The State of South Carolina requires that all drivers remain at the scene of an accident, especially when property damage and injuries are evident. Unfortunately, not all drivers abide by the law. Just last week, The State reported on a car collision that occurred on I-77 in Columbia. The source said that the incident occurred at around 6:00 a.m. near Exits 9A/9B which are the exits for Garner’s Ferry Road.
Law enforcement, emergency medical personnel, and firefighters all arrived at the scene only to determine that the accident was a hit-and-run and the vehicle that caused it was nowhere to be found. The source says that although it wasn’t clear how many people were injured in the wreck, officials did confirm that at least one pedestrian was hurt. The incident also led to major delays on the interstate.
Traffic cameras recorded first responders at the scene for about five hours as they worked to clear the road. It wasn’t until about 11:15 a.m. when all lanes on I-77 were reopened. While there was limited information provided at the time of the crash, the South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the accident which we hope will produce some answers.
What steps should I take after engaging in a hit-and-run accident in Columbia, SC?
Car accidents are on the rise in South Carolina, especially those that involve fatal injuries. Although we never anticipate getting involved in an accident, especially one with a driver who chooses to flee the scene, you must familiarize yourself with the steps you should take if you were recently involved in one in Columbia, SC.
- One of the first things you should consider doing is seek medical attention, especially if you are feeling pain or discomfort. Even if you feel as though you may have suffered a minor injury that doesn’t require medical attention, it is best to have a physician evaluate your condition.
- Write down any information you can recall pertaining to the accident. Did you see the type of vehicle that was being driven? Were there any witnesses present? If there were, try and get a statement from them along with their contact information.
- Contact Louthian Law Firm, P.A. to speak with a qualified Columbia, SC car accident lawyer. Regardless of whether the driver is identified or not, we can help you understand what you are entitled to recover in terms of compensation for your losses and how you can go about recovering it.
Car accidents are complicated matters and they only become more difficult to deal with when the driver who hit you has not been identified. Rather than try to handle the matter on your own and risk losing compensation that could be used to cover medical bills and lost wages, why not let one of our helpful and experienced car accident attorneys in Columbia, SC assist you during this time.
Louthian Law Firm, P.A. can be reached at:
1116 Blanding Street, #3A
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 888-316-9040
Website: www.louthianlaw.com
Bert Louthian has been practicing law in Columbia with his father, Herb, since 1985. After receiving his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina, Bert launched his legal career in his father’s firm. With 80 years of legal experience between them, Louthian Law, P.A. remains Family-Owned and Family-Focused.
Bert understands that when life goes wrong – when you or someone you love gets hurt or suffers a loss, it can feel like nothing will ever be right or fair again. He gets up and goes to work every day to prove that feeling wrong – and does everything in his power to make things right again.
