A hit and run can cause costly vehicle damage and long-lasting injuries. If you were the victim of this type of accident, a Greer car accident lawyer can help you recover damages.
Even if the driver who hit you flees, you have legal recourse. A Greer hit and run accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help you file a claim and obtain compensation.
Why Hire a Greer Hit and Run Accident Attorney?
A hit and run accident lawyer in Greer can investigate your accident, work with law enforcement, and gather evidence to support your claim. They can also handle communication with insurance companies and push back against unfair settlement offers.
If the at-fault driver is identified, a lawyer can pursue a personal injury claim on your behalf and seek full compensation for your losses. If the driver is not found, an attorney can help you make the most of your uninsured motorist coverage.
Compensation Available After a Hit and Run Accident
Victims of hit and run accidents in Greer may be entitled to compensation for a range of losses, even if the other driver is never found.
This compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In cases where the driver is identified, additional damages may be available depending on the circumstances of the crash.
A Greer personal injury lawyer can help you obtain a settlement that accounts for all of your losses.
How Long You Have to Take Legal Action in South Carolina
South Carolina has strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. In most cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation altogether.
Even in hit and run cases where the driver is unknown, it is important to act quickly. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and insurance deadlines may be much shorter than the state’s statute of limitations.
A South Carolina personal injury lawyer can help make sure you meet all filing deadlines.
Insurance Issues in Hit and Run Cases
When the at-fault driver cannot be identified, insurance coverage becomes critical. South Carolina requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, which can help pay for medical bills and other losses if the other driver is unknown or uninsured.
However, insurance companies often scrutinize hit and run claims. They may question the details of the accident or argue about the extent of your injuries. This is where a hit and run accident attorney in Greer can step in.
How Police Investigate Hit and Run Accidents
Law enforcement in Greer takes hit and run accidents seriously, particularly when injuries are involved. Officers may review traffic camera footage, interview witnesses, and check nearby businesses for surveillance footage. They may also look for vehicle debris left at the scene or damage reports that match your accident.
Common Causes of Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run crashes are rarely true accidents. Rather, they are often the result of risky or illegal behavior that the driver wants to avoid answering for. Common reasons drivers flee after causing an accident include:
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drugs can impair judgment and lead a driver to panic and flee.
- Lack of insurance: Uninsured drivers may run to avoid financial responsibility.
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting or not paying attention may cause a crash and then leave out of fear.
- Outstanding warrants or license issues: Some drivers flee because they already have legal problems.
What Should I Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Greer?
Your actions after a hit and run accident can impact your claim. You should:
- Call 911 immediately: Report the accident and, if necessary, request medical assistance.
- Gather information: Write down everything you remember about the vehicle, including color, make, model, and any part of the license plate.
- Look for witnesses: Ask nearby drivers or pedestrians if they saw what happened.
- Take photos: Document vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, and the surrounding area.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to show symptoms.
- Get legal help: Reach out to a lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Get Help from a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Greer
Being the victim of a hit and run accident can leave you feeling powerless, but with the right approach, it’s possible to recover compensation and hold the other driver accountable. A Greer hit and run accident attorney from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can take on your case, work to identify the driver who fled, and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.
Time is of the essence in these types of cases. The longer you wait to get legal help, the more difficult it will be to track the other driver down. Schedule a free case review to get help with your case.