Company Drivers Fleeing the Scene of an Accident After They Hit Me

If a company driver hits you and speeds off, this is known as a hit and run accident. The penalties under South Carolina law are severe, with a conviction for a damage-only accident resulting in steep fines or incarceration. The only reason that a driver can leave the scene is to report the accident to the police, after which the motorist must return immediately.

At The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, we are dedicated to helping victims of hit and runs recoup their losses. If you or a family member were recently impacted by a hit and run, our Myrtle Beach car accident attorney would like to speak with you.

What Duties Does a Motorist Have Following an Accident in Myrtle Beach?

South Carolina law mandates that drivers involved in an accident must stop at the scene and provide their name, contact information, and vehicle registration number. If requested, the driver must show their driver’s license. Although the driver is permitted to leave the scene briefly to report the accident to law enforcement, they must return as soon as possible. If the driver chooses to remain at the scene, they must stay there until the police arrive.

State law also requires that you render medical assistance to those who need it or if the person asks for your help. Medical aid may include assisting paramedics in loading an injured person into the ambulance. Under South Carolina’s Good Samaritan Law, good-doers are protected from legal repercussions if they inadvertently injure another person in the process. As long as you can show that your intentions were noble, you cannot be held civilly liable.

Vicarious Liability Involving Company Drivers

Under the principle of respondeat superior, a business owner will be held liable for the actions of their employees. So, if you decide to pursue damages, you will probably be suing the company owner, not the employee who struck your vehicle. Vicarious liability will apply if there is an employer/employee contract if the employee was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident, and if the employer had supervisory control over the employee driver. If one of these parameters does not apply, then the employer will not be held financially responsible.

South Carolina Hit and Run Penalties

The Palmetto State punishes hit and run offenders severely. Under SC Code §56-5-1210, an individual who leaves the scene of an accident may be punished accordingly:

• In accidents resulting in property damage only or damage to an unattended vehicle, the offender may be incarcerated for 30 days and fined $100.
• In accidents resulting in minor injuries or property damage when the vehicle is occupied, a conviction will result in a mandatory 30-day sentence up to a maximum of one year in jail, a mandatory minimum fine of $100, potentially being fined as much as $5,000, or both fined and imprisoned.
• In accidents resulting in great bodily injury, this is a felony, punishable by a maximum of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $10,000.
• In accidents resulting in any fatalities, this is a felony, punishable by a maximum of 25 years in jail and a $25,000 fine.

Myrtle Beach Car Accident Attorney Providing Tenacious Representation

If you have been hit by a company driver who fled the scene, you deserve to be compensated for any injuries or vehicle repairs. At The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, our Myrtle Beach car accident lawyer has recovered thousands of dollars for individuals impacted by an employee driver’s carelessness behind the wheel.

If you are getting nowhere with insurance, our firm is more than happy to work on your behalf. Our firm attorney has successfully negotiated numerous settlements with insurance, handling communications directly with claims adjusters. To schedule your consultation or to learn more about our services, contact us online or by phone today.