You’re cruising down a scenic South Carolina highway, windows down, music playing. Suddenly, a car blows through a red light, slams into yours, and speeds away without a second glance.
You’re left shaken, injured, and facing a mountain of uncertainty. Welcome to the terrifying reality of a hit-and-run accident.
These incidents are more common than you might think: in 2020 alone, South Carolina saw over 3,500 hit-and-run accidents. That’s a staggering number, and it represents more than just a statistic – it represents lives disrupted, injuries sustained, and financial burdens piled high.
In the aftermath of a hit-and-run, confusion and frustration are natural. You’re likely dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and the daunting task of picking up the pieces – literally and figuratively.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Here at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our experienced attorneys navigate hit-and-run claims in South Carolina.
We guide you, fight for compensation, and hold negligent drivers accountable – even if they disappear.
South Carolina Hit and Run Accident Attorney’s View on Why Hit-and-Run Accidents Are Different (and More Difficult)
Unlike a typical car accident, where you exchange insurance information, hit-and-run cases present a unique set of obstacles.
The biggest challenge? Identifying the at-fault driver.
Without that crucial piece of the puzzle, securing compensation for your injuries and property damage can feel like an uphill battle.
But here’s the good news: it’s not an impossible battle. Here’s how a South Carolina hit-and-run accident attorney from the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can make a world of difference in your case:
- Uncovering the Hidden Driver: Our skilled investigators leave no stone unturned. We’ll work tirelessly to gather evidence, analyze accident details, and explore all available avenues to track down the driver who wronged you. Witness statements, dashcam footage, and traffic camera recordings can all be crucial pieces in identifying the culprit.
- Building a Strong Case, Even Without the Obvious Culprit: Just because the driver fled the scene doesn’t mean your case is weak. We’ll meticulously analyze police reports, accident scene details, and your injuries to build a compelling case that demonstrates the other driver’s negligence.
- Maximizing Your Compensation: Hit-and-run accidents can leave you with significant medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. We’ll fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for all your damages, even if your traditional insurance options are limited.
- Dealing with Uncooperative Insurance Companies: Hit-and-run cases can be complex for insurance companies. Our experienced legal team knows how to navigate these complexities and fight for the full coverage you deserve from your own insurance company, even if they’re initially hesitant.
Why Drivers Flee After the Crash and What You Can Do
After a car accident, the scene is chaotic enough. But imagine the added layer of confusion and frustration when the driver responsible for the collision simply vanishes, leaving you stranded and unsure of what to do next.
This is the unnerving reality of a hit-and-run accident – a scenario where the person who caused the crash flees the scene, shirking their legal and moral responsibility.
Here in South Carolina, hit-and-run accidents are a disturbingly common occurrence. Understanding the reasons behind these acts and the legal implications for fleeing drivers can be empowering, especially if you’ve been unfortunate enough to experience this yourself.
Why Drivers Choose to Disappear
The motivations behind a hit-and-run accident can be complex, often driven by a mix of fear and poor judgment. Here’s a glimpse into the minds of those who choose to take flight:
- Fear of Legal Repercussions: Drunk driving, driving without a license or insurance, or having an outstanding warrant – these are just some red flags that might make a driver flee the scene. Fearing arrest and legal consequences, they make the irresponsible decision to disappear.
- A Lapse in Knowledge or Understanding: Not everyone is a legal scholar. Some drivers may simply be unaware of the legal obligations in the aftermath of an accident, mistakenly believing that leaving the scene absolves them of responsibility.
- Panic in the Face of Chaos: Accidents are stressful, and the immediate moments can be overwhelming. Some drivers, clouded by shock or panic, might make the impulsive decision to flee, not thinking clearly about the consequences.
- A Shadowy Past Catches Up: Drivers with a history of criminal activity or outstanding warrants may see a hit-and-run accident as an opportunity to further evade law enforcement, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Legal Consequences for Hit-and-Run Drivers
Leaving the scene of an accident isn’t just a sign of bad character; it’s a criminal offense with severe repercussions. Here’s what a hit-and-run driver might face:
- Criminal Charges: Fleeing the scene is a crime, and the severity of the charges depends on the circumstances. A minor fender-bender might result in a misdemeanor, while an accident with injuries or fatalities could lead to a felony conviction.
