A hit-and-run accident in Bennettsville can wreak havoc on your life in seconds. When a driver speeds away instead of stopping, victims are left with medical bills, car repairs, and the painful question of who will pay. Even though SC law gives you the right to seek compensation, insurance providers rarely make the process easy, especially when the at-fault driver is nowhere to be found.
At Douglas Jennings Law Firm, LLC, our experienced hit and run accident lawyers in Bennettsville can track down the truth, deal with the insurers, and fight for the full value of your claim.
What Counts as a Hit-and-Run in Bennettsville?
Under the SC Code, a driver involved in an accident that causes injury or death must stop immediately and stay until law enforcement arrives. Leaving the scene without identifying themselves is a crime, and the penalties are steep. A driver who flees after causing minor injury can face up to one year in jail and $5,000 in fines, while a hit-and-run causing serious injury or death can mean up to 25 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.
These laws exist to protect hit-and-run victims like you. However, enforcing your rights will require legal action. Even if police can’t locate the fleeing driver, you can still recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage, which applies to phantom vehicle collisions.
What Compensation Can You Get After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Bennettsville?
Whether the fleeing driver is identified or not, you have the right to pursue full compensation for your losses. If law enforcement locates the driver, you may file a personal injury claim against their insurance or pursue a civil lawsuit for damages. This can include coverage for medical treatment, emotional suffering and pain, lost earnings, property damage, and reduced earning potential. In more serious cases, courts may also award punitive damages to punish the driver’s reckless decision to flee.
If the driver is never found, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can provide similar compensation, treating the unknown driver as uninsured. Additionally, families who lost a loved one can seek wrongful death damages for funeral costs and loss of companionship.
Whatever your situation, our hit and run accident attorneys in Bennettsville at Douglas Jennings Law Firm, LLC, can identify every available source of recovery to make sure no dollar of your loss goes unclaimed.
Our Hit and Run Accident Attorneys in Bennettsville Can Help
At Douglas Jennings Law Firm, LLC, we’ve seen our share of different hit-and-run accidents. Our skilled Bennettsville hit and run accident lawyers can work on your case by:
Securing Evidence Immediately
Time is crucial. We will gather police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage from nearby stores, intersections, and homes. Even partial license plates or vehicle descriptions can make the difference between a case that stalls and a case that succeeds.
Identifying The Responsible Party
When a driver is found, our Bennettsville hit and run accident attorneys can coordinate with your insurance claim or pursue civil action to recover full compensation.
Accurately Valuing Your Case
Our legal team will carefully document all your recoverable expenses, including emergency care, ongoing treatment, time off work, and the toll of physical pain and anxiety.
Guiding You Through Local Procedures
Bennettsville and Marlboro County courts have unique processes. Our Bennettsville hit and run accident lawyers can ensure you understand deadlines, hearings, and evidence rules specific to this area, so nothing catches you off guard.
Handling Insurers Directly
Whether it’s the at-fault driver’s insurer or your own, or in court or negotiations, we deal with the adjusters and paperwork so you can focus on healing.
Speak to Our Hit and Run Accident Lawyers in Bennettsville
Arrange your complimentary consultation with our Bennettsville hit and run accident attorneys by contacting Douglas Jennings Law Firm, LLC, at 843-479-2865 or online.
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