Charleston Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers

A hit-and-run accident can turn an ordinary day into a life-altering event in an instant. Accident victims often need to deal with serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and crippling anxiety about their next steps—but experienced legal help to guide you through the post-accident legal process can make all the difference. If you experienced a hit-and-run accident in South Carolina, let our Charleston hit-and-run accident lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC tell you what you need to know.

What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to provide identification or assist the injured. South Carolina law requires all drivers to remain at the scene, exchange necessary information, and render aid if needed, punishing those who fail to do so with heavy fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Leaving the scene of an accident makes it significantly harder for victims to secure evidence and pursue compensation. 

While law enforcement does work diligently to locate hit-and-run drivers, using witness statements, traffic cameras, and forensic evidence to track them down, they often do not have the resources necessary to locate the at-fault party.

Why Do Drivers Flee the Scene of an Accident?

Drivers leave the scene of an accident due to a variety of reasons, none of which excuse their illegal and reckless behavior. Some drivers flee out of fear or panic, while others leave to avoid legal consequences. Sometimes, the at-fault parties want to hide a state of intoxication, their lack of insurance, their expired or suspended license, or their involvement in other illegal activities. However, fleeing the scene of an accident only worsens the legal consequences for the at-fault driver. 

What Steps Should You Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Charleston?

Immediately after a hit-and-run accident, prioritize your health and safety by moving to a secure location and calling 911 right away. If possible, try to recall and note down any details about the other driver, such as their vehicle’s make, model, color, or license plate number. Request medical attention, even if you do not feel injured, as some injuries, such as concussions or internal trauma, might not show symptoms immediately but can have serious long-term effects. A medical evaluation will also help link any injuries to your accident. Additionally, notify your insurance provider to see if your uninsured motorist coverage might offer financial relief.

How Can a Lawyer Assist You in a Hit-and-Run Case in Charleston?

Especially if you need to deal with an injury after your accident, the process of dealing with insurance companies, legal deadlines, and even finding the at-fault driver can feel incredibly overwhelming. This is why you need an experienced personal injury lawyer to work on your behalf. A seasoned lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation, collaborate with law enforcement, and gather evidence to track down the at-fault driver. If they cannot identify the perpetrator, your lawyer can help you file a claim with your insurance provider under your uninsured motorist coverage.

Unfortunately, insurance companies in South Carolina often attempt to minimize payouts by minimizing your pain or claiming that you had preexisting injuries. An experienced lawyer can counter these tactics, negotiate on your behalf, calculate the full extent of your damages, help you meet all relevant legal deadlines, and assist you in claiming the maximum compensation possible.  And if and when you need to go to court, a seasoned lawyer will handle every aspect of your case so you can focus solely on your recovery. From gathering evidence to negotiating settlements, a dedicated Charleston hit-and-run accident lawyer will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to move forward.

What Compensation Can You Receive After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

If law enforcement manages to locate the at-fault driver, you can seek compensation directly by filing a personal injury lawsuit. South Carolina courts try to assist collision and hit-and-run victims by offering compensation for their injuries to cover various costs. For instance, the courts may grant you compensation for ‘economic’ damages that cover your medical bills, rehabilitation fees, lost wages due to an inability to work, surgeries, ongoing treatments, and other tangible expenses. 

They may also provide you with a payout to make up for your ‘non-economic’ damages, such as your pain, suffering, degraded quality of life, and emotional trauma. If the court determines that the at-fault driver acted particularly recklessly when they injured you, they may also assess ‘punitive’ damages meant to punish them and dissuade future similar behavior. 

How Can You Strengthen Your Hit-and-Run Claim?

To build the strongest possible case after a hit-and-run accident, you should actively participate in your claim from the start by keeping detailed records of your medical treatments—including doctor visits, prescriptions, physical therapy sessions, and any specialized care you receive—and by maintaining an organized file containing copies of medical bills, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, pay stubs to document lost wages, and repair estimates for vehicle damages. 

Be sure to give all this information to your lawyer and stay in regular communication with them to ensure that they have the latest information to effectively advocate on your behalf. Also, avoid discussing your accident details publicly, especially on social media. Insurance companies often monitor claimants’ online activities, looking for any information they can use to reduce or deny your claim. They can even misinterpret innocent posts about your daily life and use them against your interests.

Financially Recover from Your Accident with the Charleston Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC

If you sustain injuries in a hit-and-run accident and need to cover the costs of your treatment, trust the seasoned Charleston hit-and-run accident lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC to fight for your rights and help you demand the compensation you deserve. Call us at 843-727-6500 or submit our online contact form for a free consultation. With office locations in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Aiken, and Columbia, South Carolina, we serve clients throughout South Carolina.