Hit-and-run crashes are a serious public safety issue. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that there are three-quarters of a million hit-and-run accidents nationwide each year. Victims of hit-and-run collisions face real challenges. You may be wondering: What to do after a hit and run? The short answer is that you need to take a proactive approach to protect your legal rights and your financial interests. In this article, our Lexington car accident attorney highlights seven steps to take if you are involved in a hit-and-run crash in South Carolina.
Step #1: Call 911 and Report the Crash Immediately
All significant crashes should be reported to law enforcement. Doing so is especially important for a hit-and-run crash. South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 56-5-1210) mandates that all accidents involving injury or major property damage be reported to law enforcement. With that in mind, you should call 911 right away. A responding officer will secure the scene, provide emergency assistance, and create an official police report. The police report is a key form of evidence for your hit-and-run claim.
Step #2: Save Any Details You Can from the Scene
While you wait for the police, document everything you can remember about the fleeing vehicle. Details such as the make, model, color, partial license plate, or direction of travel can help law enforcement identify the driver. Take photographs of your car, debris, tire marks, and surrounding areas. If you have a dashcam, save the footage immediately. The more evidence you collect, the stronger your claim will be. The reality is that hit-and-run drivers in Lexington and Mauldin can sometimes be tracked down. You may have relevant evidence that can be used by law enforcement.
Step #3: Get Medical Attention as Soon as Possible
All car accident injuries should be evaluated by a doctor. Hit-and-run accident injuries are certainly not an exception to the rule. Even if your injuries seem minor, get examined by a medical professional immediately. Some conditions, such as concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding, may not appear right away. There is nothing that you should prioritize over your health and safety. Beyond that, you also need to see a doctor right away for legal reasons. Timely medical records are key to bringing a successful hit-and-run accident claim.
Step #4: Notify Your Insurance Company of the Hit-and-Run
In a hit-and-run accident case, your primary (viable) claim may eventually be brought against your own insurance company. Under South Carolina law, you may have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage that applies to hit-and-run crashes. The coverage can pay for medical expenses, property damage, and lost income when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. You need to follow all the requirements for this coverage. Among other things, you should report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible. You may be asked to provide the police report number, photographs, and medical records. Our attorney can help you with those insurance company requests.
Step #5: Consult With a South Carolina Hit-and-Run Lawyer
Hit-and-run accident injury claims can be challenging. You do not have to take on the claims process alone. Our Lexington car accident attorney can handle communications with insurers, gather evidence, and determine whether a civil claim is viable. Legal counsel is especially important when the other driver is unidentified, as UM claims are often contested. We invest time, resources, and attention into the small details of each and every case.
Step #6: Follow Up on the Police Investigation
It is a best practice to keep an eye on the police investigation. You should stay in contact with the investigating officer or department handling your case. They may find leads through traffic cameras, witness statements, or tips. Make sure to ask for a copy of the official report once it is complete. Any new information that surfaces (such as a suspect vehicle being found) can affect how your insurance claim proceeds. The more information that you have, the better.
Step #7: Know All of Your Options for Compensation
If the hit-and-run driver can be located, you can pursue a claim against them and/or their insurance company. In some limited cases, you may also have a claim against a negligent third party. Otherwise, your primary hit-and-run claim will be through your own UM/UIM coverage.
Recovering Full and Fair Compensation for a Hit-and-Run
In South Carolina, hit-and-run accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their losses, including non-economic damages. However, defendants and insurance companies fight hard to pay out less. Our South Carolina hit-and-run injury lawyers can help. We put people and families first. Along with other damages, you may be able to recover for:
- Vehicle repairs
- Ambulance costs
- Emergency room care
- Hospital bills
- Other medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning power
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Physical disability
- Wrongful death
Why Hit-and-Run Accident Victims in South Carolina Trust Smith & Jones
Dealing with the aftermath of a serious hit-and-run crash is stressful, overwhelming, and downright chaotic. It is crucial that you know how to protect your rights. At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, we have what it takes to handle even the most complex of hit-and-run accident claims. Our case results tell the story best. We hold big insurance companies accountable. With a law office in Lexington, our firm handles hit-and-run crashes in both 29071 and 29072, as well as other communities throughout the region. We know that Lexington is a great place, and we fight hard to help the people here get justice after a bad accident.
Contact Our Lexington, SC Hit-and-Run Crash Lawyers Today
At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, our Lexington hit-and-run accident lawyers are always ready to go the extra mile to protect victims and their families. If you were involved in a hit-and-run, please do not hesitate to contact us for a free, no-obligation case review. With offices in Lexington and Mauldin, we handle hit-and-run cases throughout the region, including in 29071, 29072, and 29662.