Realizing your parked car has been hit can turn a normal day of running errands or eating at your favorite restaurant into an incredibly frustrating situation.
And, to make matters worse, what if there is no insurance information or contact information left with the damages? Ultimately, if you were involved in a situation where your parked car was hit, and no insurance was left, it’s considered a hit-and-run.
In South Carolina, this is considered a crime, and knowing what to do next is important to ensure you are getting your damages and losses compensated for. With the help of a professional North Charleston car accident lawyer from Shelly Leeke Law Firm, you will be able to take the next steps to file a claim and uphold your rights.
Steps to Take When Someone Hits Your Parked Car
When realizing that someone hit your parked car and fled the scene, there are some steps that one should take. The following are some of the things you can do that can make a huge difference in your claim:
Assess the Damage First
First, make sure you are safe and your vehicle is in a safe position for inspection. Once this is ensured, you can check the total scope of the damage and collect evidence. Take photos from all angles, take videos, write down the specific damages to your car, and collect any debris that has fallen off your vehicle. The more evidence you have, the better.
Call 911
Getting the police involved is super important if this situation happens to you. In South Carolina, a hit-and-run is considered a serious crime, and the person who has done so can face serious penalties. This is why having the police arrive and creating an official police report is super important if you wish to find the person responsible and get the right amount of compensation back.
Try to Find Witnesses or Security Footage
Looking for those who saw the accident happen is important because they will be able to explain what happened further. Get their contact information and make sure you have written their statements down. Additionally, asking about security footage is vital because this will have the most evidence.
Let Your Insurance Company Know
Even though you don’t have the other driver’s insurance, letting your insurance company know what happened is a key piece in being able to file a claim. Reporting the accident to your insurance company will allow you to see what their process is to start a claim and get money back for damages. However, it’s important to note that filing a claim and receiving damages will solely depend on your insurance deductibles.
Take Legal Action
In South Carolina, as stated above, a hit and run is a serious crime. By seeking legal assistance from a skilled car accident lawyer from Shelly Leeke Law Firm, you can get the help you need to ensure your losses are compensated for. Our team can also assist you in understanding the legal process and ensure that all your rights are met.
Being Compensated Following a Hit-and-Run
In many cases of these types of accidents, the driver is found. With the right amount of evidence, the car’s make or model will be known, and this can allow police to track down the person responsible for the damages. When this person is tracked down, it’s easier to contact their insurance company and file a claim against them.
Additionally, looking at the legal side of things, you can file a legal claim in hopes of receiving more compensation. However, sometimes the driver isn’t found. Then who will pay for the damages and losses you have sustained?
In this situation, your insurance may cover these losses. In South Carolina, there are two types of insurance policies that one will have, and both will cover this situation. With uninsured motorist coverage, you must rely on your own insurance provider to save the day. This can be easily done with the assistance of a reputable car accident lawyer who knows how to speak with insurance companies about this exact situation.
The Timeframe to File a Claim After Being Hit While Parked
Nationwide, there are set time frames in which someone can file a legal claim. Known as the statute of limitations, this timeframe will give a certain amount of days for one to seek legal assistance and compensation for losses following a car accident, personal injury, or other injuries.
In South Carolina, it’s important to report a hit-and-run type accident as soon as possible. It’s recommended to report an accident within 24 hours from the time it occurred to allow the police to document it better. But, you will have up to three years from when the accident occurred to report your accident.
If you fail to report it within this time, you won’t be able to receive any type of compensation or damages from the accident that occurred. Talking to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible is the best step to ensuring that all legal aspects are filed in time so that you don’t miss out on compensation.
The Consequences of a Hit-And-Run in South Carolina
Because a hit-and-run is illegal, there are steep fines and consequences for those who choose to do so. This type of crime is considered a misdemeanor but can sometimes be charged as a felony. This crime has fines that start at $100 and a jail sentence of up to 30 days, to more severe consequences.
If a hit-and-run is considered serious and severe, then fines can reach well into the thousands, starting at $25,000 with prison times close to 25 years. Of course, the specifics of the crime will determine the exact consequences, which is why it’s important not to commit crimes like these.
Get Legal Assistance for Anything You Need with the Help of Shelly Leeke Law Firm
When you need legal advice or legal assistance for a car accident or hit-and-run, our team is the one to call. Because we see these types of cases so often, we are well-versed in the ins and outs of the legalities, making it easier to settle.
We will fight for you and for the compensation you deserve when a situation like this occurs. Give us a call today to schedule your free consultation. We will be able to learn more about your claim and can offer more accurate advice on your next steps.
