How to Handle a Hit and Run Accident in South Carolina

It is estimated that a hit and run occurs every 43 seconds in the United States. A hit-and-run occurs any time a person involved in an accident fails to stop at the scene and exchange their information. If you have been a victim of a hit-and-run accident, there are specific measures you should take to protect your health and your right to file a claim. Our car accident attorneys in Charleston, SC, understand what steps should be taken following a hit-and-run and why hiring representation may be in your best interest.

Pull Over if Possible

Given the disbelief you are in following a hit-and-run, you may spend a few moments in your vehicle, sitting in the middle of traffic. If your car can be moved, pull over to the side of the road. If you fail to move your vehicle to a safe location, you risk having a secondary collision. If your car is unable to be driven, call for a tow truck. The sooner you can get out of the traffic, the better.

Check Yourself and Your Passengers for Injuries

Once your vehicle is in a safe location, you should check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If any of your passengers have lost consciousness, have experienced head trauma, are short of breath, or are exhibiting any life-threatening symptoms, call 911.

Call The Police

South Carolina law requires you to contact the police after a car accident under certain circumstances. These situations include if there are any injuries, deaths, more than $1,000 in property damage, if any drivers are uninsured, if you suspect anyone is under the influence, and in the event of a hit-and-run accident. The police officer dispatched to the scene records the date/time/location of the accident, the names of all drivers present, vehicle make/model information for each driver, road and weather conditions, and any information you can provide about the fleeing driver.

If any witnesses are still at the scene, the police may ask them to provide a statement. Any information that law enforcement can collect will assist in their investigation to find the unidentified driver.

Seek Medical Attention

If your injuries only consist of scratches or bruises, you may not need emergency medical services, but you should still get evaluated. It is recommended that you seek medical attention as soon as possible, but no later than three days after the accident. By seeking medical attention immediately, you preserve your right to file a claim.

Individuals who wait to seek medical care risk having the insurance company deny their claim. A claims adjuster may insinuate that the severity of your condition was caused by your delaying medical care or that your injuries are unrelated to the crash. Once you do seek medical attention, follow the doctor’s orders explicitly. If you deviate from after-care instructions, the insurance company could attempt to claim that you contributed to your injuries, offering you a reduced amount.

Contact a Charleston Car Accident Lawyer

If your injuries are minor or the damage to your vehicle is minimal, you may feel that hiring a lawyer is a waste of time and money. This is not true. In fact, accident victims who hire representation typically receive three times more than those who represent themselves. In retaining experienced representation, you have someone who can establish the facts and help prove the fleeing driver’s liability. The stronger the evidence you have to demonstrate the other driver’s fault, the more likely you are to receive greater compensation.

Speak with Our Accident Attorneys Today

A hit-and-run accident can be terrifying, making you feel uneasy about getting behind the wheel again. Anyone who is subject to a hit-and-run deserves to be compensated for their physical, emotional, and financial hardship. At Mark C. Tanenbaum, we fight adamantly to recover the most compensation possible for injured parties. To learn the true worth of your hit and run case, feel free to reach out to us online or by calling (843) 577-5100.