- Financial Burden: Even if they manage to evade law enforcement, the responsible driver can still be held liable for damages and injuries through civil lawsuits. The victim can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
- Escalating Penalties: If the hit-and-run accident involves injuries or worse, the legal consequences for the driver become even more significant. Lengthier prison sentences, steeper fines, and a permanently blemished driving record are all possibilities.
What You Can Do After a Hit-and-Run
While a hit-and-run accident throws a wrench into your recovery plans, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and increase your chances of getting the rightful compensation:
- Stay Calm and Call the Police: Your safety is paramount. If possible, move to a safe location and immediately call the police to report the accident. The sooner you report it, the sooner they can begin their investigation.
- Gather Evidence (If Possible): While your health is the priority, if you can safely do so, try to take pictures of the scene, any damage to your car, and any potential witnesses.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, get a doctor’s evaluation. This creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
- Contact a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer: A South Carolina hit-and-run accident lawyer from the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can be your guiding light in this challenging situation. Our team has the experience and resources to track down the at-fault driver, build a strong case, and fight for your compensation, even in the absence of the other driver.
Preparing for the Unexpected in South Carolina
Hit-and-run accidents can leave you feeling violated, confused, and unsure of where to turn. While you can’t predict when one might occur, there are proactive steps you can take to be prepared and protect yourself in the unfortunate event you’re involved in one:
South Carolina’s Rules of the Road
- Stop, Don’t Flee: South Carolina law mandates that drivers involved in any accident, including hit-and-runs, must stop their vehicles as close to the scene as possible without obstructing traffic. Fleeing the scene is not only irresponsible but also a crime with harsh consequences.
- Exchange Information (When Possible): If the accident involves property damage and you can safely do so, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. This helps document the incident and facilitates communication with their insurance company.
- Render Aid and Report: If there are injuries, you are legally obligated to offer reasonable assistance and call emergency services immediately. Report the accident to the police as soon as possible, regardless of the severity of the damage or injuries.
Understanding these key laws empowers you to make informed decisions and fulfill your legal obligations in case of a hit-and-run accident.
Fortify Your Protection with Proper Insurance
While we wish accidents never happened, insurance plays a vital role in mitigating the financial burdens they can cause:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: This optional but highly recommended coverage is your knight in shining armor when involved with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. It reimburses you for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages you sustain in such accidents.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: Imagine a scenario where the at-fault driver has insurance, but their coverage limits aren’t enough to compensate you fully. UIM coverage steps in to bridge that gap, ensuring you receive the full compensation.
Consider a Dashcam
Equipping your car with a dashcam is a proactive step towards safeguarding yourself in a hit-and-run situation. These small cameras record the road ahead, capturing valuable footage that can include:
- License Plate Numbers: A clear shot of the fleeing driver’s license plate can be a game-changer for law enforcement in identifying the culprit.
- Vehicle Description: The dashcam footage can provide vital details about the make, model, and color of the car that hit you, aiding in the investigation.
By capturing these crucial details, a dashcam becomes your silent witness on the road, potentially expediting the process of holding the negligent driver accountable and recovering damages.
Remember, being prepared doesn’t mean inviting trouble. It means empowering yourself to navigate a difficult situation with greater confidence.
A South Carolina Hit and Run Accident Law Firm Ensuring You Recover the Rightful Compensation
The trauma of a car accident is bad enough. But when the other driver disappears, leaving you injured, frustrated, and facing mounting bills, it can feel overwhelming. The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm understands.
We specialize in helping victims of hit-and-run accidents.
Damages Recoverable in a South Carolina Hit-and-Run
While a hit-and-run accident presents additional obstacles, it doesn’t mean you’re left without options. In most car accidents, the path to recovery involves holding the negligent driver accountable through a civil lawsuit.
