Columbia, SC Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Sadly, hit and run accidents are quite common in South Carolina. In 2021 alone, there were a reported 4,925 vehicles involved in a hit-and-run accident in South Carolina. Of these accidents, 728 led to injury, 42 to serious injury, and 13 were fatal. Due to the lack of information about the at-fault party, these cases can be quite frustrating and lonely for those involved. Hit-and-run accidents require a lawyer who is well versed in this area of the law. 

If you or a loved one was the victim of a hit and run car accident in Columbia, it is critical to contact a reputable, experienced Columbia car accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights. Call the Columbia hit and run lawyers at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC today for a free case evaluation at (803) 888-2200. We have the resources needed to ensure you get the justice you deserve following an unexpected and unavoidable accident.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case Following a Hit and Run 

You may be wondering whether or not you should hire a lawyer after a hit-and-run accident. In our experience, any time an accident leads to injury, it is in your best interest to at least speak to a reputable car accident lawyer about your situation. Our team offers complimentary case evaluations where we listen to you and explain your options under South Carolina law.

Generally, there are many benefits to hiring a lawyer following a hit-and-run accident:

• Identify Available Insurance Coverage For Your Compensation: In hit-and-run accidents, it can be nearly impossible to identify an at-fault party. This often means that you will have to rely on your own insurance policy, such as uninsured motorist insurance, to recover compensation for your damages. An experienced car accident attorney can help you discover all forms of compensation available to you.

• Conduct an Investigation: Our experienced hit-and-run accident lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation into your case by gathering evidence and identifying/interviewing witnesses to optimize your claim, as well as to help identify the person responsible.

• • Optimize Your Claim: One benefit of having an experienced attorney on your case is that we have handled hundreds of injury claims, so we know what to look out for and what to expect. We will file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf, seeking fair compensation for all of your past, current, and future related damages.

• Negotiation: With decades of combined experience handling car accident cases throughout Columbia and the state, combined with previous experience working for insurance companies, our lawyers have a unique ability to aggressively negotiate with insurance adjusters to get you the entirety of what you’re owed.

• Compassionate, Reliable Guidance: The aftermath of any accident, but especially a hit-and-run, can be confusing and upsetting. Our team is here for you, and you can trust that we will aggressively protect your best interests. We value client-attorney communication and will keep you updated every step of the way.

Filing a Claim For Damages After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Columbia, SC

In a typical car accident, the victim and at-fault party exchange information such as their name, contact, and insurance information. From there, the victim is able to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, when a driver flees the scene of the accident, you can be left hurt, with unexpected damages, and little to no information about the negligent driver. 

Luckily, you may still be able to seek compensation through:

• The At-Fault Driver: If the at-fault driver is eventually identified and has insurance, you may seek compensation for your damages from their insurance company. 
• Your Auto Insurance: You may also be able to seek compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage (UM). 
• John/Jane Doe Lawsuit: Following the accident, you can file a John/Jane Doe lawsuit against an unknown driver. To do so, you must prove that you:
  • Have not been negligent in your attempts to identify the at-fault driver
  • Your damages and injuries are a direct result of the hit-and-run accident
  • If there is no contact between your vehicle and unknown driver’s vehicle, you must have signed affidavit with details of the accident from a third-party who witnessed the accident
  • You submit the accident report in a timely manner.

Our lawyer will help identify all forms of compensation and coverage available to you depending on the specifics of your case. To get started on the road to justice and recovery, contact our team today by calling (803) 888-2200.

Why Drivers Flee the Scene

Based on our experience, there are many reasons why a driver may flee the scene of an accident they caused. This includes, but is not limited to:

• They don’t have auto insurance – While it is required by SC law for all motorists to have auto insurance, about 12.3% of SC drivers are uninsured.
• Driving without a license
• Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol
• Violating parole
• Have outstanding warrants
• Fear/Anxiety, and other reasons.

No matter the cause of the hit-and-run accident, you shouldn’t be left to handle the process on your own. Our lawyers are here to help ease the burden and get you the justice and compensation you deserve under South Carolina law. For a free case evaluation, reach out to our office today.

Common Injuries From Hit and Run Accidents

Hit and run accidents can lead to a wide array of injuries depending on the specifics of the crash, such as whether someone was hit in a vehicle or as a pedestrian. Some common injuries can include:

• Brain Injuries 
• Broken Bones
• Disfigurement
• Head Injuries
• Internal Injuries
• Spinal Injuries
• Whiplash, and more.

Devastatingly, it is not uncommon for hit-and-run accidents to lead to wrongful death. If this happened, we are so sorry. When you’re ready, we’re here to help you and your family get the justice you deserve.

Get a Complimentary Accident Case Evaluation Today

With hundreds of 5-star reviews and millions recovered for our clients, you can trust the team at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC has your back. Don’t go through the legal process on your own – contact our Columbia personal injury office today for a free case evaluation. We’re here to secure you with the best outcome possible for the future ahead.

Call (803) 888-2200 today or complete our secure, online consultation request form and a member of our team will be in touch as soon as possible. We are available for you via phone 24/7.