Holding the Speeding Driver Responsible
If you are the victim of a crash caused by a car going too fast for road conditions, South Carolina law allows you to file a claim for damages against the negligent driver. You can improve your chances of recovering damages by following several guidelines after your accident. If you’re physically able to do so, you should:
- Move to a safe area.
- Call 911 to report the accident.
- Take photos of both vehicles involved, the accident scene, and anything that shows the road conditions (wet pavement, snow or ice on the ground, road construction, etc.).
- Exchange information with the other driver but do not get into a discussion or an argument.
- Don’t admit any fault.
- Get contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
- When the police arrive, answer their questions and point out the road conditions, but stick to the basic facts of the accident.
- Don’t sign anything other than the forms required by the police.
- Contact your insurance company.
- Seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Consult an attorney.
The law enforcement officer at the scene will probably investigate, listen to the accounts of both drivers and any witnesses, fill out an accident report, and possibly issue a ticket to the driver deemed to be at fault. The officer’s report and conclusions, however, are not admissible in court and cannot be used as evidence of negligence on the part of either driver. To prove negligence and seek compensation for your damages, you will need the services of a South Carolina car accident lawyer.
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