What to Do After Car Accident in South Carolina: A Step-by-Step Guide for Rock Hill Drivers

Getting into a car accident is a very scary thing. It happens when you least expect it. One minute you are driving to work on Dave Lyle Blvd. The next minute, there is a loud noise and your car stops. Many people in Rock Hill, SC feel very confused after a crash. You might be on I-77 or driving near Celanese Road when it happens. The stress makes it hard to think.

The Law Offices of Wilkerson Jones and Wilkerson understands how you feel right now. It is normal to be upset, but knowing exactly what to do after car accident events occur is vital for your peace of mind. You have to stay calm so you can stay safe. This guide helps you navigate the immediate aftermath. Following these steps protects your health and your legal rights in York County.

Safety is the most important part of any crash. The roads in Rock Hill are very busy. If you get into a wreck, you have to be careful not to get hit again. Other drivers might not see you right away. A car accident changes your whole day; it can even change your life. That is why having a plan for what to do after car accident situations arise is so helpful. When you know the rules of the road in South Carolina, you can handle the situation better. You are not alone in this. Many people have gone through this before.

What Should You Do First After a Car Accident in South Carolina?

Immediately following a car accident in South Carolina, you must stop your vehicle, check for injuries, and move to a safe location if possible. Under SC law, you are required to render aid to anyone injured and call 911 to report the collision if it involves injury, death, or significant property damage.

The very first thing to do is breathe. You must stop your car right away. If you keep driving, that is a crime called a hit and run. You do not want that to happen. Check yourself to see if you are hurt. Sometimes you do not feel pain right away because of the shock. Then, check the other people in your car. If someone is bleeding or cannot move, do not move them unless the car is on fire.

You should use your hazard lights. These are the blinking lights on your car. They tell other people to go around you. If you have safety triangles or flares, put them out. This is very important if it is dark outside. If the cars can still move, try to get them to the side of the road. This keeps traffic moving on busy streets like Celanese Road. If you cannot move the car, just stay safe and wait for the police. Rendering aid means helping people stay calm until the ambulance gets there. It is a kind thing to do.

When Should You Call the Police for a Crash in Rock Hill?

You should call the police for any car accident in Rock Hill that results in injury or property damage exceeding $1,000. Having a responding officer from the Rock Hill Police Department or York County Sheriff’s Office creates an official accident report (FR-10), which is vital for your insurance claim and legal rights.

You should always call 911 if someone is hurt. Even a small bump can cause a lot of damage to a car. Most cars today are very expensive to fix. If the damage looks like it will cost more than a thousand dollars, the law says you must call. The Law Offices of Wilkerson Jones and Wilkerson tells people that a police report is the best way to prove what happened. Without a report, the other driver might change their story later. They might say you hit them when they really hit you.

When the officer arrives, they will give you a “blue form.” This is called an FR-10. You need this for your insurance company. Sometimes a driver will ask you not to call the police. They might offer to give you cash. This is a very big risk. You do not know if they have insurance or if their name is real. Always wait for the Rock Hill Police Department or the York County Sheriff’s Office. They are experts at finding the truth. A verbal agreement is not a legal safety net. It can lead to many problems later on when you try to fix your car.

How Do You Gather Evidence at the Scene of an Accident?

Gathering evidence is like being a detective. You need to show the insurance company exactly how the car accident happened. The best way to do this is with your phone. Take many photos of the crash. You should take pictures of both cars and where they are touching. Take pictures of the road and any skid marks. If there are broken car parts on the ground, photograph them too. This helps experts see how fast the cars were going.

You also need to talk to the other driver. Get their name and their phone number. You must ask to see their insurance card and their driver’s license. Take a photo of these cards so you do not make a mistake writing it down. Do not argue about whose fault it was. Just get the facts. If people saw the crash, talk to them. These are called witnesses. They might be standing near a Rock Hill store or landmark. Their story can help you a lot later. Get their names and numbers before they leave.

Human memory is not perfect. People forget things fast when they are stressed. Having photos and notes makes everything clearer. Look around for cameras on buildings or traffic lights. This footage can be very helpful for a top-rated car accident lawyer. It shows the truth even if the other driver lies. Collecting this info right away is the best path to a fair outcome. It is a way to protect yourself and your family.

Where Should You Seek Medical Attention in Rock Hill, SC?

Even if you feel fine, you should seek medical attention at a facility like Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill within 24 to 48 hours of an accident. Internal injuries or whiplash often have delayed symptoms, and a medical record link to the crash is essential for recovering damages later.

Many injuries do not show up right away. Your body has a lot of adrenaline after a wreck. This hides the pain. You might wake up the next morning and find that your neck or back hurts very much. This is why you should go to Piedmont Medical Center or an urgent care in Rock Hill. A doctor can check you for things you cannot see. They might take an X-ray to make sure no bones are broken.

