John Price Law Blog

Can I Leave the Scene of An Accident if Nobody Else Was Involved?

If you are in an accident that involves nobody else, you may consider leaving the scene of the accident immediately. If you hit a utility pole, guardrail, a parked car, or other stationary object, it may seem like you can check yourself for injuries and then be on your way. But leaving the scene of an accident is probably not a good idea, making it more difficult for you to pursue compensation.

In this blog, our Charleston car accident lawyer discusses what steps you should take in a single-vehicle crash to ensure a successful car accident claim.

Leaving the Scene vs. Hit-and-Run

Leaving the scene of an accident is different than fleeing the scene. When you leave the scene of the accident, you do not wait for law enforcement or emergency personnel to arrive. Even if you check others for injuries and for any property damage, you do want to wait for the police to arrive so that you can provide your insurance information and account of the events that transpired.

In the past decade, 17,531 victims have lost their lives to hit-and-run accidents. Under SC Code §56-5-1210, fleeing the scene of an accident, known as a hit-and-run, involves fleeing the scene of an accident when injuries or fatalities have occurred. In South Carolina, this is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to one year in prison and a potential fine of $5,000.

If great bodily injury results, then you are guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment of 10 years and a potential fine of $10,000. If anyone dies, then you may be imprisoned for 25 years and potentially fined $25,000.

Steps to Take in a Single-Vehicle Crash

If you are involved in a single-vehicle crash, you should take the following steps to protect your rights:

Contact the Authorities

South Carolina law requires that drivers report accidents that result in injury, death, or at least $1,000 in property damage to law enforcement. Chances are that if you collide with a stationary object, such as a guardrail, the damage between your vehicle and the structure likely meets the $1,000 threshold.

If you are unsure regarding the extent of property damage, err on the side of caution and report the accident. Once you report the accident, wait for the police to arrive on the scene before leaving.

Document the Scene

Be sure to take photos of the object you hit, including close-up shots of any damage. Additionally, get pictures of the damage sustained to your vehicle and your car’s final resting position. In documenting the extent of damage to your car, you increase your chances of recovering the most on your accident claim.

Get the Names of Any Witnesses

If anybody saw the crash, take down their names and contact information. Your attorney may call upon them later to provide a statement or to testify. An eyewitness who can give an impartial perspective on your crash can be invaluable to your case.

Reach Out to a Charleston Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been in a single-vehicle accident, it is important that you take certain measures to protect your rights. At John Price Law Firm, LLC, our Charleston car accident lawyer is dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible results. If you are interested in learning more or scheduling a consultation, contact us online or by phone.