If you were recently in an accident, you may be wondering what to do after a car accident that’s not your fault. Your immediate priority should always include contacting the local authorities and seeking medical attention if required.
Engaging the services of a North Charleston car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and give you the best chances of recovering fair compensation.
What to Do Immediately After an Accident
Following a car accident, no matter who was at fault, your priority needs to be your own safety and well-being. Stay calm, move your vehicle to a safe location off the roadway, and activate your hazard lights. If you are unable to move your vehicle due to damage, leave the vehicle and move to a safer location nearby but out of traffic.
Immediately assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. If any injuries are present, contact 911 for emergency medical assistance. This ensures prompt medical attention without leaving the scene of the accident.
Make sure not to leave the scene, as that is illegal, regardless of who was at fault, under the South Carolina Legislature Code of Laws Title 56. If the other driver attempts to leave, write down their vehicle details, including their license plate number, make, model, color, and any distinguishing features. This information is crucial for reporting the incident to the police.
Reporting the Accident
Reporting the accident to local authorities should be a top priority after making sure you are in a safe location and handling any immediate injuries. Call 911 immediately. You should not rely on the other driver to report the car crash, even if they offer to.
The emergency services dispatcher will require essential information, such as the location of the accident and the presence of any injuries so that they can dispatch any necessary emergency vehicles. When the police arrive, provide them with accurate information, including your name, contact information, and insurance details, and concisely describe the accident to the best of your ability. Avoid placing any blame on the other driver or admitting any fault of your own.
No matter how minor your accident was, it is essential to alert the authorities to your crash. The police report could prove vital evidence if you were not at fault for your car accident. Your South Carolina personal injury lawyer will use this and other evidence to establish a solid liability case against the at-fault driver, whether you pursue an insurance settlement or a lawsuit.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
After a car accident that’s not your fault, you will want to gather as much fresh evidence as possible if any injuries do not limit you. Your car accident lawyer will help you gather evidence later, but details and pictures taken at the scene of the accident are often the most substantial proof of liability.
Take pictures and video of the accident scene, all vehicles involved, traffic signs and signals, weather conditions, road markings, and anything else that could have contributed to your crash.
Be sure to exchange details with the other driver and write everything down or record it on your phone for later. Keep to just the facts and be wary of using any language that could be later seen as admitting fault or placing blame. Important details to collect at the scene of the accident can include things like:
- Name and contact information
- License plate number
- Drivers license number
- Vehicle make, model, and year
- Car insurance information
- Detailed description of the location
- Eye-witness contact information for later testimony
Seek Medical Attention
Regardless of whether or not you feel immediate pain or not, you should undergo a medical evaluation following a car accident. While many injuries present immediate symptoms, the shock and trauma of an accident can mask hidden injuries with the adrenaline. Potential injuries that may not be immediately apparent include:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Bruised ribs
- Dislocated joints
- Whiplash
- Concussion and traumatic brain injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Headaches and loss of feeling
A medical professional will conduct a thorough examination to diagnose any injuries and help create a personalized plan for your recovery. Importantly, medical records will establish the legitimacy of your injuries and serve as a critical piece of evidence for your claim if you pursue compensation.
Meticulously document all medical appointments, including doctor visits, hospital stays, chiropractic care, and any other healthcare treatments for later help in calculating your losses.
Time Limits on When You Can File a Car Accident Claim
After an accident that’s not your fault, you need to be sure not to delay filing your insurance claim. Medical and car repair bills can stack up fast, and you may require the financial relief of a settlement sooner rather than later. It can take a long time for a car accident claim to settle, so the sooner you file, the sooner you may receive a settlement payout.
Under the South Carolina State Legislature’s Code of Laws, Title 15, you generally have a three-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits. This means that failing to file your claim within this timeframe could permanently bar you from seeking compensation. Contact an attorney to start the process and make sure that you are protecting your legal rights.
Car accident lawyers can help you manage your communications with insurance adjusters. Because insurance companies prioritize their bottom line, they will try to minimize payouts and may employ tactics to pressure you into accepting blame or a low settlement offer. Engaging legal counsel from the outset safeguards your interests and maximizes your chances for a fair settlement.
Get Help From Our Car Accident Lawyers After a Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault
At Shelly Leeke Law, we strive to empower accident victims to pursue their full legal rights to compensation.
Learn more about us and our case results online, or contact us directly to talk about how we can help you. Set up your free case consultation today.
