What Should You Do After a Car Accident on I-85 or I-385 in Greenville?

A crash on Interstate 85 or Interstate 385 can be frightening and disorienting. Traffic moves fast, vehicles are close together, and it is not always safe to stop where the collision occurred. Knowing what to do in the moments and days afterward can help protect your safety, your health, and any claim you may need to bring.

This page walks through the steps one at a time. The Greenville car accident attorneys at Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers prepared this guide as general information for drivers and passengers hurt on the Upstate's interstates.

Step 1: How Do You Get to Safety?

If your vehicle is drivable and it is safe to do so, move to the shoulder or an off-ramp to get out of live travel lanes, and turn on your hazard lights. On a busy interstate, a stopped vehicle in a travel lane can create serious danger, so prioritize getting to a safe location if you can do so safely. 

Step 2: When Should You Call 911?

Call 911 as soon as it is safe. Report the crash and give your location by mile marker, exit number, or direction of travel, and ask for medical help if anyone is hurt. A law enforcement report creates an official record of the collision that can be important later.

Step 3: How Do You Document the Scene Safely?

If you can do so without putting yourself in traffic, take photos of the vehicles, their positions, debris, skid marks, and road conditions, and note the time, weather, and traffic. On the interstate, your safety comes first, so do not step into live lanes to gather photos.

Step 4: What Information Should You Exchange?

Collect the other driver's name, contact details, insurance information, and license plate, and ask any witnesses for their contact information. Interstate crashes often have witnesses who continue driving, so gathering this quickly can help preserve their accounts.

Step 5: Why Should You Seek Medical Attention Right Away?

Consider getting evaluated even if you feel only mildly hurt. Adrenaline can mask pain, and injuries such as concussions, whiplash, and internal injuries may not be obvious right away. Medical records also document your condition and the timing of your symptoms. Serious interstate crashes can cause traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries that need prompt care.

Step 6: How Should You Handle the Insurance Companies?

Report the crash to your own insurer and be factual. Before giving a recorded statement to another driver’s insurer, consider speaking with an attorney about your rights and obligations.  If a valid claim is delayed or denied, our page on denied or delayed insurance claims in Greenville explains what may be involved.

What Deadlines Apply Under South Carolina Law?

South Carolina generally allows three years from the date of a crash to file a personal injury lawsuit, though deadlines can vary depending on the circumstances. The state also follows a modified comparative negligence rule, under which an injured person may recover if they are no more than 50% at fault, with any award reduced by their share. Acting promptly helps preserve evidence and protect your options.

How Can Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers Help?

Interstate crashes can involve high speeds, commercial trucks, out-of-state drivers, and multiple insurance policies. If you were injured, a conversation with an attorney can help you understand how South Carolina law applies to your situation. Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers works from its Greenville office and can investigate the crash, work to preserve evidence such as camera footage and vehicle data, and communicate with the insurers on your behalf. Every case is different.