A hit and run accident can leave you with serious injuries, unanswered questions, and growing financial burdens. Your Goose Creek hit and run accident lawyer is prepared to fight for justice and hold the negligent driver accountable for their reckless actions.
With $6+ million recovered, your Goose Creek car accident lawyer with Shelly Leeke Law Firm is ready to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to take the first step toward financial recovery.
Common Causes of Hit and Run Accidents in Goose Creek
Hit and run accidents happen when a driver leaves the scene instead of stopping to take responsibility. Some drivers flee because they are intoxicated, driving without insurance, or afraid of legal consequences.
If you were injured in a hit and run crash, identifying the cause may help determine your legal options for recovering compensation. Contact our Goose Creek personal injury lawyers for help.
Drunk Driving and Hit and Run Collisions
Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs often make reckless decisions, including fleeing the scene after a crash. Impaired judgment and fear of DUI penalties cause many intoxicated drivers to leave before law enforcement arrives.
Unfortunately, this leaves injured victims without immediate help, making it harder to track down the at-fault driver.
S.C. Code § 56-5-1210 imposes strict penalties on hit and run drivers, especially those who cause serious injuries or fatalities. A driver who flees after a crash could face felony charges, significant fines, and years in prison.
Your Goose Creek drunk driving accident lawyer can help gather police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements to prove that a hit and run driver was intoxicated and hold them accountable for your injuries.
Reckless Driving and Hit and Run Accidents
Excessive speeding, aggressive lane changes, and running red lights create dangerous conditions that often lead to hit and run crashes. Drivers who engage in reckless behavior may panic after an accident and leave the scene to avoid criminal charges or liability for the damages they caused.
Traffic camera footage and witness statements often play a key role in identifying reckless drivers who flee the scene. If you were injured by a hit and run driver who was speeding, running a red light, or driving erratically, your Goose Creek reckless driving accident lawyer can help prove their negligence and fight for compensation.
Uninsured Drivers Fleeing the Scene
Many hit and run accidents involve uninsured or underinsured drivers who leave to avoid financial responsibility. Without insurance, they may fear the cost of covering injuries, property damage, and legal penalties. Some drivers may also have a suspended license or an active warrant, leading them to flee. Uninsured and underinsured drivers often flee for many of the same reasons, including:
- Driving under the influence
- Driving without insurance
- Fear of legal consequences
- Having an outstanding warrant
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Engaging in reckless driving before the crash
- Transporting illegal substances or contraband
- Panic or confusion after the accident
- Lack of awareness that a crash occurred
Legal Options for Victims of Hit and Run Accidents in Goose Creek
There are two main legal options for victims of hit and run accidents in Goose Creek.
Filing an Insurance Claim for a Hit and Run Crash
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage helps protect you if the hit and run driver is never identified. This type of insurance allows you to file a claim with your own provider to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repairs.
Without UM coverage, you may have to pay for your damages out of pocket. Your Goose Creek hit and run accident attorney from Shelly Leeke Law Firm can review your policy, help you file a claim, and negotiate with your insurance company for a fair settlement.
Holding Identified Hit and Run Drivers Accountable
If the hit and run driver is found, they can be held responsible for both criminal and civil penalties. Law enforcement may track them down using traffic cameras, witness statements, and vehicle damage reports. Once identified, the driver may face felony charges if the accident resulted in serious injuries. Evidence that could be used to identify the driver who hit you and fled the scene includes:
- Traffic camera footage
- Dashcam recordings
- Eyewitness testimony
- Surveillance video from nearby businesses
- Vehicle paint transfer and debris left at the scene
- Skid marks and accident reconstruction reports
- Social media posts or confessions
- Cell phone records and GPS tracking
- Law enforcement databases for similar vehicle descriptions
- Reports of vehicle repairs matching accident damage
Catastrophic Injuries in Hit and Run Collisions
Hit and run accidents frequently result in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Spinal cord damage, brain injuries, and multiple fractures can leave you unable to work or perform daily activities. Many victims require surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term medical care, which adds to the financial strain.
If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, your entire family may suffer the consequences. A long-term disability can result in lost income, expensive home modifications, and ongoing medical costs. Your Goos Creek hit and run attorney can help document the full extent of your injuries and fight for the compensation you need to support your recovery.
Hit and Run Accidents Involving Pedestrians and Cyclists
Pedestrians and cyclists are at an even higher risk of suffering life-threatening injuries in hit and run crashes. Unlike drivers in enclosed vehicles, they have no protection from the impact, making them more vulnerable to severe trauma. These accidents often occur at intersections, crosswalks, and bike lanes where drivers fail to yield or obey traffic signals.
South Carolina law protects pedestrians and cyclists by requiring drivers to stop at crosswalks and maintain a safe distance when passing. If a driver fails to follow these laws and flees the scene, they may face serious legal consequences.
Your Goose Creek pedestrian accident lawyer and your Goose Creek bicycle accident lawyer can help gather traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reports to prove liability in these cases.
Take Action with Your Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Goose Creek Today
You should not have to struggle with medical expenses and lost income because of someone else’s negligence.
Your hit and run accident attorney in Goose Creek with Shelly Leeke Law Firm is ready to investigate, build a strong case, and fight for the compensation you need. Fill out our contact form or call our office today to get started.
