Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be one of the most unsettling and confusing experiences you can face, especially when you are in a place like Greenville, SC. It is a situation that leaves you with many questions, and it can be difficult to know where to begin. In the moments following the accident, it is essential to stay calm and take the right steps to ensure your safety, protect your legal rights, and properly document the incident. While it may seem overwhelming, knowing exactly what actions to take immediately after the incident can help you avoid further complications down the road.
First and foremost, it is vital to stay calm after a hit-and-run accident. It’s natural to feel upset, confused, and even angry. However, keeping your emotions in check will help you make sound decisions and avoid any rash actions. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safer location. This will help prevent any additional accidents and protect both you and other drivers from further harm. If your car is too damaged to drive or you cannot safely move it, leave it where it is but turn on your hazard lights. This simple action will alert other drivers and make the scene more visible.
Once you’ve moved to a safe area, the next step is to assess your own condition and the condition of anyone in your vehicle. Even if you feel fine, it is crucial to check for injuries. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately obvious. If anyone has been injured, no matter how minor the injury seems, call 911 immediately and report the accident. Paramedics will be able to assess and treat any injuries on the spot and ensure that no one is left in immediate danger.
While waiting for the authorities to arrive, it is important to begin gathering evidence. This is a crucial step because it can make or break your chances of receiving compensation or identifying the hit-and-run driver. If it is safe to do so, take pictures of the scene, including the damage to your vehicle, the surrounding area, any skid marks, road signs, and anything else that might be relevant. Even seemingly insignificant details, such as a nearby intersection or traffic lights, can become important later on. If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information and ask them what they saw. Additionally, check for security cameras in the area that may have captured the accident.
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Learn more about our attorneysIf you are able to, write down any details that could help identify the driver responsible for the hit-and-run. This includes the make, model, and color of the vehicle, the license plate number, and even the direction in which the driver was heading. If the other vehicle was not visible or the driver fled the scene too quickly, don’t be discouraged. Take note of any possible identifiers, such as the appearance of the driver, the vehicle’s damage, or anything that may help law enforcement later.
As you wait for the police to arrive, make sure to remain calm and composed. When the authorities show up, provide them with all the details you’ve gathered, and answer their questions truthfully. The more accurate and thorough the information you provide, the better equipped the officers will be to begin their investigation. A police report is a vital part of the claims process, and it will serve as an official document of the incident. Make sure to ask for a copy of the report once it is filed, as you will need it for your insurance claim and any possible legal actions.
After the police have documented the scene and left, the next step is to seek medical attention. Even if you didn’t feel any pain or discomfort right after the accident, it is important to see a doctor. Adrenaline can mask pain, and injuries may become more apparent in the hours or days following the incident. Getting checked out by a medical professional ensures that you address any injuries early on and create a record of treatment for insurance purposes. It can also provide you with the medical documentation you may need in case you decide to pursue legal action or file a claim.
Everyone there was very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. My car was totaled, and I was a little intimidated talking with a couple of other lawyers in Greenville. But with Christian and Christian, not only did they answer my questions, but they did so in a way that made what could have been a hectic situation, easy. Overall, an excellent experience with high quality lawyers who truly go above and beyond and really try to get you the results or answers you need.
—Rob Young
I met Josh like 4 years ago when my Son was injured at Daycare. He was very concerned about the well being of my Child and Me. Very Understanding Professional and Just a great Staff. If You need a Lawyer that’s all about YOU this is the Place. I just closed a Case on 6/23/2021 from a injury on a Property. They handled everything because no one else would help Me. I’m forever grateful for Your hard Work and Time. Once again Thank You Josh and Sally.
—Rezillai Henderson
My husband was referred to this law firm from another lawyer after his mother passed away while residing in a nursing home. Matt took on his case and we are pleased with how everything turned out. It took a long, long time to finally settle, but it was worth the wait. The staff here is friendly and I’d be happy to recommend them to anyone needing legal assistance.
— Jen
I was referred to Harold by a family friend, and I couldn’t be happier. He took the time to listen to my case, answered all my questions and truly treated me like a friend not a client. His knowledge of medical malpractice is priceless he actually successfully won, one of the first medical malpractice cases in Greenville County.
— Lindsey
With your medical needs addressed, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Notify them about the hit-and-run accident and provide them with all the information and documentation you’ve gathered. The insurance company will open a claim and begin the process of determining what coverage applies to your situation. In South Carolina, if the at-fault driver is not found, your uninsured motorist coverage will typically cover your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, this could leave you responsible for many of your costs. That’s why it’s essential to consult with a lawyer to make sure you are being treated fairly and receiving the compensation you are entitled to.
When dealing with an accident like a hit-and-run, it is highly recommended that you consult with a personal injury lawyer. Even if you don’t have a clear path to identifying the driver, an experienced attorney can help guide you through the legal process. They can communicate with your insurance company on your behalf, ensure that all your medical needs are taken care of, and represent your interests in case you need to take legal action. At Christian & Christian Law in Greenville, SC, our attorneys have extensive experience helping accident victims, and we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with a hit-and-run situation. Our team can help you understand your rights, navigate insurance claims, and work to identify the responsible party so that you can receive the compensation you deserve.
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Another important step after a hit-and-run accident is to file a claim with the South Carolina Department of Insurance. This is particularly relevant if the driver is never identified. In these cases, your own insurance policy will likely cover the damages and medical expenses through your uninsured motorist coverage. However, you must work closely with your attorney and insurance company to make sure your claim is handled correctly. If the responsible driver is located, their insurance policy should cover your costs, but if not, your own coverage will kick in. A lawyer can help you understand the legal nuances involved and make sure your claim is properly filed and processed.
Dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be a frustrating and emotionally draining experience. However, by staying calm, taking the necessary steps to protect yourself, and seeking the right legal help, you can begin the process of recovery. Christian & Christian Law is here to assist you every step of the way. If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Greenville, SC, don’t hesitate to reach out to our firm for a free consultation. We are dedicated to helping accident victims get the justice they deserve and ensuring their rights are protected throughout the claims process.
To learn more about this subject click here: South Carolina’s Hit-and-Run Laws in Laurens County, SC: What Happens in Pedestrian Accidents?