A hit and run accident is when a driver involved in a car collision disregards their legal obligations defined in the South Carolina Code and flees the accident scene. These obligations include staying at the scene to exchange information, offering assistance if needed, notifying property owners of damage, and contacting the police when necessary. Failure to fulfill these responsibilities may result in misdemeanor or felony charges.

If the negligent driver is found, they may be held liable for damages. Our firm provides legal representation to those who have suffered injuries in hit-and-run accidents in Lancaster and nearby regions, recognizing the frustration stemming from the lack of accountability when the responsible driver remains unknown. Give us a call at (803) 771-7701 to schedule a free consultation with our law firm.

Understanding Hit and Run Accidents in Lancaster, SC

Hit and run accidents occur more often than most people realize in Lancaster, SC. When a driver leaves the scene without stopping, victims face unique challenges that regular car accident cases don’t involve. The at-fault driver disappears before you can get their insurance information or contact details. This makes it harder to hold them responsible for the harm they caused.

Most car accidents involve drivers who stay at the scene and exchange information. But in a hit and run, you’re left dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and confusion about what happens next. South Carolina law treats leaving an accident scene as a serious crime. Depending on the circumstances, the driver could face misdemeanor or felony charges.

The emotional impact of a hit-and-run accident can be just as hard as the physical injuries. You might feel angry, violated, or helpless knowing someone hurt you and drove away. These feelings are normal. Our Lancaster hit and run accident lawyer team understands what you’re going through and stands ready to help you through this difficult time.

Navigating Hit-And-Run Auto Accidents in Lancaster, SC

In the immediate aftermath of a hit-and-run accident, ensuring personal safety comes first. Stay composed, assess injuries, and if it’s safe, move the vehicle to prevent additional hazards. Gather information about the vehicle, including make, model, color, and the driver’s description. Document the scene through photos, record witness information, and preserve evidence.

Call emergency services, report the incident, and seek medical attention, even for latent injuries. Notify your insurance company promptly, providing comprehensive details. In Lancaster, report the incident to law enforcement promptly, filing a police report to support insurance claims and potential legal actions. Consulting with an experienced car accident attorney, such as Hart Law, is recommended for guidance and legal support.

Common Causes of Hit and Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents happen for many reasons. Some drivers panic after causing a crash and make the terrible choice to flee. Others might be driving under the influence and fear arrest. Distracted driving causes many crashes, and the driver may not even realize they hit someone. Drivers without insurance sometimes run because they’re afraid of financial consequences.

Reckless driving and driver negligence contribute to countless hit-and-run cases each year. A driver speeding through Lancaster County might lose control and strike another vehicle or pedestrian. Instead of stopping to help, they speed away. This negligent behavior puts everyone at risk and leaves victims without immediate help.

Some hit-and-run drivers have outstanding warrants or are driving with suspended licenses. They flee to avoid police contact. Others simply lack empathy and don’t care about the harm they cause. Whatever the reason, their actions violate South Carolina law and your legal rights as a victim.

Types of Injuries from Hit and Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents can cause severe injuries that require immediate medical care. Traumatic brain injuries occur when your head strikes the steering wheel, window, or dashboard during impact. These injuries might not be immediately apparent, but they can have lasting effects on memory, concentration, and personality. Early diagnosis and treatment matter for the best possible recovery.

Spinal cord injuries are another serious concern in hit-and-run cases. Damage to your spine can result in temporary or permanent paralysis, chronic pain, and loss of sensation. Neck injuries like whiplash are common even in lower-speed collisions. The sudden jerking motion strains muscles and ligaments in your neck, causing pain that can last for months.

Physical injuries from hit-and-run accidents also include broken bones, internal bleeding, and lacerations. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation. The medical expenses add up quickly, especially if you need ongoing care. Don’t wait to seek help if you’ve been hurt in a hit-and-run.

Financial Impact of Hit and Run Crashes

The financial burden of a hit-and-run accident extends beyond immediate medical bills. You face lost wages when injuries prevent you from working. Some victims miss weeks or months of work during recovery. Others can’t return to their previous jobs at all because of permanent disabilities. These income losses create stress when you’re already dealing with medical expenses.

Future expenses matter too when calculating the true cost of a hit-and-run. You might need ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, or home modifications to accommodate disabilities. Repair estimates for your damaged vehicle can reach thousands of dollars. If your car is totaled, you need money for a replacement. All these costs add up while you’re trying to heal.

Financial recovery after a hit-and-run accident requires understanding all the compensation available to you. This includes current and future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering. An experienced car accident attorney knows how to calculate these damages accurately, so you can seek compensation that covers everything you’ve lost.

When the Hit-and-Run Driver Can’t Be Located

In some hit-and-run cases, drivers are identified through eyewitnesses or video evidence, leading to negotiations similar to typical car accidents. We aim for fair compensation and may seek punitive damages if the driver is located. However, many hit-and-run drivers remain unknown, as police prioritize severe cases. In such instances, we deploy investigators to find the driver.

