Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys in South Carolina
Hit-and-run accidents are rising at an alarming pace on a national level, a 60 percent increase since 2009 according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. In fact, AAA reports every minute in the United States, a hit-and-run accident takes place (682,000 crashes and 2,049 deaths in 2016). Unfortunately, they also found that pedestrians and bicyclists make up nearly 65 percent of hit-and-run fatalities. Keep reading to learn more about hit-and-run accidents and what to do if you or a loved one is an accident victim.
What is a hit-and-run accident?
Law.com defines a hit-and-run accident as “the crime of a driver of a vehicle who is involved in a collision with another vehicle, property or human being, who knowingly fails to stop to give his/her name, license number and other information as required by statute to the injured party, a witness or law enforcement officers.”
Where do hit-and-runs occur?
We certainly see these accidents on roads and highways, but that isn’t always the case. Allstate reports parked cars were involved in 69 percent of hit-and-run claims in 2010.
Why are the numbers climbing?
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports “hit-and-run deaths in the U.S. have increased an average of 7.2 percent each year since 2009.” Regarding the increase, Mary Wisniewski
for the Chicago Tribune cites several contributing factors after speaking with Kelly Nantel of the National Safety Council. The first being “the increased number of cars on the road, which has led to more crashes overall.” Also mentioned: distracted driving and the “ongoing problems of high speed and alcohol use.”
Where does South Carolina rank?
Cars.com reports South Carolina is ninth on the list of dangerous states for this type of collision.
What should I do if I’m the victim of a hit-and-run?
Your health and safety are your first priority. Contact the authorities right away and get the medical attention and legal documentation you need. The team at John Price Law Firm, LLC has been helping accident victims for the past 25 years. You may not have any way to track down the perpetrator, leaving you without compensation from their insurance company. Look to us to gather the evidence needed to work with your insurance company under your uninsured/underinsured motorists’ coverage.
We’re Here to Help
Contact our personal injury firm if you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit-and-run accident in South Carolina. We offer a free consultation and 24-hour answering service. We have five convenient locations, with three South Carolina locations being fully staffed with full-time attorneys and experienced support staff, or we can meet you at your home or hospital, with evening and weekend appointments available. Call John Price Law Firm, LLC at (843) 552-6011.
Verbiage pulled/modified from hit-and-run page on John Price website
Additional Resources:
https://newsroom.aaa.com/2018/04/hit-run-deaths-hit-record-high/#:~:text=An%20average%20of%20682%2C000%20hit,percent%20each%20year%20since%202009.
https://dictionary.law.com/Default.aspx?selected=869
https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-hit-and-run-crashes-getting-around-20190219-story.html
https://www.cars.com/articles/hit-and-run-deaths-are-way-up-how-dangerous-is-your-state-1420699813513/