Hawk Law Group | May 24, 2022 | Car Accidents
The moments after a motor vehicle collision are disorienting, stressful, and overwhelming. This is true even in minor accidents.
Because of this, it’s critical to understand what you should and should not do in the aftermath of a crash. In South Carolina, taking certain steps after a car accident will help you secure the best possible result in any eventual legal claim.
Below, we discuss some of the steps that you should take. We also examine what you should avoid doing in order to recover maximum damages in your case.
Things You Should Do After a Traffic Collision
In the immediate aftermath of your accident, make sure to do the following:
Check for Injuries
Your health and safety should be your first concern. Check yourself for injuries, and if you are unharmed, check on the others involved. If anyone is severely injured, don’t move them. Contact medical responders immediately, if possible.
If there are no injuries, continue to the next step.
Contact 911
Calling 911 will guarantee the presence of EMTs and law enforcement officers. These responders can help get traffic moving safely, record the details of the incident, and treat any injuries.
Get Contact Information from Witnesses
If anyone saw the accident occur, make sure to collect their names and contact information. Eyewitness testimony is invaluable in a car accident claim.
A witness can corroborate your version of events and help your attorney recover the compensation that you deserve.
Collect Evidence
You should also gather as much evidence as possible documenting the circumstances of your motor vehicle accident. As time goes on, it will become more difficult to secure accurate details about the crash.
Immediately after a car accident, try to get the following evidence:
- Photos of property and vehicular damage
- Photos of resulting injuries
- Photos of roadway obstacles
- Notes about the location, time, and weather conditions
- Names of witnesses
- License plates of involved vehicles
- Names and badge numbers of responding police officers
The more information you can gather quickly, the better. Your attorney will use this evidence to build a powerful accident case on your behalf.
Exchange Information With Other Drivers
Typically, the police accident report will contain information about all drivers involved. However, it’s a good idea to exchange information with the other motorists in the crash.
Document the following information:
- Name
- License plate number
- Phone number
- Email address
- Insurance policy information
This information will allow you to more easily pursue a claim for financial damages if other drivers were responsible for the car accident.
Things You Should Not Do After a Traffic Collision
Make sure to avoid the following actions when you have been the victim of a car accident:
Do Not Leave the Scene
Leaving the scene of an accident too early is a crime in South Carolina. You should never leave or allow the other driver to leave before the police arrive.
Do Not Admit Fault
Do not discuss legal liability or fault with anyone while you’re still at the scene of the crash. Do not engage even if the other motorist is accusing you of causing the crash.
It’s critical to allow an attorney to review your case and determine fault. A skilled professional will determine whether you can pursue damages for the harm you’ve suffered.
Do Not Accept a Settlement
While you need to report the incident to your insurer, you should never negotiate or accept a settlement after a crash. Do not sign any paperwork or offer to provide a recorded statement.
Instead, reach out to a trusted car accident attorney in South Carolina to pursue the compensation that you rightfully deserve.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers In the Central Savannah River Area at Hawk Law Group for Legal Assistance Today
For more information, please contact the car accident lawyers at Hawk Law Group at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve throughout the Central Savannah River Area and it’s surrounding areas:
Hawk Law Group – Augusta, GA
338 Telfair St, Augusta, GA 30901, United States
(706) 722-3500
Hawk Law Group – Evans, GA
4384 River Watch Pkwy, Evans, GA 30809, United States
(706) 863-6500
Hawk Law Group – Thomson, GA
146 Railroad St A, Thomson, GA 30824, United States
(706) 361-0350
Hawk Law Group – Waynesboro, GA
827 Liberty St, Waynesboro, GA 30830, United States
(706) 437-9122
Hawk Law Group – Aiken County, SC
156 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States
(803) 226-9089
We also serve in Edgefield County, SC.
