2 CCU Students Critically Injured in DUI Hit-and-Run on Hwy 544 in Conway, SC

Conway, SC (August 19, 2026) – Two Coastal Carolina University students were seriously injured early Sunday morning, August 16, after being struck by a hit-and-run driver along Highway 544 near Elvington Loop. Conway Police Department officers responded to the scene shortly after midnight.

According to preliminary reports from law enforcement, a vehicle struck the two student pedestrians near the campus perimeter and fled the scene without stopping to render aid. Emergency medical services arrived quickly and transported both students to a local hospital for treatment.

Conway police located the suspect vehicle shortly after the incident. Authorities arrested the 17-year-old driver and charged him with two counts of driving under the influence (DUI) and two counts of hit-and-run involving great bodily injury.

Our thoughts remain with the two injured students as they work towards recovery.

How Do Insurance Claims Work After a Hit-and-Run or DUI Crash in Conway, SC?

Navigating an auto insurance claim following a hit-and-run or drunk driving crash in Conway involves specific statutory coverages and policy protections designed to help injured pedestrians.

Under South Carolina law, victims injured by an uninsured or fleeing driver can recover financial compensation for medical expenses and lost wages through their own or a resident relative's insurance policy.

According to South Carolina law, all auto insurance policies issued in the state must include mandatory Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, which steps in to pay damages when a phantom or hit-and-run driver cannot be identified or lacks coverage.

Additionally, victims may utilize Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) / Medical Payments coverage to address medical bills exceeding standard policy limits.

In cases involving drunk driving, victims can seek punitive damages, which are meant to punish egregious misconduct and are exempt from standard statutory damage caps. Insurance adjusters often attempt to settle hit-and-run claims quickly before the full cost of future medical treatments and rehabilitation is established.

Skilled personal injury attorneys guide crash victims through complex insurance policies, identify all available coverage layers, and fight to secure maximum financial compensation under South Carolina law. 

If you have been hurt in a pedestrian accident in South Carolina and are having trouble understanding what steps to take to protect your rights, we can help you. 

Reach out to The Arndt Law Firm at (843) 273-8149 to learn more about your options. Our team is here to guide you through the legal process. 

Note: This post has been prepared using information gathered from publicly available secondary sources. The details of the incident have not been independently verified. If you notice any inaccuracies, please contact The Arndt Law Firm so we can promptly review and update the content to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. This content does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not constitute a solicitation for legal services. If you have been injured in an accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. Any photographs included in this post are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual scene of the accident.