Nothing brings an end to fun at the beach faster than getting in a car accident. Whether you were taking in the sights on Ocean Boulevard or out on the bypass, your day screeched to a halt when another car came out of nowhere and hit you. In the shock and emotion following a crash like this, it is hard to know what to do to protect yourself from further harm. The Myrtle Beach personal injury attorneys at Derrick Law Firm offer these tips to help you at this stressful time.
Take These Steps After a Myrtle Beach Car Crash
Having the presence of mind to take logical steps after a car accident is rare. Everybody panics and everybody does or says things they probably shouldn’t—even victims who didn’t contribute in any way to the cause of the crash.
However, if you have an idea ahead of time of what you should and shouldn’t do when you are involved in a crash, you will be more likely to do all the right things. The most important consideration right after a car accident is your own safety and the safety of your passengers. If you need immediate medical care, you should quickly get yourself to a Grand Strand hospital or urgent care center. If you are able, you should take these steps:
Make Sure You Are Safe
If you are on a busy road like King’s Highway or US-17, move to a safe place so that the accident doesn’t become much worse than it already is.
Call The Police
Even if you don’t think it’s a very serious accident right away, always call the police so that an official report will be filed. This can help with a claim later on.
Get Medical Help
If anyone at the scene needs emergency medical treatment, call 911. If your injuries don’t seem that serious right away, you can wait to see a doctor until you have dealt with the accident. However, it is important that your injuries are assessed by a doctor as soon as possible. Medical records will be vital pieces of evidence in a personal injury claim. It is also important that you follow your doctor’s orders and go for follow-up care as needed.
Watch What You Say
Even a simple apology could come back to haunt you, and you should never admit fault. Saying something like, “I didn’t see you” could be enough for an insurance company to lay some of the blame for the crash on you. Only answer questions from the police and remember that it’s o.k. to say you don’t know. Do not volunteer information that is not asked.
Take Pictures
Photos of the scene will also be important evidence. Pull out your phone and get pictures of the cars involved and the scene as a whole. You will also want to get someone to take pictures of you to document your injuries.
Collect Information
Exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance information with other drivers, even if the police are also collecting that information. It could save you time down the road.
Call An Attorney
You will probably be contacted by the at-fault driver’s insurance company pretty quickly after the crash. Do not agree to anything or sign any documents—including a medical release—until you have spoken to an attorney.
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.
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