When you get into a car accident in South Carolina, you typically file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. But what are your legal options if the at-fault driver flees the scene of the accident?
If you have injuries from an accident where the other driver fled, contact a car accident lawyer in Greenville to discuss your case. You are still able to recover compensation after a hit and run, and you may be able to pursue additional money if the at-fault driver is later identified.
Shane Smith Law can be your legal advocate and help you navigate the aftermath of a hit and run accident. We have secured over $100 million for injury victims, so contact us today for a free case evaluation with a hit and run accident lawyer in Greenville.
Why Hire Us as Your Personal Injury Attorneys in Greenville?
The last thing you want to deal with after a severe hit and run accident is insurance claims and possible litigation. A Greenville personal injury lawyer from Shane Smith Law can be your legal advocate and represent you during insurance proceedings.
With a proven track record of successful auto accident claims, our firm understands how to approach hit and run investigations. We can analyze your insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage and look for additional sources of compensation.
Your pain is real and deserves attention and redress. Don’t let insurance companies try to dismiss your injuries or downplay their consequences. Shane Smith Law is here to stand up for your rights and protect your well-being, no matter the circumstances.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accident lawyer serving Greenville, call (980) 246-2656
Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Hit and Run Accidents in Greenville
If you are hit and the motorist flees the scene, your main source of compensation is uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. UM coverage pays for your injuries when the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or, in the case of a hit and run, is unknown.
South Carolina requires all drivers to carry additional UM coverage in amounts equal to their standard auto liability coverage. Making a claim through UM coverage is largely the same as a typical accident; it’s just your insurance company playing the role of the at-fault driver’s provider.
What if the At-Fault Driver is Identified?
If the at-fault driver is later identified, you could then file a claim against them for any expenses your UM insurance did not cover. This can include any medical bills or other losses that exceed your UM coverage limits.
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, you could file a lawsuit directly against them. However, they are unlikely to have sufficient personal assets to pay for the exorbitant costs associated with car accidents.
Additionally, the at-fault driver may be charged with a crime. Fleeing an accident scene is a criminal violation in South Carolina that can result in a misdemeanor or felony charge, depending on whether it caused serious injury.
Greenville Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (980) 246-2656
Compensation I Can Recover After a Hit and Run Accident in Greenville
A Greenville hit and run accident lawyer from Shane Smith Law can pursue compensation for the following losses after a hit and run accident:
- Cost of emergency medical treatment and continuing medical expenses
- Lost work income, including wages/salary, bonuses, tips, commissions, etc.
- Reduced earning capacity from permanent disability or impairment
- Out-of-pocket injury expenses, such as childcare or alternative transportation
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish
- Diminished enjoyment and reduced quality of life
Courts in South Carolina can also grant punitive damages in personal injury cases where the offender displayed egregious conduct, such as fleeing the accident scene. We are adept at finding insurance money and will not rest until we have exhausted every possible avenue for financial restitution.
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What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Greenville
A regular accident is disorienting enough, but things are even more chaotic if the at-fault driver flees the scene. You need to act quickly to preserve the integrity of your hit and run claim:
- When able, call 911 and report the accident. Since the other driver fled, you’ll need a police report to get an official record of the crash.
- Document the crash scene by taking photos and videos. Make a note of any contributing accident factors, such as weather or road conditions.
- Get professional medical attention and obtain hard copies of relevant records, such as intake paperwork, lab results, imaging, and doctors’ notes.
- Contact your insurance company and report the crash. You’ll need to file a UM claim through their internal claims process.
- Find a car accident lawyer. An attorney can initiate the next steps and gather additional evidence to strengthen your claim.
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Time Limit for Making a Hit and Run Insurance Claim
S.C. Code 15-3-530 establishes a three-year time limit on all personal injury lawsuits, including those for hit and run accidents. Similarly, you have a three-year time limit to file a lawsuit for wrongful death connected to a hit and run collision.
The statute of limitations is incredibly strict, so your best option is to start as early as possible. A car accident lawyer can gather evidence while it’s still fresh and work to identify all potential sources of financial compensation. The less you delay, the greater your chances of a satisfactory resolution.
Contact a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Greenville to Explore Your Options for Compensation
Hit and run accidents introduce several difficulties, but the legal team at Shane Smith Law is equipped to handle them all. We have helped thousands of clients just like you when life has thrown them an unexpected curveball. You can rely on us using our knowledge and experience to fight for justice on your behalf.
Contact a hit and run accident lawyer in Greenville to discuss your options for financial compensation.
Call or text (980) 246-2656 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
