Unfortunately, hit-and-run crashes are a significant problem. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that there is an average of nearly 75 hit-and-runs reported per hour nationwide. For motorists in South Carolina, few things are more frustrating than being the victim of a hit-and-run, especially if you were hurt in the collision. At the West Law Firm, we help hit-and-run victims fight for justice. Within this article, our Summerville car accident attorney highlights six steps to take after a hit-and-run crash in South Carolina.
What to Do After a Hit and Run: Six Steps to Take in South Carolina
Step #1: Stop Your Vehicle and Record Anything You Can About the Vehicle/Driver
After a crash (especially a hit and run), your adrenaline will probably be extremely high. It is crucial that you take a moment to take a breath. You are right to be angry, but you need to stay calm and protect your health, safety, and legal rights. You should stop your vehicle as quickly as it is possible to do so in a safe manner. Immediately write down or record anything you remember about the other vehicle. Key details can include:
- The make
- The model
- The color
- Partial license plate digits
- The collision point (crash damage)
- Bumper stickers
Remember, details can fade quickly. For this reason, you should not wait. If you saw the driver, you should also note their gender, approximate age, and anything distinctive about him or her. Try to take photos of your damage and the scene. The more information you have, the better positioned you will be to bring a hit-and-run injury claim.
Step #2: Call the Police to Report the Hit-and-Run
In South Carolina, all significant car accidents should be reported to law enforcement. Do not let the other driver’s cowardice keep you from doing the right thing. Call 911 or, if you know the number, a state or local law enforcement agency. In South Carolina, reporting a hit-and-run is critical to create an official record. When they arrive, you should tell law enforcement officers everything you know, even if it feels incomplete. The report may be essential for your insurance claim or for tracking down the suspect. Further, the responding police officers may also help canvas the area for security cameras, witnesses, or other evidence that could be relevant to your case.
Step #3: Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Any Physical Injuries
All car accident injuries require professional medical care. Do not wait to see a doctor. Even if your injuries seem minor, get medical attention right away. Hit-and-run accidents are traumatic, and your body may be masking symptoms due to shock. Internal injuries, whiplash, or concussions can worsen if untreated. Going to the doctor also helps document your injuries. That is vital if you need to pursue a claim. Without medical records, you will not be able to recover compensation for your hit-and-run accident injuries. Of course, in South Carolina, your health comes first.
Step #4: Notify Your Own Insurance Company that You Were in a Hit-and-Run
Once you are safe and medically stable, call your insurer. In South Carolina, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may help pay for your damages. That is true even when the other driver cannot be found. Be clear: it was a hit-and-run. You were the victim of the crash. You should give the insurance company the police report number. However, be careful what you say. Insurance adjusters work for the company, not you. Do not speculate or accept any blame.
Step #5: Consult With a South Carolina Hit and Run Attorney (Investigation)
Following a hit-and-run crash, it is normal to be angry, to feel abandoned, and to want justice. You deserve answers. Unfortunately, you cannot rely solely on police officers and insurance companies to do what is right for you and your family. Seek professional legal representation. A skilled South Carolina hit and run attorney can investigate your case, gather evidence, identify the driver (if possible), and fight for your compensation. Lawyers know how to obtain traffic camera footage, subpoena phone records, and work with accident reconstruction experts. Even if the driver is never found, you may be entitled to recover under your own policy.
Step #6: Know Every Option for Seeking Compensation
Hit-and-run accident injury claims can be challenging. It is important to remember that even if the other driver flees the scene of the collision in violation of the law, you still have legal options available. It is crucial that you are able to explore every option for seeking full and fair financial compensation. To start, an effort should be made to track down the hit-and-run driver. They may not yet be identified. Do not give up on the chance to hold them accountable. Next, there may be other third parties who also bear partial responsibility for your crash. It could be a third driver, a vehicle manufacturer, or others. You have the right to bring a civil car accident claim against them. Finally, your best option in a hit-and-run accident claim may be to get an uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claim through your own policy provider. Hit-and-run crash claims generally fall under uninsured motorist policies. An attorney can help you navigate a claim.
Recovering the Maximum Hit-and-Run Accident Compensation
How much can you expect to recover in compensation? The answer varies based on a number of case-specific factors, including the severity of your injuries. Through a hit-and-run accident claim in South Carolina, you have the right to seek compensation for both your economic losses and your non-economic losses. A top-tier South Carolina hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you identify every potential party that may bear liability and take action to help you maximize your compensation. Along with other damages, you may be able to recover for:
- Property loss, such as automobile repairs
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care
- Hospital bills and other health care costs
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative care
- Loss of wages and loss of earning power
- Pain and suffering & mental distress
- Long-term disability and physical impairment
- Wrongful death of a family member
Why Count on The West Law Firm for a Hit-and-Run Claim in Moncks Corner
While all car accident claims have the potential to be extremely complicated, hit-and-run crashes take it to another level. It is normal to feel stressed, frustrated, and entirely overwhelmed after a hit-and-run wreck. Do not go it alone. A top-tier attorney can make the difference. At the West Law Firm, we provide solutions-focused advocacy to hit-and-run accident victims. Our case results tell the story of what we can do for people who are facing challenging times after an accident. Your initial consultation with our South Carolina hit-and-run attorney is free and confidential.
Contact Our Summerville Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers Today
At the West Law Firm, our Summerville car accident attorney handles hit-and-run accident cases. If you have any questions or concerns about the steps to take after a hit-and-run wreck, we are here as a legal resource. Call us now or contact us online for a free, fully private review and evaluation of your case. We handle hit-and-run accident cases in Summerville, Dorchester County, Berkeley County, Charleston County, and communities beyond.