Serving Consequences of Fleeing from an Accident in SC
Hit and run accidents are a prevalent concern in the United States, with over 859,000 crashes occurring in 2022 alone. A person has committed a hit and run crime when he or she leaves the scene of the accident without providing contact information or offering reasonable aid to any injured persons. Anytime a person leaves the scene of an accident without supplying this information, the individual can be criminally charged.
If you have been charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident, you need to speak with our Conway criminal defense lawyer today.
What Duties Does a Driver Have in South Carolina Following a Crash?
South Carolina motor vehicle law requires that a driver who is involved in an accident involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage provide his or her name, address, and vehicle registration number to all involved parties. Additionally, the motorist must provide his or her driver’s license number if requested by the other parties.
South Carolina law requires that an individual who is in a motor vehicle accident which only involves property damage to stop at the accident scene, or as close to it. The driver may leave the scene briefly to report the accident to law enforcement but must return promptly after doing so. If anyone is injured, the driver should make every effort to provide reasonable medical assistance, which will involve calling 911 and even helping to move the injured party into the ambulance if needed.
Reasons a Driver May Leave the Scene of an Accident
In South Carolina, the following factors may contribute to a driver fleeing the scene of the accident:
- The driver may be intoxicated: The driver may speed up instead of waiting at the scene and risk being arrested for a DUI
- Low-light conditions or nighttime: A driver may leave the scene if there is dim lighting since witnesses will have a more difficult time providing identification
- Roads with lower speed limits: A motorist is more likely to drive off if his or her vehicle is not severely damaged, which is more likely if the collision occurred at a low speed. Areas with lower posted speed limits often have higher hit-and-run fatalities.
SC Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Under SC Code §56-5-1210, fleeing the scene in South Carolina may be charged as any of the following:
- Accident resulted in property damage only or damage to unattended vehicle: A misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 30 days in jail and a $100 fine
- Accident resulting in minor injuries or property damage when the vehicle is occupied: A misdemeanor punishable by a maximum sentence of one year and a fine of up to $5,000
- Accident resulting in great bodily injury: A felony punishable by a maximum of ten years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000
- Accident resulting in death: A felony punishable by a maximum of twenty-five years in jail and a maximum fine of $25,000
Consult with Our Conway Criminal Defense Attorney Today
The criminal justice system punishes anyone who leaves the scene of an accident other than contacting law enforcement or emergency personnel. No matter what your reason for leaving the scene, you need experienced counsel by your side. At The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, our Conway criminal defense attorney has successfully protected the freedom and reputation of various hit-and-run offenders. To schedule your consultation, contact us online or by phone today.