The Charleston Police Department is investigating a hit-and-run accident that left a woman in critical condition.
According to Live 5 News, officers were called to the parking lot of Rutledge Cab Company restaurant after a woman was struck by a vehicle around 1:30 a.m. on June 25, 2024.
Police have said that the woman was struck by a vehicle entering the parking lot, and witnesses reported seeing a burgundy vehicle fleeing the scene, according to reports from Live 5 News.
The woman, who has not been named, was transported to MUSC where she remains in critical condition.
The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Charleston Police Department or Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry if they wish to remain anonymous.
Pedestrian Fatalities Steadily Increasing Over the Past Decade
Pedestrian fatalities have been steadily trending up since the early 2000s. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that from 2005 to 2018, pedestrian fatalities have increased from 11.2% to 17.3% – an increase of a little over 6%.
According to the NHTSA, more than 4,700 people die in pedestrian accidents every year in the U.S., and an estimated 66,000 victims sustain injuries that require medical treatment every year.
No two accidents are alike, varying in potential causes and circumstances. The most common causes of pedestrian fatalities can be attributed to the following circumstances:
- Hazardous weather conditions
- Walking in dark conditions with or without artificial lighting
- Urban setting, such as a city or widely populated area
- Pedestrians walking on public roads versus intersections
Who is Liable in a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident?
Pedestrians and drivers both have an obligation to practice safety and exercise reasonable care on the road. For drivers, this would include staying alert and watching for pedestrians crossing the road – crosswalks present or otherwise.
For pedestrians, duty of care would include looking both ways before crossing the street and using designated crosswalks to ensure proper safety protocols are being met.
When it comes to determining the at-fault party in a pedestrian vs. car accident case, the driver of the vehicle is often to blame. However, determining the at-fault party in an incident involving a driver who flees the scene becomes a more complicated endeavor.
Unfortunately, most hit-and-run cases go unsolved, leaving the person injured to deal with the aftermath on their own. Not only would this include medical bills and recovery, but also aiding in a law enforcement investigation for the missing driver.
Evidence becomes crucial to a hit-and-run case, and no detail is too minor in an investigation. In the aftermath of an accident, you can gather:
- Make, model, color, license plate, or other identifying details of the vehicle and driver
- Location of the accident, direction of vehicle (both arriving and departing)
- Witness statements
- Details about collision and driver behavior
In the wake of a hit-and-run accident, an investigation can be overwhelming – especially when accompanied by recovery from your injuries. Our experienced car accident lawyers near you can provide aid in the investigation and identification, allowing you to focus on what matters most – getting back to your daily life.
What Happens Next?
As the investigation is underway to find the fleeing driver in your accident, there is still the question of who is left to cover your injuries and medical care.
In a car accident case where all parties are present, a claim would be made on the at-fault driver’s insurance to cover any medical bills or lost wages.
Although the driver is not present to cover your medical care, your insurance may be able to cover some or all of your medical expenses related to the accident.
MedPay is a coverage option in South Carolina (similar to personal injury protection, or PIP, in other states) that can cover pedestrian accidents. Before contacting your insurance company to discuss your options, consult your hit-and-run lawyer to determine if this is the best course of action.
Call the Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Hoffman Law Firm
Facing the aftermath and injuries of a hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling helpless and hopeless when it comes to finding closure.
But our team wants you to know that you are not alone.
An experienced hit-and-run attorney from Hoffman Law Firm can advocate on your behalf, handling all negotiations with the insurance company during the claims process and helping throughout the investigation of the missing driver.
Our Charleston personal injury lawyers proudly support accident victims throughout the Palmetto State, relying on our extensive experience to fight for the results you deserve.
We have established a reputation for success, as well as great service! To meet with one of our car accident lawyers in Charleston, South Carolina, schedule your free consultation today.
