Hit-and-run accidents are a serious problem. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that there are nearly 750,000 hit-and-run crashes nationwide each year. This raises an important question: What happens if the driver who hit me fled the scene? The short answer is that you have the right to seek justice and compensation for your damages. Here, our Charleston auto accident attorney explains what you should do if the driver who hit you fled the scene of the crash in South Carolina.
Know the Law: Hit-and-Run in South Carolina
The law is clear: All drivers involved in a crash have a duty to stop and stay at the scene unless there is a medical emergency. Under South Carolina Code § 56-5-1210, any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage must stop immediately and remain at the scene. The failure to do so is a felony offense if a serious injury or death occurs in a crash. It is generally a misdemeanor offense if the accident is property damage only. Still, the penalties are severe. A driver who leaves the scene of a crash causing injury faces up to ten years in prison. A hit-and-run involving death can result in up to 25 years in state prison.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run in South Carolina
Were you the victim of a hit-and-run crash in Charleston or elsewhere in South Carolina? You need to take immediate action to protect your rights. Here are five important steps to take:
- Call the Police: Call 911 or local or state police as soon as possible. A prompt police response ensures that the hit-and-run is properly documented at the scene.
- Document the Accident: You should take comprehensive photographs of the damage to your vehicle, debris on the roadway, skid marks, and any identifying features of the other vehicle. Even minor details, such as color, make, or partial license plate information, could be the key to tracking down the responsible driver.
- Identify Witnesses: You should also collect the names, phone numbers, and addresses of anyone who saw the collision or the fleeing vehicle. Witness testimony can help you identify the responsible driver and could help support your uninsured motorist (UM) claim.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider: Next, you should be sure to report the hit-and-run to your insurance company as soon as possible and initiate a UM claim under your policy. Timely notice is required under S.C. Code § 38-77-150. Any delay could complicate coverage.
- Speak to an Attorney: An experienced Charleston personal injury lawyer can help preserve critical evidence, ensure that law enforcement and insurers meet their obligations, and pursue every available avenue for compensation.
Call Our Charleston Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney Today
At Query Sautter & Uricchio, LLC, our Charleston car accident attorney has the skills and experience to handle hit-and-run crash cases. If you were hit by a driver who fled the scene of a crash, we are here to help. Contact us today for your free consultation. From our Charleston office, we handle hit-and-run accident cases throughout the region in South Carolina.