What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt in A Hit and Run Accident in Orangeburg, SC?

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be terrifying and overwhelming. The shock and confusion can make it difficult to think clearly and take appropriate action to protect yourself and your rights. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you must understand what to do if you’ve been hurt in a hit-and-run accident in Orangeburg, SC. Consulting a personal injury lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Take Immediate Action

The first thing you’ll want to do is ensure safety and seek medical attention. Your safety and health are top priorities. If you are injured, call 911 right away to get medical help. Even if you feel fine, you should see a doctor because some injuries are not immediately obvious.

Next, move to a safe location. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic to avoid further accidents or injuries. Turn on your hazard lights to signal other drivers.

Report the accident to the police as soon as possible. Provide them with all available information, including a description of the vehicle that hit you, the direction it was traveling, and any partial license plate numbers. A police report will be required for any subsequent legal action or insurance claims.

Gather Evidence

Document the scene. Use your phone to photograph the accident scene, your vehicle, any visible injuries, and any other property damage. Photographs can be used as critical evidence when filing a claim or taking legal action. Additional evidence you can collect is witness information. If there are any witnesses, collect their names and contact information. Witness statements can help your case.

Write down everything you remember about the accident right away. Include information like the time, place, weather, and any strange behavior the other driver showed. The more you write down, the better.

Understand Insurance Coverage

Let your insurance company know what happened. Tell them right away about the accident. Give them all of the proof and information you’ve gathered. Uninsured motorist coverage is required in South Carolina. This means that if someone hits you and then drives away, your insurance should cover you.

Make sure you know what your insurance covers by reading your policy. Your medical bills and car repairs should be covered by your uninsured motorist coverage. It’s important to know what your policy’s limits are and if you have any extra coverage, like personal injury protection.

Your claim will be looked into by an insurance adjuster. Fully cooperate with them and give them all the paperwork and proof they ask for. Keep track of everything you say to the insurance company.

Take Legal Action

Get in touch with a South Carolina personal injury lawyer who has dealt with hit-and-run cases before. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, get through the legal process, and make sure you get fair compensation for your injuries and other damages.

You can file a claim for compensation with the help of your lawyer. This could include things like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other harm caused by the accident. You can also take legal action against the hit-and-run driver if they are found.

You have three years from the date of the accident in South Carolina to file a personal injury claim. Move quickly to make sure that evidence is kept safe, and witnesses are still available.

Dealing With the Outcome

It can be very upsetting to be in a hit-and-run accident. Receive emotional help from family, friends, or a professional counselor. Taking care of the emotional damage is just as important as taking care of the physical injuries.

In addition to emotional changes, you’ll want to make sure you are aware of your medical ones as well. Follow your doctor’s instructions and go to all of your follow-up appointments to make sure you heal completely. You will need to keep track of all of your medical bills and treatments for your claim.

Keep in touch with your lawyer and insurance company to find out how your case is going. You can help make sure you get the compensation you deserve by taking action.

You can also stay connected to local resources that may help you after the fact. Local law enforcement keeps updated records on hit-and-run incidents. The Department of Motor Vehicles can also provide you with information, including insurance data.

FAQs

What Is the Penalty for a Hit and Run in South Carolina?

The severity of the accident determines the penalties for a hit-and-run in South Carolina. In cases where accidents cause minor damage to property, the person responsible could be fined and charged with a misdemeanor. If the hit-and-run causes serious harm or death, the person responsible could face felony charges, large fines, and long prison terms.

How Long Do You Have to Report a Hit and Run in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, you have to call the police right away after a hit-and-run accident. This quick reporting is required and helps police quickly look into the case and maybe even find the driver who is running away. Putting off the report can make insurance claims and legal proceedings more difficult.

Is Leaving the Scene of an Accident a Felony in South Carolina?

Leaving the scene of an accident can be a felony in South Carolina if the accident results in serious injury or death. For accidents causing property damage or minor injuries, it is generally classified as a misdemeanor. Felony charges carry harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences and larger fines.

Do You Need a Police Report for a Fender Bender in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, you are required to report a fender bender to the police if it results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even though small accidents that don’t cause a lot of damage might not need a police report, having one can help with insurance claims and legal paperwork by making sure there is an official record of what happened.

Contact Axelrod & Associates, P.A., Today

If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, we know the aftermath can be frightening. However, you do not have to go through this alone. Contact Axelrod & Associates, P.A. today. One of our skilled lawyers can assist you.