When identification fails, negotiations with our client’s insurance follow to secure compensation. Whether the driver is found or not, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who knows how to handle these complex situations. Your own car insurance company may provide coverage through uninsured motorist protection. This coverage exists specifically for situations where the at-fault driver can’t be identified or doesn’t have insurance.

The Role of Insurance in Hit and Run Cases

Understanding your insurance coverage becomes critical after a hit-and-run accident. Most car accidents involve filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. But in a hit-and-run, that option may not exist. Your own uninsured motorist coverage becomes the primary source for recovering compensation. This coverage pays for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages when the responsible driver can’t be found.

Insurance companies, even your own, may try to minimize what they pay you. They might question the severity of your injuries or argue that your medical treatment wasn’t necessary. They may dispute how the hit-and-run happened or claim you share some fault. These tactics aim to reduce the amount they have to pay out.

A car accident lawyer protects your interests when dealing with insurance companies. We handle all communication with adjusters so they can’t trick you into saying something that hurts your claim. We gather evidence that proves your injuries and losses. If your insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to take legal action to protect your legal rights.

Gathering Evidence in Hit and Run Cases

Gathering evidence after a hit and run accident requires quick action. The accident scene contains clues that can help identify the driver. Look for paint chips, broken vehicle parts, or tire marks that might point to a specific make and model. Skid marks show how fast the driver was going and their path before impact.

Witness statements provide valuable information about what happened. Someone nearby might have seen the vehicle or gotten a partial license plate number. Security cameras from nearby businesses or homes could have recorded the incident. Traffic cameras sometimes capture hit-and-run accidents, too. This evidence needs to be secured quickly before it’s lost or recorded over.

Medical records document your injuries and the medical treatment you received. These records prove the extent of your harm and connect your injuries to the hit-and-run accident. Police reports provide an official account of the incident. All this evidence builds a strong personal injury claim, whether you’re pursuing compensation from the at-fault driver or your own insurance company.

Legal Options After a Hit and Run

Victims of hit-and-run accidents have several legal options for pursuing compensation. If the negligent driver is identified, you can file a personal injury claim against them or their insurance. This claim can cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. In cases involving intentional misconduct or extreme reckless driving, punitive damages may be available, too.

When the driver remains unknown, your uninsured motorist coverage provides a path to financial recovery. Filing a claim with your own insurance company follows a similar process to claiming against an at-fault party. You’ll need to prove your injuries and demonstrate their impact on your life. The legal process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Wrongful death claims may be filed when a hit-and-run accident results in a fatality. Family members can seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. Wrongful death cases require sensitivity and experience. Our law firm handles these tragic situations with the compassion and dedication your family deserves during such a difficult time.

Why You Need a Lancaster Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

A Lancaster hit-and-run accident lawyer brings specialized knowledge to your case. Hit-and-run claims differ from regular car accident cases in important ways. The investigation process is more complex. Dealing with your own insurance company instead of the at-fault driver’s insurer changes the strategy. You need an attorney who understands these differences and knows how to handle them effectively.

Car accident victims often struggle to get fair compensation without legal help. Insurance companies employ teams of lawyers and adjusters working to protect their profits. You deserve someone fighting just as hard for your interests. An experienced car accident attorney levels the playing field and ensures your voice is heard throughout the legal process.

Our legal team at Hart Law has handled countless hit and run accidents in Lancaster, South Carolina, and surrounding areas. We know local laws, court procedures, and how insurance companies operate in this region. This experience translates into better outcomes for our clients. We don’t back down when insurers try to deny valid claims or offer inadequate settlements.

The Investigation Process

Investigating a hit-and-run accident takes persistence and resources. Our law firm works with private investigators who specialize in locating hit-and-run drivers. They review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and check auto body shops for vehicles matching the description from your accident scene. Sometimes these efforts successfully identify the responsible driver.

We also examine the police report and follow up with law enforcement about their investigation. While police may have limited resources for property damage cases, they often pursue hit-and-run accidents involving serious injuries more aggressively. We stay in contact with detectives and provide any information we uncover through our independent investigation.

Gathering evidence continues throughout your case. As your treatment progresses, we collect updated medical records showing the full extent of your injuries and the extensive medical treatment you needed. We document your lost wages with employment records and pay stubs. This comprehensive approach builds the strongest possible case for recovering fair compensation.

Compensation Available in Hit and Run Claims

Compensation in hit-and-run cases covers multiple categories of losses. Medical expenses include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation. Future medical expenses matter when you’ll need ongoing medical care or additional procedures. Physical therapy, counseling, and assistive devices all count as compensable medical costs.

Lost wages account for income you missed during recovery. If severe injuries prevent you from returning to work or reduce your earning capacity, those future losses count too. Property damage compensation covers vehicle repairs or replacement. You can also pursue compensation for pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.

