A
car accident can be an incredibly jarring and frightening experience. After a collision,
it can be extremely easy to fall into a state of panic and lose control
of the situation. It is extremely important that you remain calm and focused
in order to control your circumstances. Our firm has put together a list
of steps to take after an accident to limit your level of liability and
strengthen your chances of recovering compensation for your injuries.
1. Do not flee the scene: The worst thing you can do after an accident is to drive away without stopping
to aid the other involved drivers or exchange information. This is known
as a “hit and run,” and it can carry harsh legal consequences.
After any type of collision, always stop!
2. Render aid: If anyone has been hurt, call an ambulance immediately. Check yourself
for injuries, as well as your passengers and anyone in the other involved
vehicles. If anyone appears to be seriously injured, do not try to move
them. Spinal cord damage and internal bleeding can potentially be worsened
by improperly moving an injured person. It is best to leave this to medical
professionals.
3. Call the authorities: Calling the police should be your next priority. Law enforcement can control
the scene of the accident, move your vehicles to a safe area if possible,
and create a police report of the crash. Obtaining a copy of this report
will be useful later on when attempting to determine who was at fault
for the incident.
4. Calmly exchange information: Get the names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers,
license plates, and insurance information of all involved drivers. If
there are any witnesses, get their contact information as well.
5. Do not say anything: Other involved drivers may attempt to question you about the accident.
It is imperative that you do not say anything that can incriminate you
later. Do not say “I am sorry,” “I didn’t see
you,” or “I’m not hurt,” as they can nullify your
chances of seeking compensation or even be seen as admissions of fault.
Only discuss the accident with the police or your attorney.
6. Take photos of the damage: Take pictures of all damage inflicted in the wreck. This includes photographs
of all involved vehicles, property damage, skid marks, and photographs
of your injuries.
7. Contact a lawyer: An experienced legal professional can represent your interests and help
you pursue compensation for your injuries and damage to your property.
Injured in a Car Accident? Call (843) 418-0750
At Bluestein Johnson & Burke, LLC, our firm’s highly skilled
Charleston County personal injury attorneys have 40+ years of dedicated legal experience representing car accident
victims and can maximize your chances of securing a fair settlement for
your injuries.
If you have been injured in a car accident in South Carolina,
contact our office online or
request a consultation today to get started towards pursuing the compensation you deserve.