Columbia Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Being injured in a car accident is always stressful, but it is much worse when the other driver flees the scene. You are left with injuries, a damaged vehicle, and many questions. You might be wondering who will pay for your medical bills if you don’t know who hit you. You may feel angry that someone would leave you behind without helping.

At The Super Lawyer, we understand the frustration and fear that comes with a hit and run crash. You do not have to face this situation alone. Our Columbia hit and run accident lawyers help victims in Richland County and throughout South Carolina fight for the justice they deserve. We work to find available insurance coverage and pursue the compensation you need to recover.

What Qualifies as a Hit and Run in South Carolina?

Under South Carolina traffic laws, every driver involved in an accident is required to stop. They must exchange information and, if necessary, render aid to anyone who is injured. A hit and run occurs when a driver fails to do these things and leaves the scene of an accident.

This includes several different scenarios:

• A driver hits your car on the highway and speeds away.
• A driver strikes a pedestrian or bicyclist and does not stop to help.
• A driver hits a parked car in a parking lot and leaves without leaving a note.
• A driver provides false contact information before leaving.

Leaving the scene is a crime, but it also creates a civil legal claim. While the police handle the criminal investigation, our legal team handles your civil claim to help you get money for your losses.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Columbia Hit and Run

The moments after a crash are chaotic, but the actions you take can protect your rights later. If you are physically able, try to take these steps:

1. Call 911: Report the crash immediately. You need an official police report from the Columbia Police Department or South Carolina Highway Patrol to file an insurance claim.
2. Seek Medical Care: Go to the hospital or urgent care right away. Your health is the priority, and medical records serve as evidence of your injuries.
3. Gather Information: If you saw the car, write down the color, make, model, and any part of the license plate number.
4. Talk to Witnesses: If anyone saw the accident, get their names and phone numbers. They may have seen details you missed.
5. Take Photos: Photograph your vehicle, the accident scene, skid marks, and any debris left by the other car.
6. Notify Your Insurer: Tell your insurance company about the accident, but be careful. It is best to speak with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement.

How Our Columbia Hit and Run Lawyers Can Help

Many victims worry that they cannot get help if the police never catch the other driver. However, you still have legal options. A Columbia hit and run accident lawyer acts as your advocate during this difficult time.

We handle the investigation and legal work so you can focus on healing. Our process includes:

• Investigating the Crash: We can work with private investigators, look for nearby security camera footage, and speak to witnesses to try and identify the at-fault driver.
• Finding Insurance Coverage: We review your own auto insurance policy to identify uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, medical payments (MedPay) coverage, and other benefits.
• Calculating Damages: We look at your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering to determine the full value of your claim.
• Negotiating Settlements: We handle all communications with insurance adjusters to fight for a fair settlement.

Insurance Coverage for Hit and Run Accidents

The biggest concern for most clients is payment. If the other driver is unknown, who pays? In South Carolina, your own insurance policy plays a major role.

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Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

South Carolina law requires auto insurance policies to include Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage is designed exactly for this situation. If the at-fault driver is unknown (a hit and run) or has no insurance, your UM coverage steps in to pay for your bodily injury and property damage, up to your policy limits.

Using this coverage does not mean you are suing yourself. You paid premiums for this protection. However, your insurance company may still try to pay as little as possible. Having a lawyer on your side helps ensure they treat you fairly.

Medical Payments (MedPay)

If you have optional MedPay coverage, it can help pay for immediate medical expenses regardless of who was at fault.

Compensation You May Recover

A hit and run accident can be expensive. We pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to money for:

• Medical Bills: Ambulance rides, emergency room visits, surgeries, and physical therapy.
• Lost Wages: Income you lost because you could not go to work.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the crash.
• Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one passed away in a hit and run, family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim.

What If the Driver Is Never Found?

If the police cannot find the driver, your case does not end. We proceed with a claim against your own Uninsured Motorist coverage. We treat the case similarly to a standard car accident claim, but your insurance company stands in the place of the missing driver.

What If the Driver Is Identified?

If the police or our investigators find the driver, the case may change. The driver will likely face criminal charges for leaving the scene of an accident. Meanwhile, we can file a civil claim against that driver’s liability insurance.

If the driver has insurance, we pursue a settlement from their carrier. If they do not have insurance (or not enough), we may still use your UM or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage to make up the difference.

Deadlines for Filing a Claim

Time is limited. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations generally gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, insurance policies often have much shorter deadlines for reporting a hit and run to qualify for coverage.

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Waiting too long can ruin your chances of getting compensation. Evidence like traffic camera footage is often deleted quickly, and witnesses may forget details. It is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

Why Choose The Super Lawyer?

We know the local courts in Richland County and Lexington County, and we understand South Carolina traffic laws. Our goal is to make the legal process as easy as possible for you.

We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This allows you to get high-quality legal representation without worrying about the cost.