In cases where we locate the at-fault driver, additional damages may be available. South Carolina allows punitive damages in cases involving willful, wanton, or reckless conduct. Fleeing a serious car accident scene often qualifies. These damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. Our car accident attorney team knows how to build a case that maximizes your compensation.

Statute of Limitations for Hit and Run Claims

South Carolina law sets time limits for filing personal injury claims. Generally, you have three years from the date of the hit-and-run accident to file a lawsuit. This might seem like plenty of time, but cases take months to investigate and prepare properly. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away, and memories fade. Starting the legal process early gives your attorney the best chance to build a strong case.

Some situations affect this timeline. If the hit and run involved a government vehicle or employee, different rules and shorter deadlines may apply. Claims involving minors or cases where the negligent driver left the state can also change the timeframe. An experienced legal representative ensures you meet all applicable deadlines.

Missing the statute of limitations means losing your right to recover compensation entirely. Courts will dismiss cases filed too late, no matter how strong your evidence or how serious your injuries. Don’t risk your financial recovery by waiting too long. Contact a lawyer in Lancaster, SC, as soon as possible after your hit and run accident to protect your legal rights.

Hit-And-Run Accident FAQs by Lancaster Clients

Q. Why should I consult with a car accident attorney after a hit-and-run in Lancaster?

Consulting with an experienced attorney at Hart Law is advisable for valuable guidance and legal support throughout the process. We understand how to investigate hit-and-run accidents, deal with insurance companies, and protect your legal rights. Our legal team handles the complex aspects of your case while you focus on healing. Plus, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Q. How long do I have to file a hit-and-run injury claim in Lancaster?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Lancaster typically is three years from the accident date. It’s important to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure timely filing. Starting your case early allows more time for investigation and gathering evidence. Don’t wait until the deadline approaches to seek legal help.

Q. Can I still pursue a hit-and-run claim if I was a pedestrian or cyclist?

Yes, pedestrians and cyclists injured in hit-and-run accidents can still pursue claims for their injuries and damages. An attorney can help you go through the process. Pedestrian and cyclist cases often involve severe injuries because of the lack of protection during impact. You deserve compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses regardless of whether you were in a vehicle.

Q. What if the hit-and-run driver only caused property damage and no injuries?

You can still file a claim for property damage even if no one was injured. Your insurance company may cover repairs through your collision or uninsured motorist property damage coverage. Document all damage with photos and repair estimates. While these cases may not require an attorney, consulting with a car accident lawyer helps ensure you receive full compensation for your losses.

Q. How does uninsured motorist coverage work in hit-and-run accidents?

Uninsured motorist coverage in South Carolina typically covers injuries and damages when the at-fault driver can’t be identified or doesn’t have insurance. This coverage acts like the missing driver’s insurance would have. Your insurance company pays your claim up to your policy limits. You may also have separate uninsured motorist property damage coverage for vehicle repairs. Review your policy with a personal injury lawyer to understand your full coverage.

How Hart Law Handles Hit and Run Cases

Our approach to hit-and-run accident cases combines thorough investigation with aggressive advocacy. We start with a free case review where we listen to your story and evaluate your situation. This initial consultation costs nothing and creates no obligation. We explain your legal options and answer all your questions in plain language you can understand.

Once you hire us, we immediately begin gathering evidence and investigating your hit and run. We file all necessary police reports and insurance claims on your behalf. We handle all communication with insurance companies so they can’t pressure you or twist your words. Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Throughout your case, we keep you informed about developments and strategies. We explain each step of the legal process so you know what to expect. Whether we’re negotiating with your car insurance company or taking the case to court, we fight tirelessly for the fair compensation you deserve. Our experienced legal representation makes a real difference in case outcomes.

Let Our Hit-And-Run Auto Accident Lawyer in Lancaster, SC Help Your Case Today

In the wake of a hit and run accident causing injuries or substantial property damage in Lancaster, contact Hart Law by visiting us here or dialing (803) 771-7701 for expert assistance. Let us handle the negotiations with the insurance company, tirelessly fighting to secure the compensation you deserve, whether from the at-fault driver’s insurance or your own.

Our accident lawyer team has helped countless car accident victims in Lancaster, SC, and throughout Lancaster County. We understand the unique challenges of hit-and-run cases and know how to overcome them. From investigating the motor vehicle accident to negotiating with stubborn insurance companies, we handle every aspect of your car accident claim with skill and dedication.

Don’t face this difficult time alone. Hit-and-run accidents leave victims feeling helpless and frustrated, but you have legal rights and options for financial recovery. Our law firm provides the legal support you need to hold the responsible driver accountable and recover compensation for your losses. Call today for your free consultation and take the first step toward justice and healing.

Whether you suffered physical injuries, face mounting medical expenses, or struggle with the emotional trauma of being victimized, we’re here to help. Our commitment to clients means we don’t rest until you receive the fair compensation you deserve. Contact Hart Law now and let our experienced car accident attorney team fight for you.