Steps to Take After a South Carolina Car Accident
A car accident can have a significant impact on your life. From mounting medical bills to extensive property damage and physical trauma, these collisions can make it difficult to go to work, participate in daily activities, or stay on top of your finances.
If you are involved in a South Carolina car accident, you may be eligible for an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver. To protect your interests in your future case and seek the help that you need, take the following steps after your collision and support your future claim.
#1: Call 911 and Report the Accident
Immediately after the collision, call the police and ask for an officer to come to the scene of the accident. The officer will attend the scene, interview the drivers and witnesses, and create a police report. This document can be a valuable piece of evidence in your case, helping validate your side of the story and identify the involved parties.
If possible, speak to the responding officer and discuss how the accident occurred to the best of your ability. If you do not know the answer to a question, respond accordingly. Collect the officer’s name and badge number so that you can find the report on a later date.
#2: Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Next, seek emergency medical attention for any injuries that you sustained in the accident. Save all documents and records related to these injuries and the treatment that you receive. Continue to receive follow-up care in the weeks and months following the collision.
You should always go to the doctor after a South Carolina car accident, even if you do not feel hurt. You may have internal injuries, or your symptoms may not be apparent yet. Failure to seek medical care could reflect poorly on your future case, so it is important to receive an exam.
#3: Document Evidence
Car accident evidence is the freshest immediately following the collision. If you are able to move around the accident site, try to document as much evidence as possible for your claim. Take as many pictures as possible of your injuries, property damage, and the area around the accident, including any skid marks, debris, or traffic signs.
If any witnesses saw the accident occur, approach them and ask for their contact details. These individuals could provide valuable testimonies on your behalf and help validate your version of events.
Exchange license, insurance, and contact details with the at-fault driver as well. Keep your interaction short and succinct. Do not offer any information about the accident or make any statements about your liability or your injuries. Whatever you say could affect your case.
#4: Contact a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
After you receive medical attention for your injuries, it is important to contact an attorney who can represent your car accident claim. Your attorney can guide you through the litigation process and advocate for your interests during negotiations with the insurance company.
Your attorney can also calculate your potential settlement, connect you to specialized medical care, and gather the evidence necessary to build your case. Contact a South Carolina car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your collision to discuss your next steps.
