The answer to the question is yes, you can be criminally charged when you leave the scene of an accident that you are involved in.
In the state of South Carolina, it is a misdemeanor, and perhaps a felony, to leave the scene of an accident after being involved in one.
If the accident is a minor one, then you will probably just be charged with a misdemeanor, unless there has been serious bodily injury or death. The only exception for leaving the scene is in the event you did so looking for emergency attention. You must then return to the scene with the other victim involved.
In that event, you will be charged with a “felony leaving the scene of the accident,” with fines ranging anywhere from $5000 to $25,000, and up to 25 years in a federal or state prison. These penaltites are typically tacked on when a person is subsequently being charged with reckless homicide or felony DWI.
It is important to know that when you do contact an emergency entity, you are being recording, so under such circumstances, you should monitor your excited utterances. You may or may not be the cause of the accident.
Whether you are the victim in a personal injury suit, or whether you are the person at fault and allegedly being called the defendant, contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower, LLP toll-free for 877-374-5999 for more information