If you’re hurting after a driver fled the scene of a crash, our Travelers Rest hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation. Famer & Morris, PLLC, represents injured drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians across Travelers Rest and Greenville County.
We’ve recovered over $100 million for our clients. Contact our Travelers Rest car accident lawyers to learn your legal options after a hit and run.
Why Choose Our Firm For A Travelers Rest Hit-And-Run Claim
We focus on building a claim path that fits your situation, whether the at-fault driver is found or remains unknown. That includes uninsured motorist (UM) claims, underinsured motorist (UIM) claims, and direct liability claims once a suspect is identified. We prepare files as if they will be tested in court, which supports settlement negotiations.
You will get clear communication and a steady plan from day one. Our personal injury lawyers in Travelers Rest will explain your options for seeking compensation in this situation. If an insurer pushes a low offer or disputes fault, we respond with the evidence and legal authority your case requires.
What To Do Immediately After A Hit-And-Run In Travelers Rest
If it is safe, call 911 and request police and medical response. Immediate medical evaluation ties your injuries to the crash, and the police report anchors your insurance claim. Remain at the scene if you can, and write down what you remember about the fleeing vehicle.
Do not give a recorded statement to any insurer before understanding your coverage and rights. Early statements can be used to downplay your injuries or shift blame. Instead, let our Travelers Rest hit-and-run accident lawyers do the talking. We can handle all communications while you focus on treatment.
South Carolina Laws to Know About with Hit-And-Run Cases
South Carolina law requires drivers involved in collisions to stop and remain at the scene, render aid, and exchange information. Fleeing can result in serious criminal penalties, which are separate from your civil right to injury compensation. A criminal case can also provide useful evidence for your claim.
South Carolina requires UM coverage at the state minimum limits, and UM can apply to phantom driver crashes. If the unknown vehicle did not make physical contact, state law typically requires an independent witness affidavit for a UM claim. Promptly reporting the collision to police is also part of the UM rules, and we help you meet those requirements.
Proving Fault When The Driver Flees The Scene
When a driver flees, liability proof shifts to independent evidence. We look for debris patterns, paint transfers, headlight fragments, and damage profiles to identify the make and model that struck you. DMV queries and body shop canvassing can uncover vehicles that match the damage.
We also analyze dashcam footage from your car or neighboring vehicles, as well as traffic and security cameras near the crash scene. Witness statements often link the fleeing vehicle’s direction of travel to a neighborhood where we can continue the search. If law enforcement identifies a suspect, we incorporate any admissions or forensic matches into your civil claim.
If the driver remains unknown, we anchor your recovery through UM benefits and any MedPay coverage on your policy. Insurers still examine liability and damages, so we package scene evidence, medical records, and wage documentation to establish the claim’s value. Our goal is to present a file that makes the cost of delay or denial unattractive to the insurer.
Damages You Can Recover After A Travelers Rest Hit-And-Run Crash
Your damages reflect both economic and non-economic loss. Economic damages include medical care, rehabilitation, lost income, diminished earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain, emotional distress, scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life.
If the at-fault driver is found and the facts support it, punitive damages may be available for reckless conduct, such as high-speed fleeing or intoxicated driving. South Carolina law places caps in some situations, but the threat of punitive exposure can influence settlement discussions.
For fatal crashes, wrongful death damages can include funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of the decedent’s companionship and guidance. Our hit-and-run accident attorneys in Travelers Rest handle both survival and wrongful death claims.
Your Insurance Options After A Travelers Rest Hit-And-Run
UM coverage is a key path to recovery if the driver is unknown or uninsured. South Carolina requires UM at minimum limits, and higher limits provide added protection. You may also have MedPay coverage that pays medical bills regardless of fault, which can bridge early treatment costs.
If the at-fault driver is found and carries liability insurance, we pursue a liability claim and compare policy limits to your damages. Underinsured motorist coverage can close the gap if the driver’s coverage is insufficient.
We also look at third-party sources when appropriate, such as an employer’s commercial policy if the fleeing driver was on the job. If road design or signage played a role, we examine potential claims against responsible public entities. Those cases demand early notice and care with statutory deadlines.
How We Investigate Hit-And-Run Collisions In Travelers Rest
We start with a scene review and police report request, then widen the search for cameras and witnesses. Time matters because many systems overwrite footage within a few days. We send prompt preservation requests to businesses near the crash site and canvass areas the fleeing vehicle likely traveled.
Our team collects medical records and links them to impact data from your vehicle, including black box downloads when available. That data supports arguments about speed, direction of force, and injury mechanics. We consult with treating providers to forecast long-term care needs and costs.
If law enforcement identifies a suspect, we request records of any custodial statements, arrest warrants, and photographs of the suspect’s vehicle. We also check for prior incidents or insurance red flags that might affect settlement decisions. Every piece of proof strengthens your leverage with insurers and defense counsel.
Working With Insurers After A Travelers Rest Hit-And-Run Injury
Insurers often push early statements and releases that can limit your recovery. We handle communications so you do not say something that can be used against you. We manage forms, recorded statements, and medical authorizations to protect your privacy and claim value.
We dispute attempts to downplay injuries or to blame you for leaving the scene early for safety reasons. In hit-and-run cases, safety concerns can justify moving your car or yourself to a safer location while still meeting legal duties. We present evidence to address any such arguments.
When negotiations stall, we file suit and continue building the case through discovery. That pressure often leads to better settlement offers. If a trial becomes necessary, we present your damages clearly so jurors can connect the evidence to real-world losses.
Start Your Travelers Rest Hit-And-Run Claim Today
If you need help after a driver hit you and then fled the scene, we will review your case, outline a plan, and put the necessary steps in motion to help you get compensation. Our team can handle claims whether the at-fault driver is identified or remains unknown.
Contact our Travelers Rest hit-and-run accident lawyers to discuss your path forward. You can call us anytime. Your consultation is free and without obligation.