You experience a hit-and-run accident when a driver involved in a car crash neglects their legal responsibilities and flees the scene, as outlined in South Carolina Code. These responsibilities include staying at the scene to exchange information, offering assistance if necessary, informing property owners of damage, and contacting the police when required. Failure to fulfill these duties may lead to misdemeanor or felony charges. If the negligent driver is located, they may be held responsible for damages.

Hart Law is a law firm near Greenville, South Carolina, with experience in personal injury law and handling auto accidents. Our firm assists those who have suffered injuries in hit-and-run accidents in Greenville and its surrounding regions, recognizing the frustration associated with the lack of accountability when the responsible driver remains unknown. Our personal injury attorney has successfully represented clients in a wide range of personal injury cases, including those resulting from hit-and-run accidents.

Navigating Hit-And-Run Accident Challenges in Greenville, SC

Following a hit-and-run accident, immediate attention to personal safety is crucial. Stay composed, assess injuries, and if safe, relocate the vehicle to prevent further risks. Collect information about the vehicle, noting make, model, color, and the driver’s description. Gather evidence by documenting the scene through photos, recording witness details, obtaining police reports, and preserving all relevant evidence. Dial emergency services, report the incident, and seek prompt medical treatment, even for latent injuries, making sure to keep records of your medical treatment for your case. Inform your insurance company promptly, providing comprehensive information. In Greenville, report the incident to law enforcement without delay, filing a police report to reinforce insurance claims and potential legal actions. Seeking advice from experienced personal injury and car accident lawyers, like Hart Law, is advisable for guidance and legal support. Give us a call today at (803) 771-7701 to schedule your free consultation.

Hit-and-Run Driver Can’t Be Found, Now What?

Identifying hit-and-run drivers often involves eyewitness accounts or video evidence, allowing negotiations similar to other car accidents. We strive for fair compensation and may pursue punitive damages if the driver is found. Unfortunately, many hit-and-run drivers remain unknown, as police prioritize severe cases. In such situations, we employ investigators to locate the driver. When unsuccessful, negotiations with our client’s insurance follow to secure compensation. These negotiations may involve dealing with insurance adjusters from your insurance provider or the responsible party’s insurance company, depending on the circumstances. Regardless of the outcome, collaborating with experienced legal representation is essential for navigating the unique aspects of hit-and-run claims, helping you pursue compensation, negotiate with insurers, and recover compensation for your losses.

Gathering Evidence at the Accident Scene

When you’re involved in a car accident—especially a hit and run accident—gathering evidence at the accident scene is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights and strengthen your personal injury claim. The evidence you collect can make all the difference in proving fault, dealing with the insurance company, and ultimately recovering compensation for your injuries and losses.

Hit-And-Run Accident FAQs by Greenville Clients

Q. Why is reporting the hit-and-run incident to law enforcement important?

Reporting a hit-and-run accident to law enforcement is a crucial first step for several reasons, and in Greenville, it is required under South Carolina law. The police report serves as an official, unbiased record of the incident, which is invaluable for your insurance claim and any potential legal actions. When you file the report, you should provide all the information you were able to gather at the scene, such as the make and model of the other vehicle, a partial license plate number, or a description of the driver. This information can be critical in helping authorities locate the at-fault driver. Without an official police report, it can be extremely difficult to prove the accident occurred and to move forward with a claim. A car accident lawyer near Greenville will use this report as foundational evidence to build your case and protect your rights.

Q. How does an attorney negotiate with insurance companies in a hit-and-run case?

Negotiating with insurance companies in a hit-and-run case can be particularly challenging, which is why having an experienced attorney is so important. In these situations, your lawyer will likely be dealing with your own insurance company’s uninsured motorist (UM) policy. A skilled car accident lawyer near Greenville will handle all communication with the insurance adjusters directly, shielding you from their tactics. They will present a compelling case by gathering and organizing all available evidence, including the police report, witness statements, surveillance footage, and your medical records. The attorney’s role is to advocate for your rights, challenge any lowball offers, and demonstrate the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Their expertise ensures that you are not taken advantage of and that you secure the fair settlement you deserve.

Q. Can I file a lawsuit against the hit-and-run driver if they are found?

Yes, if the hit-and-run driver is found and identified, you can absolutely pursue legal action against them to recover damages, especially if negotiations with their insurance company are unsuccessful. This course of action becomes a critical next step when a fair settlement cannot be reached through other means. In such a case, you may file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This allows you to seek comprehensive compensation for all of your losses, which can include medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. A lawsuit also provides the opportunity to seek punitive damages if the driver’s conduct was particularly egregious. Your attorney will guide you through the litigation process, from filing the complaint to representing you in court, to ensure you receive the appropriate compensation for all of your losses.

Call Our Greenville Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyer Today​

If you’ve sustained injuries or significant property damage in a hit-and-run incident in Greenville, turn to Hart Law for assistance by dialing (803) 771-7701. Hart Law handles a wide range of car accident cases, including car wrecks, truck accidents, and common car accident injuries such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Our skilled car accident attorney can help you recover compensation for injuries sustained, including medical expenses, medical bills, lost wages, lost income, non economic damages, emotional distress, and bodily injury. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay unless we recover compensation for you.

Our personal injury lawyer and team can help you seek compensation and pursue compensation for your personal injury case or injury claims, even when dealing with the at-fault driver, someone else’s negligence, or complex issues like the modified comparative negligence rule under South Carolina law. Hart Law has extensive experience with auto accidents and South Carolina car accidents, and can provide legal support for your personal injury claims and car accident cases in Greenville car accident situations. We’ll handle the negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf, fighting relentlessly for the compensation you deserve—whether from the at-fault driver’s insurance or your own.