Charleston Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

Injured in a Charleston Hit-and-Run Car Accident?

As the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Charleston, if the other party is at fault, you are entitled to compensation for your losses, including compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

If through investigations and police assistance, the at-fault driver is identified, a lawyer will generally enter negotiations with their insurance provider for you to receive a settlement figure. Where settlement negotiations do not provide a satisfactory outcome, a lawyer will discuss the benefits of suing the at-fault party through the civil system with you.

Where the at-fault driver cannot be identified, a lawyer can assist with filing a claim through your uninsured motorist coverage.

Having an experienced hit-and-run attorney on your side drastically increases your chances of receiving the justice and compensation you deserve. Allen Law fights tirelessly for Charleston car accident victims to receive the compensation they deserve. Call us today at (843) 882-5005.

As a smaller client-focused firm, we treat clients as real people — not file numbers”
- Julian Allen

What is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident, as it sounds, is any time a motorist leaves the scene of an accident they caused without providing their information or attempting to assist those injured in the collision. In Charleston, South Carolina, this is not only a criminal offense, but the perpetrator can also be liable to pay compensation to the injured party through the civil system.

Receiving compensation for hit-and-run injuries is notoriously difficult due to the need to identify and locate the perpetrator. However, with an experienced lawyer on your side, your chances of receiving compensation are drastically increased.

Why Do People Commit Hit-and-Runs?

Although there is no justification for committing a hit-and-run, there are some common reasons why some people act this way in response to causing an accident.

1. Fear/Panic: After causing a crash, many people may go into a state of shock or panic, and the fight or flight mechanism in their bodies is activated. Acting under shock or their “flight’ response, many people fail to think rationally and flee the scene.
2. They were already acting illegally: Where a driver was already breaking the law when they crashed, such as driving an unregistered or uninsured vehicle, driving without a license, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may be too afraid of the consequences of being caught and subsequently choose to flee.
3. Financial Concerns/Uninsured drivers: If a driver is uninsured or underinsured, the fear of the potential financial or legal repercussions of their crash may also cause them to flee.

Whatever reason the at-fault party has for fleeing, the injured party deserves compensation. Even if you sympathize with the at-fault party, remember it is their insurance provider, not them personally, who is required to pay compensation.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run

If you are injured in a hit-and-run, the most important step is for you and anyone with you to receive medical attention if required.

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you or a companion will want to record all the information possible, including a description of the at-fault vehicle, the driver, and their registration number if possible.

It is also wise to talk to any witnesses and call the police to obtain a police report and relay your information to them. Each of these steps increases the possibility of locating the perpetrator.

It is also beneficial to notify your insurance company to discuss your options under your uninsured/underinsured motorist policy.

Contacting an experienced Charleston car accident attorney will help you receive the compensation you deserve through the most plausible avenue.

If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a hit-and-run car accident, call Charleston car accident attorney Julian Allen at (843) 882-5005 right away for legal help!