Getting involved in a car accident is a terrifying experience. While the collision may be over within seconds, the aftermath that it leaves you often lasts for much longer.
As you try to recover from your crash injuries, it is important to re-examine the actions that you took during the accident and establish measures that can help improve your chances for fair compensation.
Remain at the scene and call 911
After the car accident, you need to stay alert and call 911 to ask for urgent assistance. Check yourself for signs of cuts, lacerations, bruises or trauma. If there are other people hurt within the vicinity, take them to a safe spot and let them know that help is on the way.
Keep in mind that South Carolina law requires that any motor vehicle collision that causes an injury, death or over $1,000 in property damage must be reported.
Inform the local police
As you are being evaluated by the paramedics for your injuries, you must call the police and wait for them to arrive. Provide them with your contact information and let them know about the details of the crash.
Typically, the law enforcers will file the report and create an official collision report for the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). You have the right to access this report online and use it later as evidence when you file your insurance claim.
However, if there was no response from the police department when you tried to contact them, you need to file the report on your own and submit it to SCDMV within 15 days of the accident.
Seek medical care
After receiving your first-aid treatments, ask the paramedics to take you to the nearest hospital. No matter how minor you think your injuries are, you must still go to the doctor to seek their prompt medical assistance.
While most injuries are physically visible, most traumas to the head, neck and/or brain such as concussion and whiplash may not show up immediately and only progress gradually.
Collect evidence
Once you are feeling better, you should return to the location of the crash to gather visual evidence. You can do this on your own or with the help of a personal injury lawyer. By seeking their help, they can investigate the accident and determine fault for your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Inform your insurance provider
Lastly, you need to call your auto insurance company to inform them about the accident. Avoid mentioning any details about the crash that may imply that you have contributed to the accident, as they may use your statements to lower your insurance claim amount.
Your journey to recovery
By understanding South Carolina’s car accident compensation laws and following the proper legal process, you can protect your rights and pursue the compensation that you deserve.
