Hit and run accidents are very common in Columbia and throughout South Carolina. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, there were nearly 5,000 vehicles involved in a hit-and-run in 2021 alone. While the aftermath of any car accident can seem overwhelming, this is particularly true after a hit-and-run accident. Hit-and-run drivers are not always found after they have caused injury, and this leaves accident victims wondering how they can claim compensation for their medical expenses and other losses.
If you have been hurt by a hit-and-run lawyer, you need legal help. Our Columbia, SC hit and run accident lawyer can provide it and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Why Do Drivers Flee the Scene of Accidents?
Under SC Code § 56-5-10, all drivers in the state are required to stop at the scene of any accident.
They must provide assistance to injured individuals and exchange information with other motorists involved. The law outlines harsh penalties for drivers who do not comply with this law, but these are not enough to stop all drivers from fleeing the scene of a crash. There are many reasons drivers leave the scene, including:
- They have not purchased auto insurance.
- They are driving with a license that is suspended or has been revoked
- They are driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- They have parole violations
- They have outstanding warrants
- They are experiencing fear or anxiety and flee in a panic
Regardless of the reason a driver flees the scene of a crash, you still deserve compensation for your injuries.
Common Injuries Suffered in Hit-and-Run Accidents
Just like other types of collisions, hit-and-run accidents can cause many serious injuries. The most common of these are as follows:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head injuries
- Disfigurement
- Internal injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Whiplash
The above injuries can result in high medical bills, lost income if you cannot return to work right away, and other losses. If the hit-and-run driver was at fault for the crash, you deserve compensation for those losses. Obtaining the full compensation you need after a hit-and-run accident is not easy, though. It is critical to work with a Columbia, SC hit and run accident lawyer.
How Our Columbia, SC Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Can Help with Your Case
Many people feel as though they do not need to work with an attorney after a hit-and-run. While it is always important to obtain legal advice after any crash, it is even more important after a hit-and-run accident. These collisions will leave you feeling confused, stressed, and unsure of what to do next. A lawyer can help in many ways, including:
- Identify insurance coverage available: Under SC Code § 38-77-10, all motorists in South Carolina are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage can help you obtain compensation for your medical expenses and other losses if the hit-and-run driver cannot be located. A lawyer can review your insurance policy and determine what coverage is available.
- Investigate the accident: Victims of hit-and-run accidents often suffer serious injuries, making it very difficult for them to investigate the incident afterward. A lawyer can conduct an investigation to find important evidence that can help with your case, such as gathering footage from nearby surveillance cameras, obtaining witness statements, and more. All of these steps can strengthen your claim and help you obtain the maximum damages you need.
- Accurate value of your claim: You may understand the losses you have already incurred due to a hit-and-run accident, but you may not have a full understanding of the losses you will suffer in the future. A lawyer can analyze all the facts of your case to identify all of the losses you have suffered and accurately value your case.
- Negotiate on your behalf: The majority of car accident claims, including those involving hit-and-runs, are settled outside of court. Even when filing a claim with your own insurance company, they may treat you unfairly to avoid paying full damages. A lawyer will know how to negotiate effectively with your insurer so you obtain a full settlement.
Who is Liable for Paying Damages After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
After a typical car accident, all of the drivers involved exchange information such as their names, contact information, and insurance details. This allows injured individuals to file a claim against the at-fault party. When a driver flees the scene of an accident, however, they are not able to obtain this information, making things much more difficult for you. Fortunately, you still may be able to obtain compensation.
If the hit-and-run driver is found, you can file a claim with their insurance company for compensation. This is the route most accident victims take after a crash. If another driver was involved in the crash and is found to be partially liable, they may also be liable for paying some of your damages. In this case, you will also need to file a claim with their insurance company.
Lastly, if you cannot file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer, you will have to file a claim with your own insurer to obtain uninsured motorist coverage.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
It is not always easy to determine the next steps to take after a crash, and this is particularly true after a hit-and-run accident. There are many important things to do after these types of accidents, including:
- Note any identifying details of the driver and vehicle: The more information you have about the hit-and-run driver and the vehicle they were operating, the more likely it is that they will be found. Look at the driver and vehicle, if possible, and take note of the make, model, and color of the car. If you can even obtain a partial license plate number, that would be very helpful. Also, take note of any identifying markers, such as bumper stickers on the vehicle.
- Call the police: While the law requires you to report any accident, calling the police after a hit-and-run will ensure that the situation is investigated very quickly, which can make it easier to find the driver who fled the scene.
- Seek medical attention: Your well-being is the most important priority after an accident. It is critical that you seek medical attention so you can receive the treatment you need. Seeing a doctor will also document your injuries, so you can prove them to the insurance company.
- Consult with an attorney: Even when speaking to your own insurance company, they may use tactics to deny you the full compensation you deserve. A lawyer can prevent this from happening.
- Notify your insurer: Your own insurance company may be your only option for obtaining compensation after a hit-and-run. Additionally, your policy likely requires that you notify your insurer, or it may be cancelled.
Areas Our Columbia, SC Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Serves
Our hit and run accident lawyer helps clients throughout Columbia, including in the following ZIP codes: 29044, 29045, 29061, 29063, 29078, 29147, 29169, 29201, 29202, 29203, 29204, 29205, 29206, 29207, 29208, 29209, 29210, 29211, 29212, and 29214.
Call Our Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in Columbia, SC Today
If you have been injured by a driver who fled the scene of a crash, our Columbia, SC hit and run accident lawyer at Rikard & Protopapas can help. Call us today at 803-978-6111 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.