Orangeburg County Hit and Run Lawyer

Car accidents are stressful situations. They can leave people scared and confused. When you are not thinking clearly, you often make poor decisions, such as taking off before the police arrive, making matters worse. Fleeing the scene of an accident is a breach of your legal duties and may expose you to criminal charges. A reputable Orangeburg County hit and run lawyer may assist you in sorting out these allegations and avoiding harsh penalties.

Departing the Scene of an Accident is a Crime in Orangeburg County

South Carolina law establishes a driver’s obligations after a car accident. Under the South Carolina Code of Laws §§ 56-5-1210(A), 56-5-1230 and 56-5-1270, a driver involved in an accident with other people must:

• Remain at the scene
• Notify the police
• Share pertinent information to other drivers and law enforcement (name, address, registration, and insurance information)
• Provide reasonable assistance to those injured

A driver may leave the accident location to obtain help but must immediately return to fulfill their remaining responsibilities. Failure to comply is a crime. These actions amount to a misdemeanor if no one is seriously injured or dies, but the charges rise to a felony when great bodily harm or death results. S.C. Code § 56-5-1210(C) defines great bodily harm as injuries that cause serious risk of death, permanent disfigurement, or long-term loss or impairment of a bodily function or organ.

Accidents involving personal injuries are serious and carry the heftiest penalties for failing to remain at the scene. It may benefit those accused of these charges to consult with a seasoned hit and run attorney.

Obligations When There Is Only Property Damage

Drivers involved in a crash must always stop and take responsibility. Even when no one suffers an injury, the driver must take steps to notify the police, the owner, or both. For an attended vehicle, S.C. Code § 56-5-1220 requires drivers to pull over to a safe location, exchange information, and report the accident to the police. They may temporarily leave only to facilitate reporting.

Under S.C. Code § 56-5-1240, drivers must attempt to locate the owner if they hit an unoccupied vehicle. If that is impossible, the driver must leave a note providing their name, address, and vehicle registration number. The placement of this information must be where someone would see it. If the driver strikes other inanimate objects or fixtures along the side of the road, they must take reasonable measures to identify the owner or risk violating S.C. Code § 56-5-1250.

Noncompliance with any of these requirements may lead to misdemeanor charges. Despite being a lower-level offense, the repercussions are real. Drivers facing these allegations may not fare well handling their defenses alone. Lawyers with experience in this area may help accused drivers achieve satisfactory resolutions with minimal disruption to their lives.

Consequences for Running Away from an Accident

All hit and run allegations bring the potential for jail time and fines. The severity of the sentence turns on whether the charge is a felony or misdemeanor. Drivers convicted of misdemeanor violations must serve a minimum of 30 days in jail. The maximum jail sentence is one year. Courts may impose fines of $100 to $5,000. Felony convictions carry jail time of 30 days to 25 years, and fines range from $5,000 to $25,000. The higher end of these scales applies when severe bodily injury or death occurs.

Penalties for any related offenses, such as speeding or reckless driving, will be added to these sentences. Drivers also risk suspension or revocation of their driving privileges.

You Need a Trustworthy Orangeburg County Hit and Run Attorney

Fleeing the scene of an accident is taken seriously in Orangeburg County. Rely on our Orangeburg County hit and run lawyers to help you fight your case and help you through each step of the process with the best possible outcome. Get started today.