A hit-and-run crash can leave you dealing with injuries, car damage, medical bills, and a lot of unanswered questions. The biggest problem is often figuring out who will pay when the other driver is gone. That can make the process harder, but it does not always mean you cannot recover compensation. A South Carolina hit and run accident attorney can help look into what happened, check the insurance coverage available, and guide you through the claim.

South Carolina law requires drivers involved in crashes that cause injury or death to stop and stay at the scene. They must provide identifying information and offer reasonable help when it is needed. Leaving without doing these things can result in criminal penalties. If you are hurt, reporting the crash as soon as possible also gives you an official record that may matter later when dealing with insurance.

What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Safety comes first. Call 911, report the crash, and get medical care. Do not assume you are fine just because the pain is not bad right away.

If you can, note everything you remember about the vehicle that left. Its color, make, model, direction of travel, license plate characters, and any visible damage could help. Even small details may be useful.

Take photos, too. Get pictures of your vehicle, your injuries, debris, skid marks, and the area around the crash. If nearby homes or businesses have cameras, ask whether the footage may have captured what happened. Witness names and contact details can also help support a hit and run accident claim.

For broader guidance after a collision, see Mastantuno Law Firm’s South Carolina car accident lawyer guide covering accident claims, insurance, and compensation.

Can Uninsured Motorist Coverage Pay for a Hit-and-Run?

Uninsured motorist coverage can be especially useful after a hit-and-run in South Carolina. The South Carolina Department of Insurance says this coverage can protect policyholders when an uninsured or hit-and-run driver causes injury or property damage. South Carolina requires this coverage at the state’s minimum liability limits.

There are extra rules when the driver is unknown. Generally, the accident must be reported to the proper police authority within a reasonable time. Depending on the situation, a claim may also require physical contact with the unknown vehicle, an independent witness, or an electronic recording showing that the unidentified vehicle caused the injury or damage.

What Compensation May Be Available?

The losses covered by hit and run injury compensation depend on the details of the crash and the insurance available. Possible damages can include medical bills, future treatment, lost income, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering.

There is no single value for every claim. Injuries, evidence, insurance limits, and other details all matter. Mastantuno Law Firm also provides a guide to pain and suffering compensation in South Carolina and explains who may be liable in a South Carolina car accident.

Traffic crashes continue to be a serious issue across the state. Preliminary data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety reported about 136,044 traffic collisions in 2025, with an estimated 48,685 injuries and 929 deaths.

How a South Carolina Hit and Run Accident Attorney Can Help

A South Carolina hit and run accident lawyer can help collect the pieces of the case. That may include police reports, video footage, witness statements, insurance records, and information about your losses. An attorney can also review uninsured motorist coverage and deal with insurance companies while pursuing compensation that may be available.

Time can matter after a hit-and-run. Evidence may disappear, and video footage may not stay available for long. If you were injured, getting help early can make it easier to preserve important information.

Mastantuno Law Firm represents people injured in car accidents and other personal injury matters across South Carolina. Contact the firm to discuss what happened, the insurance coverage you may have, and what steps you can take next.

FAQs

What are the penalties for a hit and run in South Carolina?

The penalties depend on what happened and how serious the crash was. Leaving an injury crash can lead to fines and imprisonment. A hit-and-run that causes death can carry 1–25 years in prison and fines up to $25,000, along with license revocation.

Is SC a no-fault state for car accidents?

No. South Carolina follows an at-fault (tort) system. The driver responsible for the crash may therefore be financially responsible for the resulting damages.

What state has the worst car accidents?

That depends on the measure being used. In 2024, Mississippi had the highest motor-vehicle death rate, with 1.81 deaths per 100 million miles traveled and 25.6 deaths per 100,000 residents.

Is South Carolina a no-touch law state?

South Carolina can allow certain no-contact hit-and-run claims. Physical contact is not always required when an independent witness or qualifying recording shows that the unknown vehicle caused the accident.