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Goose Creek?

Every driver involved in a crash must immediately stop or return to the accident scene and determine whether anyone requires emergency medical care. They are expected to stay at the scene and provide their name, address, registration, driver’s license number, and insurance information to others involved in the collision.

If the other driver in your accident does not stay at the scene, you should:

• Call 911. Contact law enforcement right away to report your accident. Officers will usually respond by immediately searching the area for the other driver.
• Take photos. Collect as much information as possible from the scene of the crash. Use your cell phone to take multiple pictures, including a photo of the other car, if possible, before it leaves. Photograph your vehicle and the surrounding area, including road signs, lane markings, debris, and skid or tire marks.
• Get witness information. If anybody saw your crash, get their names and phone numbers. These individuals can be valuable witnesses later on and may also provide information that helps locate the other driver.
• Get medical attention. Always seek medical attention after a motor vehicle accident. Go to a hospital even if you do not think you were hurt. A doctor can check you for injuries and start treatment. Timely documentation of your injuries will also be vital as you file a hit-and-run accident claim.
• Notify your insurance company. Report your accident to your insurance company. If the other driver is apprehended and their insurance company contacts you, do not talk with the insurer unless you have legal representation. Instead, refer the insurer to your attorney.

Can You Recover Compensation After a Goose Creek Hit-and-Run Crash?

If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, you may be concerned that the other driver will not be caught, leaving you with no way to recover damages for your injuries. However, even if the driver is not caught, options may still be available.

• Filing a claim against the other driver: If the driver is caught, they will typically face criminal charges for fleeing the scene and may also be ticketed or charged for underlying behavior that caused the crash, such as speeding, reckless driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You can file a claim with that driver’s auto insurance company. You can sue the driver if the driver fled the scene because they were uninsured. However, the driver may lack the personal wealth or resources necessary to pay any judgment.

• Filing a claim with your insurer: Under South Carolina law, auto insurance companies must offer uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. You should have this coverage unless you rejected it in writing. If the other driver in your case is not apprehended and you have UM/UIM, you can file a claim with your insurance company. You can also file a claim if the other driver is caught and you discover that the driver was uninsured or had insufficient insurance to cover your losses. UM/UIM coverage can cover—up to your policy limits—your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and permanent or partial disability in a hit-and-run accident. It can also cover any family members, someone driving your car with your permission, and passengers in your car if injured in the crash. Although you would need to pay a $250 deductible for a property damage claim, you would not have to pay a deductible for a bodily injury claim.

• Remember: All insurance companies are in business to make money, so even your insurer may look for ways to deny your claim or pay you as little as possible. This is why you need an aggressive advocate to protect your rights.
  

What Is the Difference Between Civil and Criminal Hit-and-Run Accidents?

Hit-and-run accidents are a crime in Goose Creek, so the case can end up in criminal and civil courts. If the at-fault parties are caught and brought to justice, the state may seek to press charges.

However, there are distinct differences between civil and criminal proceedings in hit-and-run cases.

Criminal Hit-and-Run Accidents:

• Misdemeanor: A hit-and-run accident where the at-fault driver collides with a parked or unattended vehicle is treated as a misdemeanor. This is punishable with fines up to $1,000 and a 90-day jail sentence.
• Gross Misdemeanor: If the vehicle that the at-fault party strikes has passengers, the hit-and-run accident is treated as a gross misdemeanor. This is punishable with fines up to $5,000 and 364 days in jail.
• Class C Felony: If the hit-and-run accident results in an injury, it is classified as a Class C felony. This is punishable with up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

Civil Hit-and-Run Accidents:

If the at-fault driver is caught, the injured person may seek to recover financial compensation through a civil lawsuit. This can involve filing a claim against the driver themselves or their insurance company.

Civil settlements can help cover the following:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damages

While the criminal court aims to punish the offender, the civil court focuses on compensating the victim for their losses. Both processes can occur simultaneously, with the criminal case establishing the fault and the civil case determining the compensation owed to the victim.

Understanding the differences between civil and criminal hit-and-run accidents helps victims know their rights and the avenues available for seeking justice and compensation.

How Do Insurance Companies Handle Hit-and-Run Accidents?

