Being in a car accident is a stressful time and in the moment it may be hard to know what to do besides calling 911. There are laws that tell drivers what they can and cannot do after an accident but there are also things you can do to protect your potential accident claim.
Protecting Your North Charleston Accident Claim
Stay at the scene of the accident
If you are in a car accident, whether it be with other vehicles or just yourself, you need to do everything possible to stay at the scene of the accident. When drivers leave the scene of an accident, it may be deemed a “hit and run” even if that driver was not at-fault. Being charged with a “hit and run” can earn the driver a misdemeanor up to a felony with jail time depending on the severity of the accident and actions of the driver.
Keep to yourself and let the officer investigate the accident
After an accident, you may be nervous and wish to talk to the other driver or others at the scene. Try to keep to yourself and never admit fault, even if you think it was. An officer will investigate the accident and gather information from everyone involved to determine what exactly happened.
Collect as much evidence as possible
Although it may be difficult to remember in the moment, it is important to collect as much evidence as you can because photos, videos, and witness information often plays an important role in determine who was at-fault in an accident.
Get checked out by medical professionals
Many people are in shock after a car accident and might not feel injuries immediately. Most people hope to get back to normal but if you feel pain after your accident, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible. When people delay getting treatment or simply do not get treatment, their accident claim can be weakened if there are no medical records to show your injuries.
Do not sign paperwork from an insurance adjustor without speaking to a car accident attorney
Despite an insurance adjustor sounding nice on the phone or making claims to take care of you, the adjustor works for the insurance company and their job is to save the company money where they can. They may ask you to sign a medical release form that would give them full access to your medical history and then use those records to try and devalue your claim.
Other forms the insurance company may ask you to sign could end your claim and prevent you from receiving the benefits you need and are entitled to after your accident.
Have You Been Injured In A Charleston South Carolina Area Car Accident?
If you've been injured in a car accident you should speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Charleston, South Carolina office directly at 843.488.2359 to schedule your consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Conway, Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. Pleasant, North Myrtle Beach or North Charleston office locations.
