A South Carolina hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling panicked and stressed. Fortunately, a South Carolina hit-and-run car accident attorney can help you out. The attorney can review your accident, help you find the at-fault party, and request damages.
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we want you to seek justice against the driver responsible for your South Carolina hit-and-run accident. Connect with a South Carolina hit-and-run accident lawyer from our team. Our South Carolina personal injury lawyers can take a look at your case and help you file a personal injury lawsuit.
The Steps You Need to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in South Carolina
It is common to feel helpless after a hit-and-run accident. Yet, there are several things you can do to find the at-fault party and seek justice. These include:
Call 9-1-1
Reach out to 911 immediately after your hit-and-run accident. From here, medical personnel and police officers will arrive on the scene. They can treat any injuries you suffer and take the first steps to help you locate the at-fault party.
Get as Much Information About the At-Fault Driver as You Can
Jot down any information you can recall about the at-fault driver. Write down information about the driver’s car, license plate number, and any details about the accident scene. This information may help you find the at-fault driver.
Look for Witnesses
Collect information from any witnesses. If possible, ask witnesses to provide police statements about your hit-and-run accident. Witnesses can provide valuable information that may lead police to track down the culprit behind your accident.
Go to a Doctor
Make a trip to an emergency room or your doctor’s office for a complete medical evaluation. You can get details about any hit-and-run accident injuries you suffered and their severity. Also, you can receive medical treatments so you can address your injuries before they lead to long-lasting health problems.
Contact Your Auto Insurance Company
Notify your auto insurer about your hit-and-run accident. Your car insurance company will explain how your coverage works. Plus, your auto insurance company can tell you what it can do to help you repair any damage to your car.
Get in Touch with a Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney in South Carolina
Choose a hit-and-run accident lawyer in South Carolina that has helped clients achieve outstanding case results. This attorney goes the extra mile for clients. To do so, the attorney works in lockstep with clients at each stage of the legal process.
It can be challenging to find the person responsible for your hit-and-run accident. However, remain diligent, and you can work with authorities to identify the at-fault party. As soon as you find the person responsible for your hit-and-run accident, you can sue this individual for damages.
How to Get Awarded Damages in a South Carolina Hit-and-Run Accident Case
Damages are not guaranteed in any personal injury case. If you want damages to be awarded in your hit-and-run accident lawsuit, you need an experienced lawyer at your side. Your attorney can help you build an argument that resonates with a judge or jury.
If a judge or jury rules in your favor, you may be awarded any of the following types of damages:
- Economic: These are given to plaintiffs for medical bills, lost wages, and other quantifiable losses.
- Non-Economic: These are provided for emotional distress, pain, and other subjective losses.
- Punitive: You may receive punitive damages if a judge or jury wants to deter the defendant in your case from future acts of negligence.
Your attorney works with you to gather evidence, find witnesses to testify on your behalf, and take every possible measure to develop a compelling argument. In addition, your lawyer disputes the defendant’s argument against you. If your attorney succeeds, you are positioned to secure the most damages possible.
How Much Damages You Can Expect to Receive in a South Carolina Hit-and-Run Accident Case
There are no caps on economic and non-economic damages you can be awarded in a South Carolina hit-and-run accident case. Your attorney can help you calculate your damages to date and what long-term expenses you may incur. This allows you to request a fair amount of compensation in your lawsuit.
With punitive damages, there is a cap of $500,000 or three times the amount of your economic or non-economic damages — whichever amount is larger. For example, a judge or jury may award you $250,000 in economic and non-economic damages in your hit-and-run accident lawsuit. In this scenario, you may be eligible to receive up to $750,000 in punitive damages.
Your attorney can explain damages in detail and encourage you to seek economic and non-economic compensation. There can be times when a judge or jury gives you the full amount of damages you request. Or, you may be able to secure an adequate amount of damages without ever having to go to trial.
When a South Carolina Hit-and-Run Accident Case Gets Settled Outside the Courtroom
If a defendant wants a fast resolution to a hit-and-run accident case, this individual may propose a settlement. It is your responsibility to review a settlement offer and decide how to proceed with it. As you assess a settlement proposal, your lawyer can help you choose whether to accept, reject, or counter it.
Your attorney wants you to feel comfortable throughout the legal process. It can be daunting to decide on a settlement, but your lawyer takes the guesswork out of doing so. Your lawyer explains the pros and cons of any decision you can make on an offer, so you can make an informed choice.
There is no requirement to accept a settlement offer, no matter how close it comes to the original amount of damages you request. If you are uncomfortable with a settlement proposal, let your attorney know. Next, your lawyer can notify the defendant, and you and your attorney can continue to strengthen your argument for your trial.
File a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm makes it simple to seek damages in a hit-and-run accident lawsuit. To learn more or request a free consultation, please contact us today.
