What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in South Carolina
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without rendering aid or exchanging information with other drivers. With more than 700,000 hit-and-run accidents annually, there is a significant chance that many of us will fall victim to a hit-and-run during our lifetime.
Whether due to panic, prior criminal offenses, or fear of legal consequences, there are many reasons a driver may leave the scene. None of these reasons matters when the other driver is saddled with medical bills and vehicle repairs. Before you are involved in a hit and run, you must know what steps you should take to protect your rights, as explained by our car accident attorneys in Charleston, SC.
Move to a Safe Location
In the confusion of being involved in a hit-and-run, you may be in a state of shock. If your accident occurred on a street or highway, you must move your vehicle to a safe location (if it can still be driven). Failing to move your vehicle to the side of the road could potentially result in a secondary collision.
Call 911
If you or one of your passengers is injured following a hit-and-run accident, your first call should be to 911. Even if no one is hurt, a 911 call will be warranted in any hit-and-run accident. By reporting the hit-and-run to the police, an official accident report will be prepared. By contacting the police, an investigation will be opened to identify and locate the fleeing driver. If a police officer does not respond to the accident scene, then you must file a report with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) within 15 days.
Under SC Code § 56-5-1210, a hit and run is a misdemeanor offense, subject to $5,000 in fines and/or up to one year in jail. However, if serious bodily injury or death resulted, then a hit and run is a felony offense. If death occurs, then the offense is subject to a $25,000 fine and/or up to 25 years in jail. The more information you can provide to the police, the better their chance of locating the offender.
Document the Scene
If possible, take photos of the accident scene. Photos may include broken taillights, bent fenders, shredded tires, and any other vehicle wreckage or debris. Be sure to take a picture of your vehicle in its final resting position. To document the location, take photos of nearby intersections, street signs, and identifying landmarks. Take as many photos as possible, including different angles, with and without flash.
Also, take pictures of any injuries that you sustained. By documenting your losses, you have a better chance of recovering the full extent of damages when you file your insurance claim. Perhaps of equal significance, any of this information can be helpful to your car accident lawyer when investigating the matter.
Get the Names of Eyewitnesses
Be sure to get the names and contact information of any witnesses who watched the accident unfold. Your attorney may ask them to provide a statement at a future date or even testify on your behalf. An eyewitness will give an impartial perspective of what happened, free of emotion.
Reach Out to a Charleston Car Accident Lawyer
Before you speak with your insurance company, you need to contact a car accident attorney. A car accident lawyer will advocate on your behalf, speaking with a claims adjuster and negotiating a fair settlement. An insurance company’s primary concern is padding its bottom line. They will do this at your expense, twisting your words to place blame on you. When experiencing the aggravation that accompanies a car accident, you want an experienced legal professional to speak on your behalf.
Charleston Car Accident Attorneys Advocating for You
A hit-and-run accident can leave you in a daze. You may not realize that the driver fled the scene until you see their car down the road, giving you no chance to take down their license plate number. If you have recently experienced a hit-and-run accident, Mark C. Tanenbaum is available to represent your interests. Contact us online or call (843) 577-5100.