How to Proceed after Getting into a Car Crash in South Carolina
Thousands of serious car accidents take place across the United States every single year, and it is important to be as prepared as possible in case you are in one of them. If you’ve been in an accident, there are a number of duties you can perform that will keep you safe, improve your chances of filing a successful claim and potentially protect yourself from legal action.
When should you call a personal-injury lawyer?
If you’ve been in a serious accident in South Carolina, you should consider calling a Greenville personal-injury lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced accident attorney may be able to assist you in filing a claim for medical expenses and lost wages.
A qualified attorney can also put your mind at ease when it comes to coping with the aftermath of the crash. At the Churdar Law Firm , we have achieved successful outcomes in a wide variety of injury cases including those involving serious car accidents. If you sustained injuries in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you’re not alone; call us today at 864-233-0203 to schedule an appointment to determine if you have a legitimate claim, and read on for the steps you should take if you get into an accident.
The First Steps to Take after an Accident
In the state of South Carolina, the law requires you to report any accident that causes damages of more than $1,000, according to DMV.org. Likewise, if there are any serious injuries or deaths, you must notify the authorities. Typically, police will be on the scene of a serious crash, but if they are not, those involved must alert officials.
You must contact emergency services immediately if there is a serious injury at the scene. If the crash caused property damage, you must complete a traffic collision report, which is available from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.
The drivers involved in a collision must submit this form by law, and every driver’s insurance company must also complete a section. The Department of Motor Vehicles may see a failure to complete the form as evidence of a lack of insurance, which can result in serious penalties.
What should I do on the scene of a serious crash?
If you are in a crash, get the contact information from everyone else who was involved, as well as others who may have witnessed what happened. This will be of assistance when you complete your accident report form. Important information to obtain includes names and addresses, license numbers, vehicle descriptions and insurance information.
Use this information to compile your report, and present it to your personal-injury attorney if you intend on filing a car accident claim against the negligent driver. If you are suffering from injuries sustained in a crash, you do not have to struggle alone.
At the Upstate Lawyer, we have extensive experience in personal injury law. Call us today at 864-233-0203 to schedule an appointment so we can assess your case and determine if you have a legitimate claim.
