Hit and Run Accidents

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Our South Carolina Car Accident Attorneys Discuss Hit and Run Crashes

In South Carolina, it is illegal to flee the scene of any car accident that causes damage or injury. However, hit and run accidents are surprisingly common, even though they are against the law. In fact, according to AAA study, South Carolina ranks ninth in the nation for deadly hit and run accidents. Between 2014 and 2016, South Carolina hit and run fatalities more than doubled. Sadly, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are most at risk for becoming victims of hit and run accidents.

A hit and run can be devastating to the injured accident victim. When a driver leaves the scene of the accident, they leave the injured accident victim unattended and without medical aid. A significant time can pass before someone alerts the authorities and emergency medical services to the crash site. In a serious hit and run accident, minutes can be the difference between life and death for an accident victim.

Photo of a Hit And Run Accident

Why South Carolina Drivers May Flee the Scene of an Accident

In South Carolina, there may be many reasons why a driver would suddenly flee the scene of an accident. Some of those reasons include, but are not limited to:
  • Fear of legal repercussions
  • Driving without a license
  • No insurance
  • Fear of breaking parole
  • Driving drunk or under the influence of drugs
  • Possession of illegal firearms, drugs, or paraphernalia
  • Possession of a stolen vehicle
  • Confusion or lapse in judgment
  • Elderly drivers who are unaware of their responsibilities
  • Underage drivers or young drivers
  • Anxiety

Who Pays After a Hit and Run Accident

After a hit and run accident, you will undoubtedly need money to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and car repairs. Typically, the “at fault” driver’s insurance company would be responsible for paying these damages. However, if the hit and run driver is never found, you may have to turn to your own insurance policy for coverage. Your South Carolina hit and run accident attorney can help you file a claim with your own insurance company, if you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage on your policy.

In South Carolina, all motorists are required to purchase UM insurance coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you in the event you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver, or someone who simply doesn’t have enough insurance coverage for their vehicle. After a hit and run accident, your attorney can file a claim with your insurance company to cover your medical expenses and car repairs and your policy will pay the damages up to your policy limits.

Experience Matters after a Hit and Run Accident

Being involved in a hit and run accident can be frightening. Injured accident victims may be left feeling alone and confused about who will pay their medical expenses. While the police will be focused on catching the hit and run driver, injured accident victims need a legal advocate on their side to help them during this difficult time.

At the Law Offices of Wilkerson, Jones & Wilkerson, our lawyers have extensive experience representing injured hit and run accident victims and helping them collect compensation, even if the hit and run driver is never found. If the hit and run driver is located, we can help our clients file a personal injury lawsuit to collect damages. We know how to handle the insurance companies and we work quickly to obtain maximum compensation for our clients.

Contact Our South Carolina Hit and Run Lawyers Today

If you’ve been injured in a hit and run accident in Lancaster, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, or anywhere in South Carolina, you need an experienced law firm on your side immediately. Hit and run accidents are complex and accident victims may not know how to obtain compensation for their injuries if the “at fault” driver is never found.

At the Law Offices of Wilkerson, Jones & Wilkerson, we can help you after a devastating hit and run injury accident. Call the Law Offices of F. Craig Wilkerson, Jr. today at (803) 324-7200 (Rock Hill), (803) 289-7202 (Lancaster), (803) 396-5200 (Fort Mill), (864)466-5170 (Union) or fill out our confidential contact form. With offices conveniently located in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Union, and Lancaster, we are here when you need us. Call us today for a free case evaluation.