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South Carolina Hit and Run Laws: Can You Leave The Scene of an Accident?

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Chris Carsten
  • Managing Attorney & CEO of Armada Law
  • Over 10 Years of Experience in Personal Injury
  • Graduated from Georgia State University: JD (Juris Doctor) in 2013

South Carolina takes hit-and-run accidents seriously. Leaving the scene of an accident can lead to severe legal consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. Whether the accident involves property damage, injuries, or fatalities, state law requires drivers to stop, provide assistance, and report the incident to the proper authorities.

Drivers often don’t realize the seriousness of this law. If you flee the accident site, you may face strict penalties. Understanding South Carolina’s hit-and-run laws is essential for drivers who want to avoid legal trouble and ensure they handle accidents responsibly.

Understanding South Carolina Hit and Run Laws

A hit and run accident happens when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without fulfilling their legal obligations. In South Carolina, these laws are strict and meant to protect accident victims while ensuring responsible behavior on the road.

Any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or vehicle damage must remain at the accident scene and provide necessary assistance. If they fail to do so, they may face severe penalties under the state’s uniform act regulating traffic.

Leaving the scene of an accident isn’t simply a matter of avoiding responsibility; it’s considered a serious criminal offense. South Carolina law treats these incidents with significant consequences. Whether attended vehicles or motor vehicles are involved, the driver must stop and report the accident to the proper authorities. Not doing so can lead to criminal charges, fines, and even jail time.

Legal Consequences of Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Drivers who leave an accident scene without following legal procedures may face consequences ranging from misdemeanor charges to felonies. The severity of the consequences depends on factors such as whether the crash caused injury, great bodily injury, or death.

In accidents resulting in injury, penalties increase. South Carolina hit-and-run penalties become even harsher if great bodily injury occurs. If the accident results in death, the consequences are severe, with potential prison sentences extending up to 25 years.

Beyond legal consequences, fleeing a car accident can affect civil liability. Victims of hit-and-run accidents can pursue legal claims against the fleeing driver, leading to financial penalties that may exceed initial criminal charges.

Photo of man driving car

Penalties for Hit and Run Offenses in South Carolina

South Carolina laws impose different penalties based on the circumstances of the accident. The consequences drivers face include criminal charges, fines, and imprisonment. If a car accident involves minor damage and no injuries, a driver may face misdemeanor charges and fines. However, if the accident results in injuries or worse, the penalties escalate.

For accidents resulting in minor injuries, penalties range from 30 days to one year in prison, along with fines. If great bodily injury occurs, the prison sentence can extend from 30 days to 10 years, with increased fines. In cases where the accident leads to death, the penalty can be as severe as one to 25 years in prison, along with substantial financial penalties.

Additionally, a driver’s license may be suspended or revoked, affecting their ability to legally operate a vehicle in South Carolina. These penalties underscore the importance of stopping, assisting victims, and notifying the proper authorities after any crash.

Exceptions to Hit and Run Laws: When Can You Leave?

Although the law is strict, certain circumstances may permit leaving the accident scene temporarily. Drivers are allowed to leave only if they seek emergency assistance or report the accident immediately. In some cases, safety concerns may require a driver to move to a secure location before reporting the crash.

Additionally, South Carolina law provides protections for drivers who unintentionally flee due to confusion or fear. However, such cases must be properly defended, often requiring a criminal defense attorney to navigate legal procedures.

A driver may not be immediately charged if they leave due to safety risks, such as an aggressive or violent confrontation at the accident scene. However, reporting the accident as soon as possible remains crucial to avoiding criminal liability. Failure to report within a reasonable timeframe may still result in charges.

How Hit and Run Affects Insurance and Liability

Aside from criminal charges, fleeing the scene of an accident affects insurance coverage and financial liability. Insurance companies typically deny claims for drivers found guilty of hit-and-run offenses, making it difficult to obtain compensation for damages.

Victims of a hit-and-run accident may file a lawsuit against the fleeing driver, seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. If the driver is uninsured, they may be personally responsible for paying these costs, leading to financial strain.

For South Carolina drivers, understanding how hit and run accidents affect liability is essential. Seeking guidance from a car accident lawyer can help navigate insurance claims and legal proceedings. In cases where a driver is wrongfully accused of fleeing the scene, an experienced criminal defense attorney can provide essential legal defense.

Car accident involving motorcycle

Steps to Take If You’re Involved in a Hit and Run

Knowing what to do after a hit-and-run in SC is crucial, whether you’re a victim or the driver involved. The moments following an accident can be stressful, but taking the right steps can protect your rights and prevent further legal or financial issues.

Your first priority should be safety. Check yourself and others for injuries, and if necessary, call 911 for medical assistance. Even if injuries seem minor, getting checked by medical professionals is important. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location without leaving the accident scene entirely. Don’t attempt to chase the vehicle involved in the hit and run, as this can put you at risk.

Once safe, notify the proper authorities immediately. Call the police and provide them with as much information as possible, including details about the other vehicle involved, such as license plate numbers, color, or model. Law enforcement can use this information to investigate the accident and locate the responsible driver.

If you’re a victim, gathering evidence is essential. Take photos of the accident scene, damage to your vehicle, and any visible injuries. If there were witnesses, ask them for statements and contact information. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras can also be valuable.

Hit-and-run accidents can lead to serious legal consequences. If you’re accused of leaving the scene of an accident in SC, seeking help from an experienced criminal defense attorney is critical. If you’re a victim, consulting a car accident lawyer in Greenville can help you recover compensation for damages.

At Armada Law, we fight for accident victims and provide strategic legal defense for those facing criminal charges. Contact our car crash lawyer in Greenville today to discuss your case and get the legal support you need.

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