Getting into a car accident is a scary situation, even if it’s just a fender bender. Luckily, the South Carolina personal injury attorneys at Stewart Law Offices are here to guide you through this traumatic experience, step by step. Here are five things you need to do immediately following your next car collision.
1. Check Yourself & Your Passengers
The first thing you should do after getting into an accident, before even getting out of the car, is make sure everyone is okay. The immediate health of you and your passengers is always priority number one. If nobody is in need of emergency medical assistance, get out and check on the other vehicle.
2. Contact Law Enforcement
After making sure everyone involved in the accident is okay, it is a good idea to call the police – even if there are no serious injuries involved. Responding officers can file a police report, which may be needed for your insurance claim. In some states, it is legally required to contact the police after an accident; no matter how small.
3. Document the Accident
After the police arrive, work with them to construct an accurate record of the accident. Tell them exactly what happened, to the best of your ability. If you aren’t sure, tell them that, instead of making up facts or guessing. If they ask if you are hurt, do not say no, even if you aren’t. Tell them you aren’t sure – many times, injuries don’t become apparent until hours (or even days) after the collision. It is also important to take plenty of pictures of your car for insurance purposes.
4. Gather Information
Obtain the name, address, phone number, and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved in the accident. If there are any witnesses, you should also collect their names and phone numbers in the event you need to contact them in the future.
5. Contact an Attorney
If you want the best chance at recovering costs for personal injury and damaged property, you will need to contact a qualified attorney. They can help you fill out proper documentation, file a legal claim, and recommend the best course of action to recover compensation for your damages.
In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one is hurt in a South Carolina car accident, the attorneys at Stewart Law Offices are just a phone call away. We offer legal representation for personal injury cases in North Carolina and South Carolina, and will even visit you at home or in the hospital while you recover. Contact us online for a free consultation, or give us a call at 866-783-9278.
