Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident in Charleston, SC
Charleston experiences heavy traffic and sees more than its share of traffic accidents. Being injured in a crash is a terrifying experience, but if the at-fault driver flees the scene, the matter is that much more serious. If you find yourself in this difficult situation, there are important steps you should take, and calling an experienced Charleston hit-and-run attorney early on is one of the most important.
A Note About Drivers Who Hit-and-Run
Motorists who flee the scene of an accident often panic. This can be because they know their negligence caused the accident, have a prior record, or fear the legal and financial consequences.
Drivers involved in traffic accidents in South Carolina are required to stop, and those who don’t violate their responsibilities. With all the dashcams, security cameras, smartphones, and traffic cameras out there, drivers who hit and run are far more likely to be held legally responsible today than they were in the past.
Step One: Limit Your Safety Risk
In the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to limit the risk to your safety to the degree possible. This includes taking all the following applicable actions you can:
- Drive your vehicle out of traffic
- Call 911
- Assess the situation and render any aid you can
- Jot down everything you can remember about the other driver and their vehicle
Step Two: Focus on Your Health
Following a hit-and-run accident, your focus should be on your recovery. This includes accepting emergency care from paramedics on the scene and, as applicable, transportation to a medical facility.
Early medical care can make a big difference in your ability to recover, which means it is extremely important to fully. Carefully following your medical team’s guidance and moving forward is also critical for your health and your accident claim.
Even if you are convinced that your injuries are minor, it’s still important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as you can. The impact of an accident can leave you seriously injured, and the stress and shock you experience as a result can mask a wide range of symptoms.
Step Three: Consult with a Dedicated Hit-and-Run Lawyer
Once you have addressed your health and well-being, it’s time to consult with a knowledgeable hit-and-run attorney. The sooner you have skilled legal guidance on your side, the more likely it is that the at-fault driver will be identified and held responsible.
Even if they are not, however, your trusted legal representative will take the steps necessary to build a strong claim on your behalf. In South Carolina, motorists are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage, which applies in cases involving hit-and-run drivers who are not identified.
It’s Time to Call an Experienced Charleston Hit-and-Run Lawyer
At John Price Law, we proudly serve clients throughout Charleston, North Charleston, Moncks Corner, Summerville, Goose Creek, and all of South Carolina, and we welcome the opportunity to do the same for you. Hit-and-run claims are challenging but important. Contact us online or call 843-552-6011 today.