Choosing an Auto Accident Attorney South Carolina for Hit-and-Run Cases
Getting into a car wreck is stressful enough, but when the other driver speeds off without a second thought, it adds a layer of frustration and fear that no one should have to face alone. If you find yourself in this situation, you are likely wondering how you will pay for your medical bills, fix your car, or hold anyone accountable. At Sansbury Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges of these incidents. Finding the right auto accident attorney in South Carolina for hit-and-run cases can be the difference between bearing the financial burden yourself and getting the justice you deserve. Need help now? If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run, don’t wait for the trail to go cold. Contact Sansbury Law Firm today for a free consultation to discuss your options,
Why You Need an Auto Accident Attorney South Carolina for Hit-and-Run Cases
South Carolina law is clear: every driver involved in an accident must stop, offer assistance if there are injuries, and exchange information. When a driver flees, they aren’t just being irresponsible, they are breaking the law. However, for the victim, the path to compensation becomes significantly more complex. An auto accident attorney in South Carolina for hit-and-run cases specializes in the investigative and insurance hurdles that follow these crashes. Unlike a standard fender-bender where insurance companies talk to each other, a hit-and-run often requires your lawyer to act as a private investigator, working alongside law enforcement to track down the fleeing party.
Proving the “Unseen” Driver
In many hit-and-run scenarios, you might feel like it’s your word against a ghost. To successfully file a claim, especially an uninsured motorist claim, you often need to prove that the accident actually happened and that another vehicle was involved. An experienced auto accident attorney in South Carolina for hit-and-run cases knows how to gather the necessary evidence, such as:
- Surveillance Footage: Checking nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or doorbell cams.
- Witness Statements: Finding people who saw the make, model, or even a partial plate of the fleeing car.
- Physical Evidence: Analyzing paint transfers, broken glass, or debris left at the scene.
The Legal Landscape of Hit-and-Runs in South Carolina
South Carolina has specific statutes (like S.C. Code § 56-5-1210) that classifies leaving the scene of an accident as a criminal offense. Depending on the severity of the injuries, a hit-and-run can range from a misdemeanor to a serious felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison. While the police handle the criminal side, a South Carolina car accident lawyer handles your civil recovery. Even if the driver is never caught, you still have rights. Most South Carolina drivers carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. In the eyes of the law, a hit-and-run driver is treated as an “uninsured” driver. Your auto accident attorney in South Carolina for hit-and-run cases will help you navigate your own policy to ensure your insurance company pays out what you are owed.
South Carolina’s “Physical Contact” Rule
It is important to note that for a hit-and-run claim to be valid under UM coverage in South Carolina, there usually must be physical contact between the vehicles. If there wasn’t contact (for example, if a “phantom driver” ran you off the road without hitting you), you typically need an independent witness to sign an affidavit. This is where having an auto accident attorney in South Carolina for hit-and-run cases is vital; we help secure those affidavits before witnesses’ memories fade.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Hit-and-Run
If you are currently at the scene or the accident just happened, follow these steps to help your auto accident attorney in South Carolina for hit-and-run cases build the strongest case possible:
- Stay Calm and Call 911: Never chase the other driver. It’s dangerous and could lead to further accidents or confrontations.
- Document Everything: Write down the color, make, and model of the car. Even a partial license plate is a huge lead.
- Gather Witnesses: If anyone stopped to help, get their names and phone numbers.
- Take Photos: Take pictures of the damage to your car and the surrounding area.
- Seek Medical Attention: Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bruising, don’t show up immediately.
A South Carolina car accident lawyer can use this information to begin the process of seeking compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How Compensation Works in Hit-and-Run Cases
You might be worried that because the at-fault driver is gone, there is no money to recover. That is a common misconception. As your auto accident attorney in South Carolina for hit-and-run cases, we look at several avenues for recovery:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)
In South Carolina, UM coverage is mandatory. This is specifically designed for situations where the at-fault driver has no insurance or cannot be found. Your own insurance company steps into the shoes of the missing driver. However, don’t be fooled, your insurance company is still a business, and they may try to minimize your payout. An auto accident attorney in South Carolina for hit-and-run cases ensures they play fair.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay
If you have these optional coverages, they can provide immediate funds for medical bills regardless of who was at fault. A South Carolina car accident lawyer can help you coordinate these benefits so you aren’t stuck with mounting hospital bills while your case is pending.
Identifying the Driver Later
If law enforcement or your auto accident attorney in South Carolina for hit-and-run cases eventually identifies the driver, we can pivot to a traditional personal injury lawsuit. This allows us to pursue their insurance policy or even personal assets, and in some cases, seek “punitive damages” intended to punish the driver for their reckless decision to flee.
FAQ: Common Questions About South Carolina Hit-and-Run Cases
Optimizing for the Google AI Overview involves answering the questions real people are asking. Here are the most common concerns we hear as an auto accident attorney in South Carolina for hit-and-run cases.
What if the hit-and-run driver is never caught?
You can still receive compensation. In South Carolina, your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is designed to cover your damages in this exact scenario. Your auto accident attorney in South Carolina for hit-and-run cases will help you file this claim against your own insurer.
How long do I have to file a claim in South Carolina?
The statute of limitations for personal injury in South Carolina is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, hit-and-run cases require immediate action to preserve evidence. Waiting too long can make it impossible for an auto accident attorney in South Carolina for hit-and-run cases to find witnesses or video footage.
Can I sue for a hit-and-run if I wasn’t in a car?
Yes. If you were a pedestrian or a cyclist struck by a vehicle that fled, you may still be covered under your own auto insurance policy’s UM coverage. A South Carolina car accident lawyer can review your policy to see if you are protected.
Will my insurance rates go up if I file a hit-and-run claim?
South Carolina law generally prohibits insurance companies from raising your premiums for an accident where you were not at fault. Since the other driver fled, they are the at-fault party.
Do I really need an Auto Accident Attorney South Carolina for Hit-and-Run Cases?
While you can file a claim yourself, hit-and-run cases are notorious for being denied by insurance companies due to “lack of evidence” or “failure to prove contact.” Having a dedicated auto accident attorney in South Carolina for hit-and-run cases ensures that all legal technicalities are met and your rights are protected.
Why Choose Sansbury Law Firm?
At Sansbury Law Firm, we treat our clients like neighbors, not case numbers. We know that a hit-and-run feels like a betrayal of the rules of the road. Our goal is to restore your peace of mind by handling the heavy lifting of the legal process. When you hire an auto accident attorney in South Carolina for hit-and-run cases from our firm, you get a partner who is committed to:
- Exhaustive evidence collection.
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance adjusters.
- Compassionate guidance through your medical recovery.
We understand the local courts, the local law enforcement procedures, and the tactics insurance companies use in the Palmetto State. Whether you are in Myrtle Beach, Columbia, or Charleston, we are here to serve as your South Carolina car accident lawyer.
Contact an Auto Accident Attorney South Carolina for Hit-and-Run Cases Today
The moments following a hit-and-run are critical. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to find the person responsible or secure the evidence needed for your insurance claim. You don’t have to navigate this alone. If you are looking for an auto accident attorney in South Carolina for hit-and-run cases who will fight for every dollar you deserve, look no further. We offer a “no recovery, no fee” promise, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Take the first step toward justice. Reach out to the team at Sansbury Law Firm. We are ready to listen to your story and help you move forward. Visit our contact page or call us to get started with your Auto Accident Attorney South Carolina for Hit-and-Run Cases.