A vehicle strikes you in an intersection, and before you can process what happened, the driver speeds away. The collision leaves you injured and alone with mounting medical bills. Hit-and-run accidents create chaos for victims who face physical injuries alongside the frustration of an unknown responsible party. When another driver flees the scene, you need legal representation that fights for your rights and maximum compensation.
Briggs Law Group stands ready to help Charleston residents who have suffered from hit-and-run collisions. Our Charleston car accident lawyers know the challenges these cases present and work tirelessly to identify liable parties while securing every dollar you deserve.
What Defines a Hit-and-Run Accident in South Carolina
South Carolina law clearly outlines driver responsibilities after any collision. According to South Carolina Code Section 56-5-1210, drivers involved in accidents that cause damage must stop immediately at the scene. The law requires drivers to provide their name, address, vehicle registration number, and driver’s license to any injured person or the other driver involved.
When a driver fails to stop and provide this information, they commit a hit-and-run offense. The penalties grow severe based on the consequences. Property damage cases may result in misdemeanor charges, while accidents causing injury or death can lead to felony prosecution with substantial prison time.
Victims often feel helpless after these incidents. The fleeing driver has violated both criminal law and your right to seek compensation. A Charleston hit-and-run accident lawyer can launch an immediate investigation to track down the responsible party and build your case for recovery.
Common Scenarios Where Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur
These collisions happen across Charleston in various situations. Parking lots see frequent incidents where drivers back into vehicles and leave without a note. Busy intersections like Meeting Street and Calhoun Street witness drivers running red lights and fleeing before witnesses can react. Late-night accidents on rural roads often involve impaired drivers who panic and escape.
Pedestrian hit-and-runs cause particularly devastating injuries. Pedestrians walking near King Street or along the Battery might be struck and left on the pavement while the driver vanishes. Bicycle accidents follow similar patterns, with cyclists vulnerable to serious harm when vehicles clip them and drive away.
The reasons drivers flee vary widely. Some lack insurance and fear financial consequences. Others drive under the influence and want to avoid arrest. Drivers with suspended licenses or outstanding warrants make split-second decisions to run. Regardless of motivation, their choice to leave compounds the harm they cause.
How South Carolina Law Protects Hit-and-Run Victims
South Carolina recognizes the unique challenges hit-and-run victims face. Your own insurance policy likely contains uninsured motorist coverage, which becomes essential when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or lacks insurance. This coverage steps in to pay for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering when the responsible party remains unknown.
State law requires insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist coverage to all policyholders. Many people do not realize they have this protection until they need it. Hit-and-run attorneys examine your policy to determine available coverage limits and ensure your insurance company honors its obligations.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in South Carolina is generally three years from the accident date. This deadline seems generous, but hit-and-run cases require immediate action.
Building Your Hit-and-Run Case
Hit-and-run lawyers employ multiple strategies to identify fleeing drivers. Traffic cameras throughout Charleston capture footage that may show license plates or vehicle descriptions. Nearby businesses often have security systems pointing toward the streets. Witness statements provide crucial information about vehicle color, make, model, and direction of travel.
Our firm collaborates with accident reconstruction experts who analyze physical evidence at the scene. Debris patterns, skid marks, and impact points reveal details about the collision and the vehicle involved. Paint transfer on your car or bicycle can indicate the other vehicle’s color. These small clues combine to create a picture of what happened and who caused it.
Law enforcement plays a vital role in hit-and-run investigations. The Charleston Police Department and the South Carolina Highway Patrol investigate these crimes, but their resources are limited.
Damages Available in Hit-and-Run Cases
Victims deserve full compensation for all losses stemming from the accident. Medical expenses form the foundation of most claims, covering:
- Emergency room treatment and ambulance transport
- Hospital stays and surgical procedures
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation services
- Future medical care for ongoing conditions
South Carolina follows modified comparative negligence rules. This means a hit and run victim in South Carolina can recover damages as long as they are less than 51 percent at fault for the accident. Hit-and-run cases typically involve clear liability since the fleeing driver violated the law, but insurance companies may still attempt to shift blame.
Why You Need a Hit-and-Run Attorney
Insurance companies do not automatically pay fair settlements. They employ adjusters trained to minimize payouts and protect company profits. Without legal representation, you face pressure to accept inadequate offers that fail to cover your full losses. Insurers may claim your injuries are not serious or that you contributed to the accident.
A Charleston hit-and-run accident lawyer levels the playing field. We handle all communication with insurance companies, preventing you from making statements that could harm your claim. Our team calculates the true value of your case, accounting for current and future expenses. We gather evidence, consult medical experts, and build compelling arguments for maximum compensation.
The legal process involves complex procedures and strict deadlines. Missing a filing deadline or failing to follow proper protocols can destroy an otherwise valid claim. Professional legal representation ensures your case proceeds correctly through every stage.
Serving Charleston and Surrounding Communities
Briggs Law Group proudly represents accident victims throughout the Charleston area. Our services extend to residents in zip codes 29401, 29403, 29407, 29412, 29414, 29418, and 29492. We serve clients in Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, Daniel Island, and surrounding Berkeley and Dorchester County communities.
Contact Briggs Law Group Today
Hit-and-run accidents leave victims with injuries, expenses, and unanswered questions. You do not have to face this situation alone. Briggs Law Group provides compassionate, aggressive representation focused on your recovery and financial security. Contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced Charleston hit-and-run accident lawyer who will fight for the justice you deserve.