If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company will be mean. They will say you were not really hurt in the crash. They call this a “Gap in Treatment.” They might think you got hurt doing something else a few days later. The Law Offices of Wilkerson Jones and Wilkerson has seen this happen many times. Going to the doctor right away creates a paper trail. It links your injury to the car accident. This is the only way to get the insurance company to pay for your medical bills. Your health is the most valuable thing you have. Do not ignore a small pain. It could become a big problem later.

Who Should You Notify After a South Carolina Car Accident?

After a crash, you have to tell a few different people. This can feel like a lot of work. But it is very important for your case. First, you must tell your own insurance company. You just need to give them the basic facts. Do not give a recorded statement until you talk to a lawyer. The insurance company wants to save money. They might try to get you to say something that hurts your claim.

If the police did not come to the crash, you might have to file a form with the SCDMV. This is a rule in South Carolina. You should also think about talking to the experienced legal team at our firm. A lawyer can help you understand all the paperwork. They can tell you what to sign and what not to sign. Insurance companies often send papers that ask for your whole medical history. You do not have to give them everything. A lawyer protects your privacy.

It is also smart to keep a notebook. Write down how you feel every day. If you cannot go to work because of the pain, write that down too. This is part of the notification process. You are keeping a record for everyone involved. The Law Offices of Wilkerson Jones and Wilkerson helps you manage these notifications so you can focus on getting better. Getting professional legal guidance makes the process much easier.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in South Carolina?

The statute of limitations for most car accident lawsuits in South Carolina is three years from the date of the collision. If the accident involved a government-owned vehicle or a city of Rock Hill utility truck, this deadline may be shortened to two years under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act.

A statute of limitations is a fancy way of saying there is a time limit. You cannot wait forever to ask for money for your injuries. In our state, you usually have three years. This sounds like a long time. But three years goes by very fast. Evidence starts to disappear. People move away or forget what they saw. The traffic camera footage near the Buster Boyd Bridge might get deleted.

If a government truck hits you, the rule is even stricter. You might only have two years. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue. The court will throw your case out. This is why waiting is very dangerous. It makes it much harder to prove who was at fault. The Law Offices of Wilkerson Jones and Wilkerson wants you to act quickly. Even if you are not sure if you want to sue, you should get legal advice now. This keeps your options open. It is better to be safe than to lose your chance for justice.

Why You Should Hire a Rock Hill Car Accident Attorney

Hiring a lawyer who lives in your city is a very good idea. A Rock Hill lawyer knows the streets where the crash happened. They understand the traffic at the intersection of Cherry Road and Anderson Road. They know which areas are “black spots” where crashes happen all the time. The Law Offices of Wilkerson Jones and Wilkerson have over Many years of experience helping local families. They know the York County magistrates and how the courts work here.

A local lawyer also knows the doctors in Rock Hill. They can help you find a medical provider who will wait for payment until your case is over. This is called lien-based treatment. It helps people who do not have a lot of money right now. A lawyer from far away might not know these local details. They also might not be able to meet you in person. Being able to look your lawyer in the eye is very important.

When you have a lawyer, the insurance company treats you better. They know they cannot trick you. Your lawyer will do all the talking for you. They will fight to get you enough money to fix your car and pay your doctors. This takes the stress off your shoulders. You can spend your time with your family instead of arguing on the phone. Contact us for help to see how a local team makes a difference. Our office staff is ready to listen to your story.

Conclusion

A car accident is a heavy burden to carry alone. From the moment you stop your car to the time you finish your medical care, every step matters. You have to be careful about what you say and who you trust. The roads in Rock Hill can be tricky, but the legal system does not have to be. The Law Offices of Wilkerson Jones and Wilkerson are here to help you through every part of this journey. We know the pain of a sudden injury and the worry about bills.

Remember to stop, call the police, and see a doctor right away. Keep your photos and your notes safe. These are the tools that build a strong case for you. Your rights are time-sensitive, so do not let the clock run out. We are proud to serve the people of York County. If you need someone to stand up for you, we are ready. Taking the right steps today ensures a better tomorrow for you and your loved ones. Please reach out for a free talk about your crash. We will help you find the path to recovery.

FAQs

What if the other driver has no insurance?

 This is a common problem in South Carolina. You might have “Uninsured Motorist” coverage on your own policy. This part of your insurance pays for your bills if the other person cannot. A lawyer can check your policy for you.

Can I still get money if the crash was partly my fault?

Yes. South Carolina has a rule about shared fault. As long as you are not more than 50% at fault, you can still get some money. The amount you get will just be a little bit lower.

How much does a car accident lawyer cost?

Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee. This means they only get paid if they win money for you. You do not have to pay them anything out of your own pocket to start the case.

What if I feel fine but my passenger is hurt?

 Your passenger has the same rights as a driver. They should see a doctor and report their injuries. Your insurance or the other driver’s insurance will help them.

Should I accept the first offer from the insurance company?

 Usually, no. The first offer is often very low. The insurance company wants you to settle quickly before you know how bad your injuries are. Talk to a lawyer before you sign anything.

Free case review: Call us or send a message to start a confidential consultation today.