When the unexpected happens and you are involved in a serious injury accident, your first step should be to confirm your own safety and the safety of those around you. Seek medical treatment for life-threatening injuries, and if you’re incapable of assessing the accident scene, ask someone else to help you with preserving the evidence of your accident.
One of the first things you should do is contact the proper authorities to report and document your accident. A police report is a critical piece of evidence if you decide to file a personal injury claim following your accident. You should cooperate with the police to make sure the details of the accident are reported accurately to avoid problems later if the circumstances of your accident are called into question.
If possible, photographs of the scene should be taken to show nearby road hazards, weather conditions and the position of the vehicles in the car accident. Any damaged property such as torn clothing and the vehicles themselves should also be preserved as evidence.
In regards to your vehicle, know where it is being towed and by whom. Because you will need to prove the negligence of the other driver who caused the accident, the damage to your vehicle can help show the site of impact and severity of the accident.
Any witnesses present should be asked for their names and contact information in case testimony will be necessary. Many accidents are evaluated based on witness accounts, as the drivers’ testimony is often too biased to produce a legitimate picture of who was at fault.
There are several more steps to take following a South Carolina accident to make sure that you are able to file a successful personal injury claim. Preserving evidence is the important first half of filing a successful claim for the damages you incur from a serious injury accident. The next half of the claims process involves contacting an experienced Charleston personal injury attorney to help your case reach a fair settlement.
The Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney
South Carolina residents can take comfort knowing that the attorneys at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm are there to help them settle their personal injury claims. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents. including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and worker’s compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.
Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a copy of our complimentary consumer guide, The South Carolina Accident Book for Personal Injury Victims. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a complimentary information packet and no-cost consultation – 888-690-0211.
