Columbia Hit & Run Collision Lawyer

Columbia Hit & Run Collision Attorney

When two or more drivers are involved in a crash in South Carolina, state law requires them to remain at the scene and report the crash to 911. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are common in Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina communities. Whether you were in an accident on I-26, I-77, or a smaller local road, if the at-fault driver fled the scene, you need to consult a Columbia hit & run collision lawyer as soon as possible.

Helping Victims of Hit and Run Accidents in Columbia, SC

The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can help you recover from a recent hit-and-run accident in Columbia. Since 1996, our firm has been representing injured clients in Columbia in a wide range of accident cases. When a driver has caused a crash and fled the scene, you have a short time to pursue accountability, and it is crucial to connect with reliable legal counsel at your first opportunity. The right car accident attorney can coordinate with law enforcement to find the at-fault driver.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reported that in 2023, there were 145,761 total vehicle crashes statewide. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2022, there were 2,932 total deaths from hit-and-run accidents nationwide. Resolving these cases can be incredibly difficult without experienced legal counsel.

Our firm provides client-focused legal counsel for personal injury cases in Columbia. This means we take time to get to know every client and learn as much as possible about their accident and its effects on their life. We can help you identify and locate the hit-and-run driver, determine the full extent of the damages you are eligible to claim, and guide you through every stage of your legal proceedings, aiming to maximize your recovery.

Building a Case for a Hit-and-Run Accident in Columbia, SC

South Carolina follows a fault rule for vehicle accidents, meaning that if you think another driver caused your accident, you must prove fault before you can claim compensation for the damages you suffered. Drivers are expected to call 911 to report crashes and remain at the scene of the crash until responding officers allow them to leave. Failure to do so can result in a criminal hit-and-run charge and civil liability for damages.

Your first challenge in this type of case is finding the at-fault driver. If you call 911 to report the hit-and-run, the police can hopefully locate the at-fault driver quickly. Your attorney can, if necessary, work with local police to prove who caused the accident, gathering various forms of evidence that you would not know how to obtain on your own. Once the hit-and-run driver is found, your attorney can help you claim compensation for the damages they caused.

Auto insurance is usually your first option for recovering compensation after a vehicle crash in Columbia. Every driver in South Carolina is required to have auto insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements, and a skilled attorney can help you file your claim. Most insurance companies will try to settle for as little as possible, so it’s important to have an attorney ready to negotiate on your behalf.

When you must file a personal injury case to recover your losses, success hinges on your ability to prove that the defendant not only caused the accident, but also that your claimed damages are the direct result of their negligence or misconduct behind the wheel. Your attorney can advise you as to whether any criminal charges against the driver for hit-and-run could influence your recovery. For example, you could receive punitive damages at the court’s discretion.

Ultimately, experiencing a hit-and-run accident can be a traumatic and stressful experience. You have limited time to pursue accountability, so after you receive medical treatment, it’s important to hire a hit-and-run accident lawyer immediately. The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III is ready to help with every step of your case, so reach out to us as soon as you can to learn more about our legal services.

FAQs About Columbia, SC Hit-and-Run Laws

What Are the Penalties for Hit-and-Run in Columbia?

The penalties for hit-and-run in Columbia vary based on whether the offense is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. At the misdemeanor level, the hit-and-run driver can face driver’s license suspension, a fine, and possible jail time. When a hit-and-run accident results in severe injuries, or if the driver was intoxicated, they are likely to face a felony charge that can lead to prison time, heavy fines, and driver’s license suspension.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Hit-and-Run Accident?

The amount of compensation you can claim for a hit-and-run accident depends on the severity of the injuries you suffered. You may have grounds to claim compensation for vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Additionally, if you were injured by an illegal act like a hit-and-run, it’s also possible for you to receive punitive damages at the court’s discretion. Your attorney can estimate the full potential value of your case.

Why Should I Hire a Hit & Run Collision Lawyer?

You should hire a hit & run collision lawyer to have a better chance of success with your case. You will likely need an attorney’s help to gather proof of liability for the accident, and they can then assist you with each step of your recovery process. You can rely on your attorney to negotiate a fair insurance claim settlement on your behalf and build a personal injury claim if necessary to maximize your recovery.

How Long Does it Take to Settle a Hit-and-Run Accident Case?

The time required to settle a hit-and-run accident case varies based on multiple factors. It may take time to identify and locate the at-fault driver, and the state will likely file criminal charges against them. Your attorney can explain how this criminal case could affect your civil claim for damages. Most personal injury cases in South Carolina can be settled outside of court, which usually takes far less time than litigation.

The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can help you make sense of your legal situation in the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident in Columbia. Our team has helped many past clients recover compensation for vehicle crashes, and we know how to help you overcome the unique challenges you face following a hit-and-run accident. Contact us today and schedule your free consultation with a Columbia hit & run collision lawyer to learn how we can help.