What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Car Accident in Florence?

A hit-and-run crash can leave you shaken and unsure what to do, especially if the other driver is gone before you can get any information. Hit-and-run collisions happen on Florence's surface streets and on the interstates that run through the area, and knowing the right steps can protect your health and help preserve your options for recovering.

This page walks through what to do after a hit-and-run in Florence, South Carolina, and how coverage may apply. The Florence car accident attorneys at Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers are available to help.

What Counts as a Hit-and-Run in Florence?

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to provide information or render aid. This can involve another moving vehicle, or a driver who strikes your parked car and leaves. Our page on parked car accidents in Florence covers that situation in more detail.

Step 1: How Do You Stay Safe and Report It?

Move to a safe location if you can, and call 911. Report that the other driver left the scene, and give your location and a description of what happened. A prompt police report creates an official record, which is often important in a hit-and-run claim.

Step 2: What Should You Try to Remember or Record?

As soon as it is safe, write down or photograph anything you can recall about the other vehicle, such as the make, model, color, partial license plate, direction of travel, and any damage. Look for witnesses and nearby businesses or homes that may have security or traffic cameras, which can be valuable when a driver has fled.

Step 3: How Do You Get Medical Care and Document Injuries?

Seek medical attention even if you feel only mildly hurt. Some injuries, including concussions and soft-tissue injuries, may not be obvious right away, and medical records document your condition. Serious crashes can cause traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries that need prompt care.

Step 4: How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Apply?

When the at-fault driver cannot be identified, the uninsured motorist coverage on your own auto policy may become important, because it is designed in part for situations involving unknown or uninsured drivers. If your insurer delays or denies a valid claim, our page on denied or delayed insurance claims in Florence explains what may be involved.

What Are the Consequences of Leaving the Scene in South Carolina?

South Carolina law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop, provide information, and render reasonable aid. Leaving the scene of an accident that causes injury can be a criminal offense, separate from any responsibility the driver may have for the harm caused. If the driver is later identified, that information can be relevant to your claim.

How Can Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers Help?

Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers represents injured people from its Florence office. After a hit-and-run, our attorneys can work to identify the responsible driver where possible, gather evidence such as camera footage and witness accounts, review the coverage available under your policy, and communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf. Every case is different, and talking with an attorney can help you understand your options under South Carolina law. For a broader overview, see our guide to South Carolina car accident claims.

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