A drunk driver hit you, but instead of stopping, they sped off. Now you’re left shaken, injured, and wondering how you’ll get the help you need.
When the intoxicated driver flees the scene, it creates legal and emotional hurdles that can feel impossible to navigate alone.
But you’re not alone. A Charleston DUI injury attorney may help you uncover paths to compensation, even if the driver is never identified. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself and your future.
Why Drunk Drivers May Flee the Scene
When a drunk driver leaves the scene of an accident, they compound their crime and complicate your recovery.
Many drunk drivers flee because they fear the consequences of a drunk driving conviction, which may include:
- License suspension or revocation. DUI convictions can lead to the loss of driving privileges.
- Jail time. Jail time is especially likely for repeat offenders.
- Higher insurance premiums or dropped coverage. A DUI can be financially devastating.
- Employment consequences. Commercial drivers, professionals with licensing requirements, and others may be adversely affected by a conviction for drunk driving.
Unfortunately, their decision to run often compounds their problems and makes things worse for people who were hurt in the accident.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit and Run Drunk Driving Accident
The steps you take in the moments and hours after a hit and run crash can impact the outcome of your case. If possible, it’s important to:
- Call 911 and stay at the scene. Even if the other driver flees, you need police documentation to pursue compensation.
- Seek medical attention right away. Injuries like concussions or internal bleeding may not be immediately visible, but a thorough medical examination is essential to your physical and financial recovery.
- Document everything you can. Try to remember details such as the color, make, or license plate number of the fleeing vehicle; even partial information can be helpful.
- Take photos and collect witness statements. This can help investigators locate the driver and strengthen your claim.
It’s also essential to contact an experienced Charleston DUI injury lawyer. Your attorney can protect your rights and begin gathering evidence, filing insurance claims, and exploring all legal options for recovery.
Can You Still Receive Compensation if the Driver Is Not Found?
Yes, you may be able to recover compensation even if the other driver is never found.
If you have auto insurance, you likely have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, which is mandatory in South Carolina. UM coverage covers your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, even if the at-fault driver can’t be located. You don’t have to wait for the police to find the drunk driver before you begin your claim. Instead, you can pursue compensation quickly.
Since you were not at fault for the drunk driving accident, you do not have to worry about raised insurance premiums if you file a claim.
Why You Need a Charleston DUI Injury Attorney After a Hit and Run Drunk Driving Accident
After a hit and run, a Charleston DUI injury lawyer can help you:
- Work with police and investigators. Your attorney can help gather surveillance footage, track down witnesses, and assist in identifying the driver.
- File claims with your insurance company. They’ll protect you from tactics meant to reduce your payout.
- Pursue a civil lawsuit if the driver is found. Even if criminal charges are pending, you can seek compensation for your injuries.
- Navigate delays and disputes. Insurance companies may deny or delay claims in hit-and-run cases. An attorney can push back.
The goal is to help you get the compensation you deserve for your accident injuries.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Hit and Run DUI Crash?
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical care
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Lost wages and benefits
- Reduced earning potential
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Property damage, including vehicle repair or replacement
Being hit by a drunk driver who then disappears is one of the most disorienting and unjust experiences you can face. But you still have rights, and you still have options. A Charleston DUI injury attorney can help you pursue justice after a hit and run.