According to South Carolina law, everyone involved in a vehicle accident must stop and call the police.
A driver who flees the accident scene may face criminal charges. Many motorists still fail to stop at the accident scene because they are uninsured.
In South Carolina, all motorists must have 25,000 in property damage coverage and 25,000 in bodily injury coverage.
A South Carolina car accident attorney may help if you were injured or incurred property damage in a hit-and-run accident.
The Specific Hit-and-Run Laws in South Carolina
State law requires drivers to stop and call the police whenever they hit a person or property. The driver who hit the fixture on the road must notify the owner.
Similarly, drivers must stop if they collide with a car without occupants. According to South Carolina Code § 56-5-1240, drivers must notify the owner of the unattended vehicle they hit.
If the driver cannot locate the car owner, they should write a note with their contact details and leave it on the car.
According to South Carolina Code § 56-5-1220, a driver must stop if they hit a parked car. But the driver can leave and report the collision to the police.
The driver must also stop if they hits a pedestrian.
Penalties for Breaking Hit-and-Run Laws in South Carolina
The following factors will determine the penalties imposed on the party responsible for a hit-and-run accident:
- The severity of the inflicted injuries
- The cost of property damage
- Prior record of hit-and-run accidents
- If the victim succumbs to the injuries
- The root cause of the accident, for instance, intoxicated driving
A party at fault for causing injuries in a hit-and-run collision will probably be charged with a misdemeanor.
They may get a sentence of 30 days to 12 months in prison. The at-fault party may also incur $100 to $5,000 in fines imposed by the court.
A hit-and-run crash that results in severe injuries might result in a sentence of 30 days to 10 years in prison. The responsible person may incur $5,000–$10,000 in fines.
The hit-and-run culprit might spend up to 35 years in prison if the accident results in death. They may also be subject to $10,000–$20,000 in penalties.
Steps You Should Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
A hit-and-run accident could leave you disoriented and enraged with the at-fault party. Below are some of the actions you should take if the liable party flees the accident scene:
- Get medical help
- Try to note down the car’s number plate
- Contact a lawyer
- Seek contact information of any witnesses
- Report the accident to the police
- Do not try running after the fleeing driver
Remember that you can still be entitled to compensation even if the at-fault person flees the accident scene.
The steps listed above will assist in demonstrating that the damages or injuries incurred were caused by the hit-and-run accident.
Your first action is to seek medical help since you could have sustained an injury. Speaking to a South Carolina car accident attorney to help you file a personal injury claim after a hit-and-run accident is advisable.
The lawyer will investigate the case, and their network may assist in identifying the responsible party.
Insurance Coverage for a Hit-and-Run Accident
The responsible party in a hit-and-run collision may occasionally be detained. You can claim damages against this party’s insurance company if this happens. The latter should make up for any damages and injuries you sustain.
But, if the responsible person is not found, your insurance company could cover the costs. The damages you may be able to recover, if any, will depend on the insurance coverage you have.
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may cover any bodily injury and property damage you or the passengers in your car sustain if the responsible driver cannot be located or is uninsured.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) may cover medical costs, lost wages, and other costs related to the accident regardless of fault in the hit-and-run accident.
- MedPay coverage may cover “reasonable and necessary” medical costs regardless of fault. However, MedPay is capped at $10,000.
You may also bring a lawsuit against the responsible party if they are uninsured.
Speak with a South Carolina Car Accident Attorney
You still have a chance for compensation if another motorist hits your car and then flees the accident scene. At Legal Giant, we understand how frightening and confusing hit-and-run accidents can be.
We strive to link hit-and-run accident victims with experienced lawyers to help fight for their rights.
Our partner South Carolina car accident attorneys will do everything to get you the compensation you deserve while you concentrate on your health.
Contact us at (855) 740-5024 for a free consultation and review of your case.
