What to Do After a South Carolina Car Accident

Every year, there are more than six million car accidents in the United States. While drivers hope that they will never have to endure an accident, it is important to be prepared just in case something happens. If you were in an accident, would you know what to do? Here are some steps you should take to protect not only yourself but your accident claim as well:

• Check for injuries. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Once it is safe to do so, you can check to see if the other driver needs help. If no one is seriously injured, move to the side of the road, if possible. If there are injuries, call 911 to request an ambulance and a police officer.
• Limit the information you share with others. You are required to exchange your name, contact information, vehicle information, and insurance information with the other driver. However, you should avoid saying anything that could be construed as an admission of guilt, such as “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you coming.” This could end up costing you the value of your claim!
• Take photos or videos of the accident. Take photographic evidence of the scene of the accident, the damage to your vehicle, and any visible injuries. This can be helpful during an investigation to establish liability.
• Write down what happened. Take note of your recollection of the accident while the incident is still fresh in your mind. It is also a good idea to take down the name and contact information of any witnesses that could corroborate your story.
• See a doctor. Whether or not you immediately feel injured, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. Since symptoms of many soft tissue, neck, and spinal injuries may take days or even weeks to manifest, you should see a doctor early on to establish proof that you were injured. Waiting too long to be evaluated by a doctor may harm your claim.
• Contact a lawyer. It is a good idea to involve an experienced car accident lawyer who can evaluate your claim and help you pursue the full and fair compensation you are entitled to. Going up against an insurance company without representation is usually not in the best interests of the victim and may result in him or her getting less compensation than they are due.

Have questions about your car accident case? We encourage you to contact Traywick Law Offices to schedule a free consultation. Our firm is defined by our resourcefulness, tough representation, and responsive service. You can have confidence that Traywick Law Offices is on your side and prepared to advocate for maximum results every step of the way.

Call (843) 343-5092 to get started.