In most cases, a hit-and-run accident is treated similarly to being hit by an uninsured driver. Here are the two main ways your insurance can help cover a hit-and-run accident:

Bodily Injury Coverage:

• Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) Insurance: This type of coverage helps pay for injuries caused by an uninsured driver. Combined with your medical insurance, UMBI can help cover your medical expenses. You may be responsible for paying for your injuries if you do not have UMBI or medical insurance.

Property Damage Coverage:

• Collision Insurance: This optional coverage pays for the damage done to your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault.
• Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) Insurance: This covers the damages caused by an uninsured driver. If you do not have UMPD or collision coverage, you must pay for the damages yourself.

Collision insurance can ensure you are financially protected in a hit-and-run accident. If you lack these coverages, you may be responsible for covering the costs out of pocket.

Who Are the most likely Victims in Hit & Run Crashes?

Hit-and-run crashes often involve a driver striking a parked car. Although these crashes are more common than those that injure individuals, many hit-and-run crashes can cause severe and even fatal injuries.

The most likely victims to suffer serious injuries or death from a hit-and-run driver are pedestrians and cyclists, as they lack the protection that an enclosed vehicle provides. Drivers may often overlook these road users, making them more vulnerable to being hit while riding on the roads or crossing the street.

Why Pedestrians and Cyclists Are Vulnerable:

• Lack of Protection: Pedestrians and cyclists do not have the protective barrier of a vehicle, making them more susceptible to severe injuries or fatalities in a collision.
• Overlooked by Drivers: Drivers may not always see pedestrians and cyclists, especially in low-visibility conditions or areas with heavy traffic. This makes these road users more vulnerable to accidents.
• Minimal Damage to Vehicle: When a driver strikes a pedestrian or cyclist, the impact may cause minimal damage to the vehicle. This can make it easier for the driver to flee the crash scene since their vehicle remains drivable. Additionally, the lack of visible damage may make it harder to track the driver later.
• Ease of Escape: A severe crash involving multiple vehicles will likely damage all involved cars, making it difficult for drivers to leave the scene. In contrast, hitting a pedestrian or cyclist might not impede the vehicle’s functionality, allowing the driver to escape more easily.

Knowing the increased risk pedestrians and cyclists face can help develop better safety measures and policies to protect these vulnerable road users and prevent hit-and-run incidents.

Contact Our Goose Creek Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Today! 

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, contacting a lawyer with experience in these claims is essential. The process can be complicated and challenging if you file a claim with your insurance company or pursue a lawsuit against the driver directly.

A skilled hit-and-run accident attorney will help you understand how to proceed and will advocate for your best interests throughout the process.

The personal injury attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can provide meaningful assistance to you. Given the specific facts of your case, we help you understand your options and what steps to take.

We will aggressively pursue all available solutions so that you can get the compensation you deserve. 

Do Contact us at (864) 664-3865. Alternatively, schedule a complimentary initial consultation via email to discuss your Goose Creek hit-and-run accident case and learn how we can help you!

FAQs

1. What Can I Do If Injured?

If you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident, pursuing a free consultation with qualified hit-and-run attorneys is crucial. A case evaluation with an accident lawyer helps you understand your legal options. The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is a personal injury law firm dedicated to helping hit-and-run accident victims obtain the maximum possible compensation and justice. Our law firm is ready to assist you with your hit-and-run case, providing expertise and support throughout the legal process. Consulting with experienced attorneys ensures you are well-informed about your potential insurance claim or lawsuit, and you receive the best legal representation to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

1. How Can a Lawyer Assist Me?

An experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you recover financially from those legally responsible for causing your injuries or from those responsible for insuring against such accidents. These lawyers understand the law and are skilled in negotiating with defendants and insurance companies to resolve claims effectively. Insurance companies have experienced lawyers representing them in car crashes and other motor vehicle accidents, including hit-and-runs. Having a firm of skilled injury lawyers prepared to stand up to insurance companies ensures you receive fair compensation. A hit-and-run accident attorney will help you understand your legal options and the next steps.

1. What Kind of Damages Can Victims Get in Hit-and-Run Cases?

By having a hit-and-run accident lawyer represent you, you could receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more. Some hit-and-run cases, especially those resulting in death, can be worth millions of dollars. Even cases with less serious injuries can be settled for significant sums, depending on the circumstances. Insurance companies might initially offer less money to victims, but these offers can increase significantly as cases approach trial. Our skilled hit-and-run accident lawyers know how to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies, demanding fair treatment and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.