The term hit-and-run refers to an accident where a driver involved in a car crash neglects their legal obligations outlined in South Carolina Code. These obligations encompass staying at the scene to exchange information, offering assistance if necessary, informing property owners of damage, and notifying the police when required. Failure to comply can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges for the offending driver. If the negligent driver is identified, they may be held responsible for damages. At Hart Law, we assist those who have sustained injuries in hit-and-run accidents in Spartanburg and its neighboring areas. You can contact us at (803) 771-7701 if you require legal help. We understand the frustration that arises when the responsible driver remains unidentified and unaccountable for their negligent and criminal actions.

Spartanburg, SC Hit-And-Run Accident Claims

Following a hit-and-run accident, immediate attention to personal safety is crucial. Maintain composure, 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. Document the scene by taking photos, recording witness details, and preserving evidence. Dial emergency services, report the incident, and seek medical attention, even for latent injuries. Inform your insurance company promptly, providing comprehensive information. In Spartanburg, report the incident to law enforcement without delay, filing a police report to bolster insurance claims and potential legal actions. Consultation with an experienced car accident attorney, like Hart Law, is advisable for guidance and legal support.

The moments after a hit and run accident determine the strength of your claim. Witnesses may leave the accident scene before giving statements. Physical evidence like skid marks or debris can disappear with rain or traffic. That’s why calling both police and a Spartanburg car accident lawyer quickly makes such a difference in these cases.

Your medical treatment following the car crash should be your top priority. Even if you feel fine initially, some car accident injuries don’t show symptoms for hours or days. Whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding can worsen without prompt care. Insurance companies often argue that delayed treatment means injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.

An experienced car accident attorney documents everything from day one. We keep copies of your medical records, bills, and all correspondence with insurers. This documentation becomes crucial when proving the full extent of your suffered injuries and the medical expenses you’ve incurred.

Understanding Your Insurance Coverage Options

Most drivers don’t realize their own policy may cover hit and run accidents through uninsured motorist protection. This coverage pays for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering when the other driver cannot be found or lacks insurance. A Spartanburg hit and run accident lawyer can review your policy to identify all available benefits.

Your insurance company might resist paying your claim even when you have proper coverage. Insurers sometimes argue about fault or claim your injuries aren’t as severe as you report. That’s when having an accident lawyer becomes critical to protect your rights and push back against unfair denials.

Beyond uninsured motorist coverage, your policy may include medical payments coverage that pays regardless of fault. This benefit can cover your initial medical bills while your attorney works on the larger claim. Some policies also cover property damage to your vehicle and personal items inside it.

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

Identifying hit-and-run drivers relies on eyewitness accounts or video evidence, allowing negotiations similar to other car accidents. We seek fair compensation and may pursue punitive damages if the driver is found. Yet, many hit-and-run drivers escape identification, with police prioritizing severe cases. In such situations, we employ investigators to locate the driver. When unsuccessful, negotiations with our client’s insurance follow to secure compensation. Regardless of the outcome, collaborating with an experienced attorney is essential to navigate the nuances of hit-and-run claims and secure the rightful compensation for injuries.

When the other driver’s negligence results in serious injuries, the stakes become much higher. A serious car accident can leave victims with permanent disabilities, chronic pain, and years of ongoing treatment. Our law firm works with medical experts who can project your future care needs and calculate the true cost of your injuries.

Sometimes we need to bring in an accident reconstruction specialist to piece together what happened. These experts examine the accident scene, study damage patterns, and use physics to determine vehicle speeds and impact angles. Their findings can prove the other driver was at fault and help estimate their vehicle type and size.

Building a Strong Car Accident Case

Every car accident case requires solid evidence to prove what happened and who was responsible. Photos of vehicle damage, the crash location, and your injuries create a visual record that insurance adjusters cannot dispute. Witness statements add credibility to your version of events and can describe the fleeing vehicle.

The police report serves as an official record but isn’t always complete or accurate. Officers write reports based on what they observe and what people tell them. Your Spartanburg car accident lawyer can supplement the report with additional investigation and evidence that strengthens your claim.

Medical documentation links your injuries directly to the auto accident. Doctor’s notes should describe each injury, the treatment plan, and how the injuries affect your daily life. This documentation proves both the severity of your harm and the medical expenses you’ve incurred because of someone else’s negligence.

