A hit-and-run accident can leave you shaken, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next. Whether it happens in a parking lot or at an intersection, fleeing the scene is illegal in South Carolina — but that doesn’t help much in the moment. What matters most is taking the right steps immediately so you can protect your rights, secure evidence, and improve your chances of recovering compensation.
Below is a clear, practical breakdown of what to do after someone hits your car and leaves the scene.
1. Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
Your safety comes first.
If you or anyone else is hurt:
- Call 911 immediately
- Do not attempt to move injured individuals unless absolutely necessary
- Follow all instructions from emergency responders
Even if injuries are not obvious, adrenaline can mask symptoms — especially in neck, back, or head injuries — so always err on the side of caution.
2. Call the Police and File an Official Report
In South Carolina, you must report a hit-and-run. Police reports are essential because:
- Your insurance company may require it
- It documents the damage and circumstances
- Officers may locate nearby cameras or witnesses
- Leaving the scene is a criminal offense, which strengthens your claim
Tell the dispatcher you’re involved in a hit-and-run and request an officer to document the damage.
3. Document Everything at the Scene
Before your vehicle is moved, gather every detail you can.
Take photos of:
- Damage to your vehicle
- Skid marks or debris
- The area where the crash happened
- Street signs, businesses, and intersections
- Any paint transfer from the fleeing vehicle
Then write down:
- Direction the other driver fled
- Color/type of vehicle
- Any partial plate number
- Time and location of the crash
- Weather and lighting conditions
Small details often become big evidence later.
4. Look for Witnesses (People + Cameras)
Ask around:
- “Did you see what happened?”
- “Did you get a picture of the car?”
Also check for:
- Doorbell cameras
- Business security cameras
- Parking lot surveillance
- Traffic cameras
Many hit-and-run cases are solved because of simple video footage.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly
Tell your insurer the facts of what happened — nothing more.
You may be entitled to:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage
- Collision coverage
- Medical payments (MedPay) coverage
Under South Carolina law, UM coverage is mandatory, which helps protect you when the at-fault driver is unknown.
Do not give recorded statements until you’ve spoken with an attorney — even your own insurer may try to limit payouts.
6. Get a Medical Evaluation — Even If You Feel “Fine”
Hit-and-run victims often develop symptoms hours or days later.
Common delayed injuries include:
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Internal injuries
- Back and spine injuries
A medical exam creates documentation that can make or break your claim later.
7. Call an Attorney Before the Insurance Company Calls You Back
Hit-and-run cases often involve:
- Disputes over fault
- Denials of UM coverage
- Lowball offers
- Claims that “injuries aren’t related”
An attorney can gather surveillance footage, track down witnesses, preserve your rights, and negotiate aggressively with the insurer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is a hit-and-run a crime in South Carolina?
Yes. Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense. Penalties vary depending on whether injuries occurred.
Q: Can I still get compensation if the other driver is never found?
Yes. Your UM insurance can cover property damage, medical bills, and more — even when the at-fault driver is unidentified.
Q: What if the other driver only caused minor damage?
You should still file a police report. Failing to report may jeopardize your UM claim.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
While the statute of limitations is generally three years, your insurer may require notice much sooner — sometimes within days.
Q: Should I chase the fleeing driver?
No. It is dangerous and could harm your case. Leave that job to law enforcement.
Need Legal Help After a Hit-and-Run?
If you’ve been injured or your vehicle was damaged in a hit-and-run accident in Orangeburg, Columbia, Charleston, or anywhere across South Carolina, you don’t have to navigate the process alone.
Call The Bill Connor Law Firm today for your free personal injury consultation.
- Attorney Bill Connor —
- Retired U.S. Army Infantry Colonel
- AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®
- Millions recovered for South Carolina accident victims
Bill will help you gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.