While drivers must stop after a car accident to provide identification and render aid, some drivers do not always follow the law. When the other driver speeds away, it can feel like you’ve been abandoned. Medical bills, car repair bills, and lost wages all pile up, while the responsible party cannot be identified or located to pay for them. That’s why working with an experienced Greenville hit and run lawyer can make all the difference in getting the help and compensation you need.
It is still possible to receive financial compensation for a hit-and-run accident injury, even when you cannot locate the driver who hit you. South Carolina law requires that auto insurance companies provide a certain amount of uninsured motorist coverage with all automobile insurance policies sold in the state.
Drivers have the option of purchasing additional uninsured motorist coverage up to the limits of their liability coverage. It is always a wise investment to purchase this extra coverage as part of your policy, as you never know what other drivers may do on the road or whether they are prudent themselves.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed after a hit-and-run accident in Greenville, then you should act swiftly to seek compensation. At David R. Price, Jr., P.A., we provide aggressive representation on behalf of hit-and-run victims to recover all of the damages that the injured party is entitled to. Contact our Greenville car accident lawyer now for a free consultation.
Common Injuries in Hit and Run Accidents in Greenville
Hit-and-run accidents can cause all kinds of injuries. Some are minor, while others can change your life. Here are some of the most common:
- Whiplash and Neck pain: The sudden impact can snap your head forward and back, leaving you sore and stiff.
- Broken Bones: Arms, legs, and ribs are often injured when your body takes the force of the crash.
- Head Injuries: A bump to the head can lead to a concussion or even a serious brain injury.
- Back and Spinal Injuries: Damage to the back or spine can be very painful and sometimes permanent.
- Cuts and Bruises: Glass, metal, and debris can leave you with cuts, scrapes, and deep wounds.
- Emotional Trauma: Many people feel shock, anxiety, or fear long after an accident.
Some injuries don’t show up right away, and getting medical care helps protect both your health and your legal claim.
Steps to Take After a Hit and Run in Greenville
The first thing to do after a hit and run is to call 911. Even if the accident seems minor, you’ll want police on the scene to file a report. That report will be an important piece of evidence later, especially if the driver is identified or if you need to file a claim through your insurance.
Next, take a moment to write down or record anything you remember about the fleeing vehicle. The color, make, model, or even part of the license plate can make a difference. If there were any witnesses nearby, ask for their contact information. Sometimes, small details can help law enforcement track down the driver.
It’s also important to take photos of the scene if you’re able. Pictures of your vehicle, any damage, skid marks, or surrounding conditions can help show what happened. This documentation may also help your lawyer or insurance company when it comes time to prove your case.
Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, go see a doctor as soon as you can. Some injuries don’t show up right away, and having medical records on file is key if you need to pursue compensation.
Finally, contact an experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer in Greenville. These cases can be complicated, especially when the other driver isn’t identified. A lawyer can guide you through your insurance options, work with investigators, and make sure you’re not taken advantage of by an insurance company.
Who Pays the Damages After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Greenville?
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident claim and do not know the identity of the other driver, then you will file your claim with your insurance company under your uninsured motorist (“UM”) coverage, instead of against the other driver. Unfortunately, the fact that you are filing the claim with your own insurance company does not mean that things will be any easier for you when it comes to obtaining the right amount of compensation for your injuries. Your insurance company will resist writing a check as much as any other insurer.
After a hit-and-run accident, you are entitled to financial compensation for the following categories of damages:
- Medical expenses (all parts of your costs, including treatment, prescription, and therapy),
- Lost wages for time missed from work,
- Pain and suffering for physical and emotional damages,
- Loss of enjoyment of life,
- Property damages, including loss of use, and
- Punitive damages.
The insurance company is required to pay your damages up to your policy limits. If you have multiple vehicles, you can often stack the uninsured motorist coverages on each of your vehicles.
Why You Need a Greenville Hit and Run Lawyer on Your Side
As your Greenville hit and run lawyers, the team at David R. Price Jr., P.A., will take the burden off your shoulders. We will:
1. Investigate the Accident
We can work with law enforcement and private investigators, check traffic camera footage, and interview witnesses to try to identify the driver who fled.
2. Handle the Insurance Company
We will manage all communications with your insurance provider, ensuring your claim is filed correctly and fighting for the maximum compensation you are entitled to under your UM policy.
3. Getting Compensation
Even if the driver is never found, you still have options. South Carolina requires uninsured motorist (“UM”) coverage, which may help cover your medical bills and damages. We will guide you through the process and fight to make sure you get what you deserve.
Contact a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in Greenville Today
If you are in a hit-and-run accident, it’s most important to remember that you are not without options, and you do not have to figure out a solution by yourself. By simply taking the step to speak with a hit and run accident attorney, you can start getting your life back on track.
While you are recovering from the initial shock, it’s crucial to understand that there is a legal clock ticking. The law places a strict time limit on your right to seek justice and compensation for your injuries and damages.
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is typically three years from the date of the accident.
While that might sound like a long time, it can pass by in a flash when you are dealing with medical treatments and recovery. The deadline set forth by the statute of limitations is absolute. If you miss it, you will likely lose your right to file a claim forever.
If you’re ready to get help, contact the attorneys at David R. Price Jr. P.A. at 864-271-2636 or visit our office right here in Greenville, SC. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain how we can help you recover compensation.
Hit-and-Run Accident Claim FAQs
+ How much money can I get in compensation for my accident injuries?
The amount of financial compensation you may receive always depends on your situation and the specific damages you’ve incurred.
+ How much will a car accident lawyer cost me?
You pay nothing at first, and nothing at all unless you win your case.
+ How long will my car accident case take to complete?
Much of the timeline for your car wreck case depends on the duration of your medical treatment. Once you are recovered and can fully value your case, you will need to build your file to support your claim. While your insurance company cannot delay your claim, it may act slowly, hoping to wear you down. An aggressive attorney will impose time limits in the claims process and file a lawsuit if the insurance company unnecessarily delays your claim.
+ What happens if the police eventually find the driver who hit me?
If the driver is identified, two things happen. First, the state can press criminal charges against them for leaving the scene of an accident.
Second, we can pursue a civil claim directly against the fleeing driver’s auto insurance policy. This often provides a more direct path to compensation and holds the responsible person accountable for their actions. Your attorney can manage this entire process.
