Available 24/7South Carolina law requires that motorists involved in an accident stop and help anyone who is hurt. Despite the clear language of this law, thousands of people still choose to flee the scene of an accident. What can you do as an injured victim left behind?
Contact The Law Office of Taylor S. Braithwaite today. Our team can investigate and analyze whether you can receive compensation. Below, our Aiken, SC car accident lawyer looks at three of the most common methods we use to obtain damages for those injured in a hit-and-run.
Method #1: Track Down the Driver & Sue
There’s a decent chance the police can find the driver who hit you. Remember to call the police immediately after the accident and share any details you remember:
- Physical details about the driver, such as sex, age, hair color, race, glasses, hairstyle, and so on.
- Make and model of the car that hit you, including any distinguishing features like a missing side mirror or bumper stickers.
- The direction the vehicle fled. Often, people flee from home or work, and this information will help police track down the suspect.
If the police find the driver, you can sue them or submit a claim to their liability insurance. Even if you are shaken up, you should call the police as soon as possible.
Method #2: Submit a Claim on Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage
South Carolina requires that drivers carry uninsured motorist insurance. You pay for this insurance along with your required liability coverage. If you are injured by an uninsured driver, you can tap this insurance for benefits.
Luckily, you can use uninsured motorist insurance for a hit-and-run accident where the driver is not found. The limits should be equal to your liability coverage, which begins at $25,000 per injured person for bodily injury. These benefits can cover:
- Lost income or wages
- Medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
You should also have coverage for car and property damage, which is also $25,000. These benefits can help pay to fix your car.
Method #3: Submit a Claim to the South Carolina Crime Victim Compensation Fund
The CVC fund pays compensation to people injured in certain crimes, including hit-and-run accidents, but you must report the crime to law enforcement. The fund can pay benefits for medical care, counseling, and lost wages or income. However, the fund does not pay anything for pain and suffering, property damage, or living expenses like rent.
There are strict requirements for eligibility, so work closely with an Aiken, SC car accident attorney if this is an option you wish to pursue.
Call Our Firm Today
TSB Injury Law can review your options in a free consultation. We are a veteran-owned law firm hellbent on helping accident victims in the Central Savannah River Area obtain justice after a hit-and-run. Give us a call to schedule your free consultation. We can meet for a home visit if that is more convenient.
