Were you recently struck by a driver who subsequently fled the scene? Do not lose hope. Just because the driver that hit you failed to stop does not mean that party cannot be identified and held accountable accordingly.
With help from an experienced Walterboro car accident lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm, you can demand justice and total financial compensation. When you are ready to start your case, contact our Walterboro personal injury lawyers for a free consultation and learn more about what is next for your insurance claims and civil lawsuits.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Walterboro
In the aftermath of your car accident, you may be left feeling confused and overwhelmed about what your next steps should be. Your hit-and-run accident lawyer in Walterboro, SC, at Shelly Leeke Law Firm, can offer the legal guidance and support you are searching for.
However, in the meantime, there are specific steps you can take to start building your case against the liable party. Here is more:
Contact 911 and the Walterboro Police Department
Immediately after the driver flees the scene, get on the phone, and call the Walterboro police department and 911. It would help if you got law enforcement officials to the scene of the accident as soon as possible. Although you might have hoped to avoid calling the police and emergency responders after a hit-and-run accident, it is essential.
Police can thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident, start working on identifying the driver who hit you, and write reports that can be used to prove negligence and liability for your damages.
Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
While you wait for emergency responders to arrive at the accident scene, if your injuries do not prevent you from doing so, take steps to gather evidence to support your case. Initially, you may need to figure out which types of evidence to obtain.
However, as you take in the damage to your vehicle and your injuries, you may find it easier to gather evidence than you previously thought. Examples of evidence that could help your case down the line include:
- The names and contact information of any bystanders or witnesses to the accident
- Photos of your injuries and the accident scene
- Video footage of the damage surrounding the accident or the actual hit-and-run accident
- The addresses of any homes or businesses nearby that could have caught the accident on camera or video
Get Evaluated Medically
You must obtain a medical evaluation even if your injuries do not initially feel critical. If you do not get a medical review, you can almost guarantee the defendant will argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
If healthcare providers see you, you can begin compiling medical evidence to prove the severity of your injuries immediately after the accident. Furthermore, not all injuries are immediately noticeable. If you are dealing with an invisible injury, such as organ failure, internal bleeding, concussion, or other internal injuries, your condition could rapidly worsen if left untreated.
Reach Out to a Walterboro Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
As soon as you can, contact a reputable hit-and-run accident attorney in Walterboro, SC, for help. If you think to do so at the scene of the accident, you can start there. The sooner you get your attorney working for you, the better.
This is partially because you may be dealing with substantial injuries that make it difficult or impossible to handle your insurance and civil claims. You also need help identifying the individual who hit you, as you will sue this party for damages. With our firm working on your case, you do not need to worry about how to demand justice.
Explore Your Legal Option Further
Your hit-and-run accident lawyer will help you further explore your legal options for financial recovery. Multiple options are available to you based on the specific details of your case. Generally, this includes filing a claim with the insurance company or pursuing a lawsuit against them.
Filing an Insurance Claim
Filing an insurance claim is one of the top ways to recover compensation after an accident. Now, South Carolina follows fault insurance laws. The liable party’s insurance company is responsible for compensating you for certain types and amounts of damages.
However, since you were hit by a driver that fled the scene, you may only be able to file a claim with their insurance company once they are identified. If you took steps to protect yourself by purchasing personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, you could file a claim with your insurance company.
Filing a Lawsuit Against the Liable Party
Your hit-and-run accident attorney will help you file a civil claim against the asphalt party once we reveal their identity. If their insurance coverage does not adequately meet your needs or lacks insurance coverage, filing a lawsuit is the best way to hold them accountable for your losses.
Going to trial also eliminates the restrictions that come with insurance claims. Since insurance only covers specific types of damages and only up to the limits of the policyholder’s policy, going to court gives you a chance to recoup your damages in full.
Crucial Hit-and-Run Accident Claim Deadlines
Do not hesitate to get started on your hit-and-run accident claim. Even though the liable party has not been identified, you still have a chance to begin working on your case.
The statute of limitations will generally begin once this party is identified. From there, you will have up to three years to file your claim before expiration.
Speak with a Walterboro Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney for Help Today
Once your hit-and-run accident attorney and the Walterboro police department or other law-enforcement agency identify the driver of the vehicle that hit you before fleeing the scene, we can pursue legal action against them and recover the compensation you deserve.
Start working on your case as soon as possible to move forward once we know who is to blame. Please fill out our quick contact form or call our office to schedule your free consultation with a respected Walterboro hit-and-run accident attorney at Shelly Leeke Law Firm today.
