The steps you take after a hit-and-run in South Carolina can protect your health and legal right to compensation. But in the confusion of the moment, you may not realize the best way to help your case. Follow these steps and contact an experienced car accident attorney to learn your options after a driver flees the accident scene.
What Actions Should I Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in South Carolina?
The aftermath of a hit-and-run crash can be disorienting, especially if you suffer an injury. Here’s what to do:
Call 911 Immediately
Your safety is the top priority. Call 911 to report the accident and ask for medical assistance if you or anyone else seems hurt. Inform the dispatcher that the other driver fled the scene. The police will document the crash in an accident report, which can be critical for a legal or insurance claim later.
Seek Medical Attention
Always see a doctor, even if you show no apparent signs of injury. Some car accident injuries, like whiplash and concussions, may not present symptoms immediately. Prompt medical evaluation can identify potentially serious injuries. Your medical records will also link your injuries to the crash, which can be valuable evidence if you need to pursue compensation later on.
Document Everything You Can
Remember to jot down details about the fleeing vehicle, such as its make, model, color, or license plate numbers. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident. Their statements can support your case and may help find the hit-and-run driver.
File a Police Report
Filing a police report is crucial. In South Carolina, hit-and-run offenders can face severe penalties, and a formal report helps initiate an investigation. The police may be able to locate the driver using traffic cameras, witness statements, or other evidence.
Inform Your Insurance Company
Insurance companies often require prompt accident reporting, usually within days of the incident. Check your policy for specific deadlines. When you speak with an adjuster, give basic facts but avoid making guesses about whether you bear any fault for your injuries. Insurance companies will use your statement to assess your claim, so it’s best to keep your information brief and factual. Never agree to give a recorded statement or access to your medical records without consulting a car accident lawyer first.
Avoid Talking to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company without Legal Advice
If the driver who fled the scene is identified, their insurance company may contact you. It’s important not to speak to them without advice from an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you to minimize your compensation.
How Long Do I Have to Report a Hit-and-Run Accident in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, it’s crucial to report a hit-and-run accident as soon as possible. Under South Carolina law, the driver or owner of a vehicle involved in an accident that resulted in injury, death, or $1,000 or more of apparent property damage must report the accident within 15 days to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Immediate reporting increases the chances of finding the driver and preserves evidence.
You should also know that waiting to report an auto accident can complicate your claim. Insurance companies may view delays suspiciously, which they may use to minimize your compensation. Additionally, crucial evidence may be lost and witnesses’ memories can fade if you wait too long.
Another deadline to remember is the statute of limitations for car accident claims. South Carolina law typically allows three years from the date of the crash to file a car accident claim or lawsuit.
Can I Sue the Person Who Hit Me and Left the Scene?
If the hit-and-run driver is identified, you can pursue legal action against them. In South Carolina, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense, which can strengthen your civil case.
If you decide to sue, you may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Punitive damages (in certain cases)
But what happens if you can’t locate the driver? Even if the hit-and-run driver is not found, you may still have options for fair compensation through your own insurance policy. An experienced car accident attorney can help you pursue the best course of action for your situation.
Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Apply to Hit-and-Runs?
Yes. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage typically applies to hit-and-run accidents in South Carolina. UM coverage protects you when the at-fault driver doesn’t have auto insurance or, in the case of a hit-and-run, cannot be identified.
In South Carolina, all auto insurance policies must include uninsured motorist coverage. This insurance coverage can be crucial in hit-and-run cases. Your UM policy should cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage up to the policy limit and after a $200 deductible. You might also be able to get compensation for pain and suffering.
Specific requirements and procedures exist for making a UM claim after a hit-and-run. It’s advisable to consult an experienced car accident attorney who can help ensure you meet all requirements and work to maximize your compensation under your UM coverage.
Contact a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
Handling a hit-and-run accident alone can be daunting, especially when the other driver is unknown and navigating insurance policies gets complicated. An experienced car accident lawyer from McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC understands the challenges of recovering from a hit-and-run crash and dealing with the legal process.
Our attorneys have assisted injured people in Rock Hill and South Carolina since 1977. Past clients can attest to our high quality of legal service, including Navdeep Singh, who writes, “The advocacy this firm provided to me was beyond phenomenal.” Let us guide you through your car accident case, negotiate with the insurance companies, and pursue meaningful results that make a difference in your life.
Contact McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC today to learn how we can help you move forward after a hit-and-run in South Carolina.