Types of Compensation Available in Hit and Run Cases

Victims of hit and run accidents can recover compensation for both economic and non economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, and costs to repair or replace your vehicle. These damages have specific dollar amounts that can be calculated and proven.

Non economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment. These injuries don’t have price tags but are very real. A skilled Spartanburg hit and run accident lawyer knows how to value these damages and present them persuasively to insurers or juries.

In cases involving serious injuries or death, families may need to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These claims compensate surviving family members for their loss, including funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship. Wrongful death cases require sensitivity and legal skill to handle properly.

Common Challenges in Spartanburg Car Accidents

Hit and run accidents present unique obstacles that standard car wreck cases don’t face. Without knowing who hit you, there’s no driver’s insurance company to file a claim against. This situation forces victims to rely on their own coverage or hope investigators can identify the fleeing driver.

Insurance claims for uninsured motorist coverage often face more scrutiny than standard collision claims. Your insurer may investigate whether you somehow contributed to the accident or exaggerated your injuries. Having a car accident lawyer levels the playing field and prevents insurers from taking advantage of you during a vulnerable time.

Time limits for filing claims add pressure to hit and run victims. South Carolina law sets deadlines for both insurance claims and lawsuits. Missing these deadlines can destroy your right to recover damages, which is why prompt action is so important after any car accident.

Hit-And-Run Accident FAQs by Spartanburg Clients

Q. Why is documenting the accident scene important?

Documenting the scene with photos of vehicle damage and surroundings, along with collecting witness details, is crucial for law enforcement and insurance purposes.

Q. What role does a police report play in a hit-and-run case in Spartanburg?

A police report is an official record that supports your insurance claim and any legal actions. Cooperation with law enforcement aids in identifying the responsible driver.

Q. How can I identify the hit-and-run driver if there were no witnesses?

While challenging, law enforcement and private investigators may use available evidence, such as camera footage, to identify the hit-and-run driver.

Q. What if the at-fault driver has no insurance?

Your uninsured motorist coverage should pay for your injuries and damages. An accident lawyer can help you file this claim with your own insurance company and fight for full compensation.

Q. How long do I have to file a car accident case in South Carolina?

South Carolina gives injury victims three years to file a lawsuit from the accident date. However, starting your case early improves your chances of finding the other driver and securing evidence.

Q. Can I still get compensation for a car accident if I was partially at fault?

Yes, South Carolina follows modified comparative negligence rules. You can recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% responsible. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Why You Need a Spartanburg Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

A Spartanburg hit and run accident lawyer understands the unique challenges victims face after being struck by a fleeing driver. These cases differ from typical car accident claims because the responsible party often disappears before police arrive. Our car accident lawyer team has helped countless victims recover compensation even when the other driver cannot be located.

When you suffer a car accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up quickly while you’re unable to work. A skilled accident lawyer knows how to work with your insurance company to access benefits you may not realize you have. Many policies include uninsured motorist coverage that can pay for your injuries when the at-fault driver flees the scene.

Your Spartanburg car accident attorney will investigate every angle of your case. We review the police report, interview witnesses, and examine surveillance footage from nearby businesses. Sometimes traffic cameras capture license plates or vehicle descriptions that help identify the fleeing driver. Our law firm has relationships with local law enforcement that help us gather this critical evidence.

How Hart Law Handles Hit and Run Accident Claims

Our team begins every case with a free consultation to understand what happened and evaluate your legal options. We explain the claims process, discuss potential outcomes, and answer all your questions. This initial meeting costs you nothing and helps you make an informed decision about moving forward.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows injured victims to hire experienced legal help without upfront costs. Our fees come from your settlement or verdict, so we only get paid when you do.

Throughout your case, we handle all communication with the insurance company and other parties. This frees you to focus on your recovery while we fight for a fair settlement. We keep you informed about developments and major decisions but handle the day-to-day work of building your claim.

Get Help With Your Hit-And-Run Accident Case From A Spartanburg, SC Attorney

If you find yourself dealing with injuries or considerable property damage due to a hit-and-run incident in Spartanburg, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the Hart Law. Our experienced team is prepared to handle the challenges of negotiating with the insurance company, working tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve—whether from the at-fault driver’s insurance or your own. Call now for your free case consultation. (803) 771-7701.