This typically involves negotiations with their insurance company or, if necessary, taking the case to court.
What Can You Recover After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Here at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we fight tirelessly to recover a comprehensive range of damages for our clients who have been victims of hit-and-run accidents, including:
- Medical Expenses (Present and Future): This covers all medical bills associated with your injuries, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical needs arising from the accident.
- Lost Income and Benefits: If your injuries prevent you from working, we’ll fight to recover the wages you’ve lost and any benefits you’ve missed out on, such as paid time off or health insurance.
- Diminished Earning Capacity: Severe injuries can permanently impact your ability to earn a living. We’ll factor in potential future lost wages due to your reduced earning capacity.
- Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle will be included in your recoverable damages.
- Miscellaneous Related Expenses: This can encompass various costs incurred due to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments, childcare if your injuries prevent you from caring for your children, or home modifications required due to your disability.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional pain you’ve endured as a result of the accident is compensable.
- Other Intangible Damages: Depending on the severity of the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for other intangible damages, such as emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, or scarring and disfigurement.
Our goal is to recover the maximum compensation possible to make you whole again. You shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
Recovering Through Uninsured Motorist Coverage
In an ideal scenario, the police identify the hit-and-run driver, and you can pursue compensation through their insurance. However, many hit-and-run cases involve an unidentified driver.
This doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. South Carolina requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as part of their car insurance policy.
UM coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, a driver with insufficient insurance coverage, or, as in the case of a hit-and-run, a completely unidentified driver. This coverage can reimburse you for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages sustained in the accident.
South Carolina Hit-and-Run Accident FAQs
Hit-and-run accidents leave victims with a double dose of confusion: the physical and emotional trauma of the accident compounded by the frustration of an unidentified driver. South Carolina law has specific protocols in place for these situations.
We’ve compiled a unique set of FAQs to address your concerns and empower you to navigate the legal landscape after a hit-and-run in South Carolina.
I Got Into a Hit-And-Run Accident, but I Wasn’t Injured. Do I Still Need to Report It?
Absolutely. South Carolina law mandates that all accidents involving property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported to the police within 15 days.
Even if you weren’t injured, reporting the accident creates an official record and can be crucial if you need to file a claim with your insurance company.
What if I Can’t Remember Any Details About the Car That Hit Me?
This is a common challenge in hit-and-run cases. However, any details you can recall, no matter how minor they seem, can be helpful.
Scrape marks on your car, the color of a taillight, or even the direction the car fled in – all this information can be valuable for the police investigation.
Does South Carolina Require Drivers to Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)?
Unlike some states, UM coverage is not mandatory in South Carolina. However, considering the high number of hit-and-run accidents, it’s highly recommended.
UM coverage protects you financially if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, a driver with insufficient coverage, or, as in a hit-and-run scenario, an unidentified driver altogether.
What if the Hit-And-Run Driver Is Later Identified, but Their Insurance Coverage Limits Are Low? Can I Still Recover the Damages?
Yes. In such cases, you may be able to tap into your underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) if you have it on your policy.
UIM coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their coverage limits aren’t enough to compensate you fully for your losses.
I Heard There Are Time Limits for Filing a Hit-And-Run Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina. Is That True?
Yes, there is a statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in South Carolina, which is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means you have three years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if they are identified.
It’s crucial to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident to understand the specific time limits that apply to your case. Remember, the sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner they can begin working on your case and ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines.
Don’t Let the Hit-And-Run Driver Leave You on the Side of the Road: Contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm Today
Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face this challenge alone. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our team of experienced and compassionate attorneys understands the complexities of South Carolina hit-and-run laws and is dedicated to fighting for your rights.
Ali Awad, also known as the CEO Lawyer, is the founder and managing attorney. Ali has over one million followers on social media who come to him for personal injury advice of all types.
The CEO Lawyer’s team of experienced attorneys has handled cases just like yours and boasts a success rate of over 99.5%.Let us turn your hit-and-run nightmare into a story of resilience and recovery. Call us at (864) 664-3865 or visit our website to schedule your consultation today.
