Greenville Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
When a driver hits another car, person, or object, they are required to stop at the scene of the accident and wait for law enforcement officials to arrive. If they fail to do this, they are committing a crime known as hit and run, and they can face a plethora of legal penalties.
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you will probably face astronomical medical bills at some point, and if you do not take legal action, you will be stuck paying for your own expenses. This is unfair, and you should contact a Greenville hit-and-run accident lawyer after reading the information below. A skilled accident attorney in Greenville can help you pursue necessary compensation.
Steps to Take After an Accident
When a driver collides with another vehicle, they are legally obligated to take certain actions. If they attempt to flee or leave the scene of an accident prematurely, they can be charged with hit-and-run, which can be either a felony or misdemeanor. After a crash, drivers should take the following steps:
- Ensure no one is injured at the scene
- Contact law enforcement and wait for a police report to be completed
- Exchange insurance information with the other driver
- Obtain the names and addresses of any potential witnesses
- Contact the insurance company
If an individual engages in the steps listed above, they will not be charged with hit-and-run, and they will be able to defend themselves against any personal injury claim filed by the other driver. Once the steps above are completed, accident victims should call a Greenville hit-and-run accident attorney.
Why Do Drivers Flee?
Drivers flee accident scenes for a variety of reasons, but regardless of the reason offered, drivers are required to stay at the scene of an accident. Hit-and-run accidents have the potential to cause serious injury, and even death, and they are not taken lightly. Unfortunately, some drivers prefer to flee the scene of an accident for the following reasons:
- They do not have liability insurance or enough insurance to cover the injuries of the other party
- They are driving without a valid license
- There are warrants out for their arrest
- They are not legal citizens of the United States
- They simply want to avoid any potential legal consequences
Whatever the reason behind the motives of a hit-and-run driver, victims should never feel responsible. When a person hits another person or vehicle, they are morally and legally obligated to remain until a law enforcement official arrives. If a driver flees the scene of a crash, victims should contact a hit-and-run accident attorney in Greenville immediately.
Unattended Vehicles and Inanimate Objects
Contrary to what many people assume, motorists can be charged with hit-and-run if they hit an unattended vehicle or object and proceed to flee the scene. If a person hits an unattended car or any other object, they should immediately write down the license plate of the damaged car.
They should also leave a written note (that contains the personal information of the driver) in a visible place at the scene of the accident. If a motorist fails to do this, property owners may need help from a Greenville hit-and-run accident attorney.
Contact a Greenville Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney Today
If you have been hit by a hit-and-run driver, you may have numerous legal options at your disposal. Even if the driver was found not guilty in a criminal court, you may still be able to obtain financial compensation in a civil court. Contact an experienced Greenville hit-and-run accident lawyer for more information.
