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Hit and run accidents create a unique legal challenge that demands immediate action and experienced representation. When a driver flees the scene after causing an accident in Summerville, victims face not only physical injuries but also the frustrating reality of dealing with an unknown perpetrator. These cases require specialized knowledge of South Carolina law and investigative resources that many attorneys simply do not possess.
At Trey Harrell Law Offices, we handle hit and run cases with the urgency and thoroughness they deserve. Our Summerville hit and run accident lawyers work closely with law enforcement, insurance companies, and accident reconstruction experts to build strong cases for our clients.
What Constitutes a Hit and Run Under South Carolina Law
South Carolina Code Section 56-5-1210 clearly defines the legal requirements for drivers involved in accidents. Drivers must provide their name, address, vehicle registration number, and driver’s license information to the other parties involved.
When a driver fails to meet these requirements, they commit a hit-and-run offense. The penalties become more severe based on the extent of damage and injuries involved. Property damage cases can result in misdemeanor charges, while accidents involving injuries or fatalities can lead to felony charges with significant prison time and fines.
The statute also requires drivers to render reasonable assistance to injured persons, including making arrangements for medical treatment if necessary. Fleeing the scene violates multiple aspects of this law and creates additional complications for victims seeking compensation.
Types of Hit and Run Accidents We Handle
Our Summerville car accident team has experience with various hit-and-run scenarios that occur throughout the region. Each type presents unique challenges and requires different investigative approaches:
- Vehicle-to-vehicle collisions where the at-fault driver flees immediately after impact
- Pedestrian accidents where drivers fail to stop after striking someone on foot
- Bicycle accidents involving cyclists who are hit by vehicles that leave the scene
- Parked car incidents where drivers damage unoccupied vehicles and drive away
These accidents often happen in parking lots, residential areas, busy intersections, and along Highway 17A and other major Summerville roadways. The location and circumstances of your accident will influence our investigation strategy and the evidence we need to gather.
Immediate Steps After a Hit and Run Accident
The moments following a hit-and-run accident are critical for both your safety and your legal case. Your actions during this time can significantly impact the outcome of any future legal proceedings.
First, ensure your safety and the safety of others at the scene. If you are able, move to a safe location away from traffic. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical attention if anyone is injured. Even minor injuries should be evaluated by medical professionals, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Try to gather as much information as possible about the fleeing vehicle. Note the make, model, color, license plate number, and direction of travel. Look for any witnesses who may have seen the accident and ask for their contact information. Take photographs of the accident scene, your vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with all the information you gathered, but avoid speculating about what happened or accepting blame for the accident.
Investigation Process and Evidence Collection
Successfully resolving a hit-and-run case requires thorough investigation and evidence gathering. Our legal team works with various professionals and agencies to identify the fleeing driver and build a strong case for compensation.
We begin by reviewing all available evidence from the accident scene. This includes police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and security camera recordings from nearby businesses. Many intersections and commercial areas in Summerville have surveillance systems that may have captured the accident or the fleeing vehicle.
Our investigators also examine physical evidence from the scene. Paint transfer, broken vehicle parts, and skid marks can provide valuable clues about the type of vehicle involved and how the accident occurred. We work with accident reconstruction experts who can analyze this evidence to determine the speed and direction of the vehicles involved.
We coordinate closely with the Summerville Police Department and other law enforcement agencies throughout the investigation. Police officers have access to databases and investigative tools that can help identify potential suspects based on vehicle descriptions and damage patterns.
Insurance Coverage for Hit and Run Victims
Hit and run accidents create unique insurance challenges since the at-fault driver is often unknown or uninsured. South Carolina law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but hit-and-run drivers frequently lack proper coverage.
Uninsured motorist coverage becomes crucial in hit-and-run cases. This coverage is designed to protect you when you are injured by a driver who lacks insurance or cannot be identified. South Carolina law requires motorists to be offered uninsured motorist coverage by insurance companies, though drivers can reject it in writing.
The minimum uninsured motorist coverage in South Carolina is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. Property damage coverage has a minimum of $25,000 per accident. However, these amounts may not be sufficient to cover serious injuries and extensive vehicle damage.
Our Summerville car accident lawyer will review your insurance policy to determine what coverage is available. We also investigate whether the at-fault driver can be identified and what insurance coverage they may have.
Areas We Serve in Summerville
Our law firm proudly serves clients throughout the greater Summerville area and surrounding communities. We handle hit-and-run cases in the following zip codes:
- 29483 – Central Summerville and downtown business district areas
- 29485 – Residential neighborhoods and shopping centers in South Summerville
- 29486 – New developments and subdivisions in the western part of the city
- 29482 – Coastal areas and communities near the Ashley River corridor
We also represent clients in nearby communities, including Goose Creek, Ladson, North Charleston, and other areas of Dorchester County. Our familiarity with local roads, traffic patterns, and law enforcement agencies helps us provide effective representation throughout the region.
Contact Our Summerville Hit and Run Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident, time is critical. Evidence can disappear quickly, and witness memories fade with each passing day. Contact our office immediately to schedule a consultation and learn about your legal options. Our experienced legal team is ready to fight for you and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. Remember Trey Helps!
