In South Carolina, car accidents are an everyday reality. From distracted driving to heavy traffic and unpredictable weather, the risk is always there. When an accident happens, it often involves injuries, insurance disputes, and a mountain of questions…
Should you speak to the other driver’s insurance company? What if you feel okay and don’t want to go to the doctor? Is filing a police report necessary?
Many people make costly mistakes in the minutes, hours, or days after a crash. So, knowing what to do after a car accident can make the process less stressful and help you protect both your health and your legal rights.
At Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP, our Camden car accident lawyers believe in being prepared. We’ve worked with countless clients across South Carolina who didn’t know where to turn after a car accident, and we’ve helped guide them toward the outcomes they deserved.
What to Do After a Car Accident
After the shock of a South Carolina crash subsides, your actions in the minutes and hours that follow are critical. It can be hard to think straight, but try to take a few deep breaths and follow these steps. This is what to do when you get in a car accident.
1. Prioritize Your Safety and Assess Injuries
Your priority is your well-being and that of anyone else involved. If you can, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately and request an ambulance. Do not move anyone who appears to have a neck or back injury unless their life is in immediate danger.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay, see a doctor as soon as possible. Not all injuries are obvious right away, and medical records will be crucial if you need to file a claim.
3. Call the Police
Even if the accident seems minor, you should always call the police. When the police arrive, they will create a record of the incident, including details about the location, time, and parties involved. This document will be important for future insurance claims or legal proceedings. Be cooperative, but do not admit fault or make any statements that could be used against you later.
4. Exchange Information
Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance details. If there are any witnesses nearby, ask for their contact information, too.
5. Document the Scene
Take photos of everything, such as vehicle damage, skid marks, road signs, injuries, weather conditions, and anything else that could be useful later.
6. Contact a Lawyer Before the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters aren’t necessarily on your side. Before giving any recorded statements, speak with an experienced car accident attorney who can advise you on how to protect your rights.
7. Be Cautious with Insurance Companies
The other driver’s insurance company may contact you very soon after the crash. They will likely try to get you to provide a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement offer.
An early offer is almost always a lowball offer designed to get you to sign away your rights before you know the full extent of your damages.
How a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
When you’re recovering from a South Carolina crash, your focus should be on your health and your family, not on fighting with insurance adjusters or deciphering legal documents.
A car accident attorney steps in to handle the complexities for you, leveling the playing field against large insurance companies that have teams of lawyers working to pay you as little as possible. Here is how a car accident lawyer can help
Protecting Your Rights from the Start
People always trust the insurance company to “do the right thing.” Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line. A lawyer ensures that you don’t unknowingly say or sign something that could hurt your case. From the moment you call us, we’re working to protect your rights and guide you toward the best possible outcome.
Gathering Evidence and Building a Strong Case
Every car accident is unique, and so is every injury claim. Our team at Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP knows how to collect the evidence needed to support your case, such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, accident reconstructions, and more. We also know what to look for and what the insurance companies often try to ignore.
Dealing with the Insurance Company
We handle all communication and negotiation so you don’t have to. Whether it’s a lowball offer or a denial, we push back with the facts and fight for what you’re truly owed.
Seeking Full and Fair Compensation
You may be entitled to much more than just reimbursement for vehicle damage or ER bills. We help you pursue compensation for lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, and more. Our goal is to make sure nothing is left on the table.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys in South Carolina
If you’ve been involved in a South Carolina car accident, time matters. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may forget details, and insurance companies may already be working on ways to minimize your claim. The sooner you talk to an attorney, the better your chances of protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
We’ll listen to your story, explain your options in plain language, and take the pressure off your shoulders. If you have been in a car accident, contact us at 803-432-4391 or visit our office right here in Camden, SC 29020. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain how we can help you recover compensation.