The average driver in South Carolina will be involved in a car accident several times throughout the course of their lifetime.In fact, in 2017 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that the car accident fatality rate in South Carolina was nearly doubled that of the national average. If you’re involved in a car accident in South Carolina, it is important to know what steps you can take to improve your chances of obtaining the money you need to fully recover.
Step 1: Call 911
Immediately after your accident, call 911. This will alert police and emergency medical services to the accident site. The police will need to assess the accident scene in order to fill out a detailed report of the crash. This report will be extremely helpful when proving liability and seeking to collect compensation. It is important when speaking to the police that you remain calm and answer all of their questions honestly. However, avoid speculating about what caused the accident and never admit to fault. If the officer requests that you move your vehicle out of traffic, be sure that you use extra caution and do so slowly and carefully.
Step 2: Seek Prompt Medical Attention
It is important to be seen by a qualified medical professional immediately after your accident. In the aftermath of the crash, adrenaline surges through the body, often masking injuries. Receiving prompt medical treatment is key to preventing serious and life threatening complications from occurring after an accident. In addition, receiving a medical examination and diagnosis is a critical component to collecting money for your injuries after an accident.
Step 3: Jot Down Following Information
If you are able, take a moment to write down the following information.
- Name, contact information, and insurance information of the other driver
- Vehicle license plate number, make and model of car
- Any pertinent details from the accident you may forget
- Eyewitness contact information
- Location of accident
Step 4: Snap Pictures
If you are uninjured and able to move around the accident scene safely, try to collect visual evidence of your accident and the damage to your vehicle. Take pictures of the accident scene from various angles and locations, get up close pictures of the damage to your cars, and be sure to snap photos of any other evidence you think may be important to your case, such as road signs, tire marks, or road debris. Diagram the accident and write down everything that occurred, including what direction the vehicles were traveling, the weather and any road conditions that may have contributed to the accident.
Step 5: Do Not Speak to Insurance Companies
Insurance companies will contact you quickly, often in as little as 12 to 24 hours. They do not have your best interests at heart. As such, it is best to decline speaking to them until you’ve first spoken to an attorney about your case. Be polite but refrain from even casually speaking about your accident. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be used to show you admitted fault for the crash. They can and will use anything against you in an effort to decrease their own liabilities.
Step 6: Contact the Law Offices of Wilkerson, Jones & Wilkerson
As soon as you are able, contact the Law Offices of Wilkerson, Jones & Wilkerson Our attorneys know how to fight aggressively for injured accident victims because we’ve been doing it for over 35 years. Call us today to begin building your case!
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers Today
At the Law Offices of Wilkerson, Jones & Wilkerson, our personal injury attorneys know that injured accident victims need someone on their side from the moment they are injured. Collecting evidence and building your case is crucial to collecting money to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Call us today at (803) 324-7200 (Rock Hill), (803) 289-7202 (Lancaster), (803) 396-5200 (Fort Mill), (864) 466-5170 (Union) or fill out our confidential contact form. With offices conveniently located in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Union, and Lancaster, we are here when you need us.