Serving Consequences of Fleeing from an Accident in SC
If you have been accused of leaving an accident scene in South Carolina, you may be imprisoned and/or fined. These are only the criminal penalties; offenders may also face civil liability. Although there may be any number of reasons to flee the scene of an accident, you risk having a criminal record that will follow you forever. This can make it challenging to rent an apartment, find a well-paying job, or renew professional licensure.
At The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, LLC, our Myrtle Beach criminal defense lawyer has helped numerous individuals achieve favorable results following hit-and-run charges. If you are facing hit-and-run allegations, let our firm assist you in defending your freedom.
Duties at an Accident Scene Under South Carolina Law
According to SC Code §56-5-1230, a driver who is involved in an accident resulting in injury or death has a legal obligation to perform the following:
- Exchange their name, address, and vehicle registration number
- Provide their driver’s license (upon request)
- Render reasonable medical assistance, including making arrangements for the injured party to be transported to the nearest hospital or medical facility
The same responsibilities apply to accidents involving damage only to an attended vehicle. However, the law does permit you to temporarily leave the scene to report the accident to the police. If you strike an unattended vehicle, you have a legal responsibility in South Carolina to get a hold of the vehicle owner or to leave a written notice in a conspicuous place on the vehicle providing your name and address and the name of the vehicle owner (of the car you are driving). Also, you are allowed to move your vehicle out of the roadway to prevent traffic obstruction.
What Counts as a Hit-and-Run Under SC Law?
A hit-and-run (charged as “leaving the scene of an accident” in South Carolina) occurs anytime a person:
- Driving away without providing their contact information, vehicle registration, or driver’s license
- Backing into a parked car without making an effort to contact the driver
- Colliding with a highway guardrail or other property without notifying the owner
- Striking a cyclist, pedestrian, or motorcyclist and leaving the scene without offering medical assistance
Hit-and-Run Criminal Penalties
Under Title 56 of the South Carolina Code, criminal penalties under the law for leaving the scene of an accident vary based on the circumstances:
Property Damage Only or Damage to an Unattended Vehicle
If you hit a parked car or another unattended vehicle and flee the scene, you could face up to 30 days in jail or a maximum $100 fine.
Property Damage To Attended Vehicles
If a hit-and-run results in only property damage, then you may face one year in prison, fines ranging from $100 to $5,000, or potentially both.
If Injury Results
If you leave the scene of an accident that results in injury, it is punishable by 30 days to one year in prison, fines ranging from $100 to $5,000, or both.
If Great Bodily Injury Results
If great bodily injury occurs, you may be sentenced to 30 days to 10 years in prison and fined $5,000 to $10,000.
If Death Results
If there are any fatalities, you may be sentenced to 1 to 25 years in prison and fined $10,000 to $25,000.
Driving Privileges
Depending on the severity of the offense and if you have any prior hit-and-runs, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) may revoke your driving privileges or potentially revoke your license.
A hit-and-run conviction will result in a criminal record, stripping you of your freedom and tarnishing your reputation. These consequences can be far-reaching, leaving you unable to rent an apartment or find suitable employment upon your release. Hiring representation immediately can allow you to get ahead of hit-and-run charges and achieve the best possible outcome.
Civil Penalties
While an accident victim will file a claim through your insurance company to recoup accident-related losses, your insurance may deny the claim in the event of a hit-and-run. Instead, you may be held personally responsible for the following damages:
- Medical bills for serious injuries
- Vehicle damage
- Lost earnings and loss of future earnings
- Property repair costs
- Pain and suffering
- Physical therapy and other rehabilitative therapies
Speak with Our Myrtle Beach Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you have been accused of leaving the scene of an accident, our Myrtle Beach criminal defense attorney can help. At the Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, LLC, we are committed to assisting criminal defendants. With experience as a former state prosecutor, Attorney Brad Richardson knows what approaches yield the best results. To arrange your free consultation to discuss your matter, contact us online or by calling (843) 488-4321 today.