In South Carolina, a hit-and-run accident can be more complicated than other car accidents, especially if the at-fault driver is unknown or cannot be found. Knowing what to do after a hit-and-run can make a huge difference in how your case unfolds.
At David R. Price, Jr., P.A., we’ve helped many people in Greenville and the Upstate who have faced this situation. We understand how confusing and overwhelming it can be, and we’re here to guide you through it.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
The moments right after a hit-and-run accident can be chaotic, but what you do next is important. Here’s what to do after a hit and run to protect yourself:
Check for Injuries
If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately and request medical help. Even if injuries seem minor, adrenaline can mask serious issues. It’s always better to get checked out by a medical professional.
Move to a Safe Location
If your vehicle is drivable and it’s safe to do so, move it out of traffic. Pull over to the side of the road. This helps avoid a secondary collision and keeps you out of harm’s way.
Avoid Pursuing the Other Vehicle
Never chase the fleeing vehicle. Pursuing the other driver could escalate the situation, putting you in greater danger or causing further accidents.
Call the Police
In South Carolina, you are required to report an accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. A police report will document the scene, support your insurance claim, and may help authorities locate the at-fault driver.
Document Everything at the Scene
Take clear photos and videos and write down notes relating to the scene. This can help provide vital evidence later on. More on how to do this will be discussed in the next section.
Look for Witnesses and Security Cameras
If anyone witnessed the accident, politely ask for their contact information and what they saw. Also, check if any nearby businesses or homes have security cameras that might have captured the hit-and-run collision.
Contact a Lawyer as Soon as Possible
The sooner you speak with a personal injury attorney after a hit-and-run car wreck, the sooner they can begin investigating, preserving evidence, and dealing with insurance companies on your behalf.
Gathering Evidence at the Scene
Start by taking photos of your vehicle’s damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Write down as many details about the other person’s car as you can remember. The make and model, color, license plate (or partial plate), and the direction the vehicle was headed are all important.
Look around for anyone who might have seen what happened. Witnesses can be crucial in hit-and-run cases, and their statements may provide details you missed. If no contact was made between vehicles, you will not be able to pursue your uninsured motorist claim without an affidavit from an independent witness. Be sure to get their names and contact information in case law enforcement or your attorney needs to follow up.
Additionally, take a look around the area for any businesses, homes, or traffic lights that might have surveillance cameras.
Why You Should Always File a Police Report
Filing a police report is crucial after any car accident, especially a hit-and-run car wreck. A police report provides clear evidence that the accident occurred, which is invaluable when dealing with insurance companies. Without an official record, insurers might question or even deny your claim, leaving you to handle costs alone.
The sooner you contact law enforcement, the sooner they can begin investigating. Details from you and any witnesses, along with nearby security footage, can be used to identify and locate the driver who left the scene. If the driver is found, a police report is key to holding them accountable.
Compensation After a South Carolina Hit-and-Run?
Here are some ways you can seek compensation after a hit-and-run accident.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)
South Carolina law requires all drivers to carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. UM coverage can pay for your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the driver who caused the accident fled the scene and can’t be located.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
If you’ve added MedPay or PIP to your policy, it can help cover immediate medical expenses regardless of who was at fault. MedPay or PIP coverage isn’t required in South Carolina, but many drivers choose to carry it as a safety net.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage on your auto policy can help pay to repair or replace your vehicle after a hit-and-run. You’ll likely still be responsible for your deductible, but it can help get you back on the road much faster.
Victim Compensation and Civil Suits
If the hit-and-run driver is identified later, you may be able to pursue a civil lawsuit for additional compensation, especially if their actions were reckless or criminal. In some cases, punitive damages may be available, which are meant to punish particularly bad behavior and deter future misconduct.
How a Greenville Hit-and-Run Lawyer Can Help
After a hit-and-run accident, it’s easy to feel like the odds are stacked against you. The person responsible has vanished, the medical bills are piling up, and the insurance company might not be giving you straight answers. That’s exactly when a Greenville hit-and-run car wreck lawyer can step in and change the outcome.
At David R. Price, Jr., P.A., we’ve helped countless clients navigate the chaos that follows a hit-and-run car wreck. Our processes are proven to work and help maximize the compensation our clients receive. Here are some of the steps we may take in our representation of you in your case:
1. We Handle the Investigation
We gather surveillance footage, speak with witnesses to obtain affidavits, review accident reports, and work to uncover any evidence that may lead to identifying the driver.
2. We Deal With the Insurance Company
Insurance companies may try to deny your uninsured motorist claim or offer a lowball settlement. We step in to communicate directly with them, building a strong case and pushing for the full compensation you’re owed.
3. We Help You Understand Your Rights
We’ll explain your coverage, including how uninsured motorist protection works, and help you explore every option for getting compensated for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
4. We Fight for Maximum Compensation
Whether the at-fault driver is found or not, we’ll pursue every available legal route to recover damages on your behalf.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers
Handling a South Carolina hit-and-run car accident claim doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right legal support, you can feel confident that your rights are being protected and that someone experienced is fighting for you.
At David R. Price, Jr., P.A., we understand exactly how tough these situations can be. We’re here to guide you through every step and help make a stressful situation easier, and to help maximize your financial recovery. Contact our hit-and-run lawyers at 864-271-2636 for a free consultation.