Car accidents can turn your life upside down ,but nothing complicates the situation more than leaving the scene until law enforcement arrives. In South Carolina, fleeing after a hit-and-run accident can result in serious criminal charges, civil liability, and loss of driving privileges. Whether it’s damage to vehicles shall, bodily injury, or worse, state law demands you stop, assist, and report the crash properly.
At Ted Law Firm, we are committed to educating you about your rights and responsibilities ,because one wrong decision can lead to lasting damage to your driving privileges, your freedom, and your future. Here’s everything you must know about a hit-and-run accident in South Carolina.
South Carolina’s Hit-and-Run Laws Explained
Under Section 56-5-1210 of South Carolina law, drivers involved in any hit-and-run accident involving property damage, bodily injury, or death must immediately stop at or near the accident scene. You must:
- Stop your disabled vehicle without obstructing vehicular traffic.
- Provide your name, address, medical records, vehicle registration, and show your driver’s license if asked.
- Offer reasonable assistance or call for emergency services personnel if an injured person needs medical attention.
Failure to comply can lead to serious criminal penalties ,even if the collision seemed minor or involved only types of vehicles such as a privately-owned motor vehicle.
Penalties for Leaving the Scene in South Carolina
Depending on the severity of the accident, punishments can vary:
1. Property Damage Only
- Charged as a criminal offense (subsequent offense).
- Fines ranging from $100 to $5,000 for an accident with property damage.
- Possible days imprisonment up to one year.
- Potential license suspension or revocation.
2. Bodily Injury
- Felony charges (substantial risk involved).
- Fines between $5,000 and $10,000.
- Prison time ranging from 30 days to 10 years (depending on minimum sentences guidelines).
- Long-term impact on criminal records.
3. Serious Bodily Injury or Death
- Severe felony charges.
- Fines between $10,000 and $25,000 for the fault party.
- Prison terms from one to 25 years (term of imprisonment).
- Permanent loss of driving privileges.
Why Drivers Flee Accident Scenes
Despite the risks, some drivers still leave because of:
- Fear of insurance company consequences and cost of services recommended.
- Influence of alcohol causing impaired judgment.
- Outstanding warrants or fear of law enforcement officers.
- Panic, shock, or not noticing damage to vehicles shall due to poor traffic signs visibility.
- Driving on public road or multi-lane highway in bad conditions.
However, none of these reasons excuse fleeing ,law enforcement officers and courts treat a hit-and-run driver extremely harshly.
Civil Consequences for Hit-and-Run
Besides criminal penalties, you can face massive financial penalties:
- Victims can sue for medical care, property repairs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
- Punitive damages may apply if reckless behavior and substantial risk are proven.
- Your auto insurance might deny coverage based on admissions of fault.
If you fled and were later identified via photographic evidence, license plate recognition, or traffic investigation reports, you may face legal actions even after a scene until law enforcement arrives.
How to Defend Against Hit-and-Run Charges
If accused, you still have rights. Possible defenses include:
- Lack of knowledge that an impact occurred involving a combination of vehicles.
- Leaving the scene to seek medical attention.
- Mistaken identity (e.g., someone else using your authorized vehicle).
- Failure by law enforcement officers to gather competent evidence, conclusive evidence, or facie evidence properly.
An attorney with experience from Ted Law Firm can help you challenge weak photographic evidence and pursue your defense aggressively.
What to Do If You’re Involved in an Accident
To stay compliant with South Carolina traffic laws:
- Stop your disabled vehicle safely.
- Check for injured persons and call for emergency services personnel.
- Report the crash to law enforcement officers immediately.
- Document road conditions, damage to vehicles shall, and other offenses using photographic evidence.
- Cooperate with police officers and insurance adjusters.
- Consult a defense attorney or accident lawyer if injuries or disputes arise.
How Ted Law Firm Can Help You
Facing criminal charges after an accident can be overwhelming. Ted Law Firm is here to:
- Defend you against hit-and-run accident conviction.
- Represent victims in personal injury cases needing medical care and compensation.
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies regarding cost of services provided and cost of services recommended.
- Fight your case aggressively to reduce days imprisonment and criminal penalties.
- Assist with towing vehicle services if needed post-accident.
We understand difficult times call for strong legal representation ,and that’s exactly what we deliver through trusted attorney with experienced support.
Leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident in South Carolina is a serious mistake ,legally, financially, and personally. If you are facing hit-and-run driver allegations, trust Ted Law Firm to protect your future.
Ted Law Firm proudly stands with injured pedestrians and their families throughout Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Aiken, and Myrtle Beach,fighting for justice across South Carolina and Georgia. If a serious pedestrian accident has disrupted your life, you can count on Ted Law Firm for compassionate guidance and strong legal support every step of the way.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
