What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident

A hit and run accident can leave you shaken — especially when the other driver disappears. If you’re unsure what to do after a hit and run, knowing the right steps can protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights.

Unfortunately, hit and run crashes happen more often than most people realize. In South Carolina, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, but that doesn’t stop reckless drivers from fleeing. If you’ve been hit and the driver took off, knowing what to do next can help you stay safe, preserve your legal rights, and increase the chances of recovering compensation.

What Counts as a Hit and Run Accident?

A hit and run accident occurs when a driver causes a collision and leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or help the injured. It doesn’t matter if the crash happens on a highway, in a parking lot, or at night. If the driver leaves without providing their name and insurance, it qualifies as a hit and run under South Carolina law.

Common examples include:

• A driver rear-ends your car at a stoplight and speeds away
• You return to your parked car and find it damaged with no note
• A vehicle sideswipes your car at night and doesn’t stop
• A pedestrian is struck and the driver flees the scene
• Even minor collisions count if the other party fails to stop and report the incident

South Carolina law requires drivers to remain at the scene of any accident involving injury, death, or property damage. Leaving the scene isn’t just irresponsible. It’s illegal, and depending on the circumstances, it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Hit and Run?

If you’re the victim of a hit and run accident, what you do in the first few minutes can make a big difference. From protecting your health to helping investigators find the other driver, these steps matter:

• Check for injuries. Call 911 right away if anyone is hurt, even if the injuries seem minor.
• Move to a safe area. If possible, get out of the flow of traffic to avoid further danger.
• Call the police. Filing an official report is essential for both insurance claims and any legal case.
• Gather as much information as you can. Try to note the make, model, color, and license plate of the other car. Even partial details can help!
• Talk to witnesses. If anyone saw what happened, ask for their contact information and a brief statement.
• Document the scene. Take photos of your vehicle, nearby traffic signs, damage, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
• Don’t chase the driver. This can put you and others at risk! Let law enforcement handle the investigation.

The moments after a crash are overwhelming, but taking calm, smart steps can help protect your rights.

Can You Still Recover Damages If the Driver Isn’t Found?

Yes, even if the at-fault driver in a hit and run accident isn’t identified, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance coverage. In South Carolina, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is required for all drivers. This type of insurance can step in to cover your losses when the responsible driver can’t be located.

If you have UM coverage, it may help with:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages due to time off work
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

To access these benefits, you’ll still need to prove that the other driver was at fault and that they fled the scene. That’s why reporting the crash to police and documenting everything is so important.

Navigating a hit and run claim through your insurance can be frustrating, especially if there are delays or disputes. If you’re running into challenges, it may be worth speaking with a lawyer who can help you understand your options and work with the insurance company on your behalf.

How an Attorney Can Help After a Hit and Run

After a hit and run, you’re often left dealing with the aftermath on your own — injuries, car damage, unanswered questions, and stress over what to do next. But working with an attorney can make a real difference.

An experienced lawyer can help investigate the accident by reviewing police reports, requesting surveillance footage, and gathering any available evidence to help identify the driver. Even if the other driver isn’t located, a lawyer can still guide you through the process of filing a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage, which is often the best route in hit and run cases in South Carolina.

They can also help you understand the full value of your claim. That not only includes your vehicle damage or immediate medical bills, but also long-term costs like missed work, ongoing treatment, and emotional distress. If there’s a chance that someone else may share responsibility, like a bar that overserved an impaired driver or a vehicle owner who negligently entrusted their car, your attorney will know how to pursue all potential avenues for compensation.

Most importantly, legal support can ease the pressure. You won’t have to handle paperwork, insurance calls, or legal deadlines alone! Your lawyer will manage the process so you can focus on recovery.

Get Support After a Hit and Run in South Carolina

At Carr Legal Group, we help injured drivers and pedestrians throughout Hilton Head, Bluffton, Beaufort, and surrounding Lowcountry communities. Our team understands how stressful these cases can be, especially when the at-fault driver is unknown. We’re here to help you take the next step confidently and pursue the recovery you deserve.

If you’ve been hurt in a hit and run accident, contact Carr Legal Group to schedule a consultation and learn more about your legal options.

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