What to Do After a Car Accident in South Carolina
Each year, more than 5.2 million people receive medical attention following motor vehicle collisions. If you have been in an accident, you may need surgery and physical therapy to return to your former physical condition. If your injuries are particularly severe, you may be unable to work for several weeks or even months. Unfortunately, car accident victims do not always take the necessary steps to protect their rights. Our car accident lawyers can advise on what steps you should take following a crash.
Call 911
If you have any noticeable signs of injury or feel unwell, your first call should be to 911. Once emergency medical personnel arrive on the scene, they will assess your injuries, stabilize them, and transport you to the hospital. Even if you suffer minor injuries, you should be medically evaluated. Our legal team recommends that you receive a physical evaluation within 72 hours of the accident. By seeking medical attention immediately, you preserve your claim.
Contact the Police
The law requires you to contact the police following an accident if there are any injuries, fatalities, or at least $1,000 in property damage. The police officer who responds to the scene will take down your information, the information of any other drivers, a description of the accident, and who the officer believes is at fault. Even if your vehicle sustains only minor damage, we still advise you to contact the authorities, as this will support your insurance claim.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Unless your injuries prevent you from doing so, you should exchange information with the other driver or drivers involved. You should share your full name, contact information, driver’s license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the name of your insurer and policy number.
If you were transporting any passengers, you should share their names with the other driver as well. In turn, this information should be shared by the other driver. Since South Carolina is an at-fault state (meaning that claims will be filed through the at-fault driver’s insurance), you will need this information at your fingertips.
Gather Evidence
If possible, collect all relevant information about the crash. This may include photographs of shredded tires, skid marks, the final resting position of the cars, and any identifying landmarks or nearby intersections. If any bystanders witnessed the accident, take down their names and contact information, and ask whether they can provide a brief statement. If they took a video on their cell phone, this footage may help to strengthen your claim.
Contact our Summerville Car Accident Attorneys
The aftermath of a crash involves many moving parts, and one wrong step can negatively impact your ability to collect compensation. As soon as possible, reach out to our Summerville car accident lawyers. At Gil Gatch Law, we can assess your case, investigate, gather evidence, and advocate for fair compensation on your behalf. To schedule your free consultation, contact us online or by phone at (843) 800-2020 at your earliest convenience.