Steps to Take After a Car Accident: Guidance from a Summerville Lawyer
Car accidents can be a traumatic and disorienting experience. The immediate aftermath is often chaotic, filled with shock, fear, and confusion. However, it’s crucial to stay calm and take the right steps post-accident to protect your interests legally and financially. As a seasoned Summerville lawyer specializing in car accident cases, I offer the following guidance.
The first step after an accident should always be ensuring your safety along with others involved in the incident. Check if anyone needs medical attention immediately. If yes, call 911 without delay. Even if injuries aren’t apparent or seem minor initially, it’s advisable to seek medical help as some symptoms may not surface until later.
Next comes documenting the scene of the accident meticulously while waiting for law enforcement authorities to arrive on site. Use your smartphone camera to capture photographs of all vehicles involved from various angles focusing on damages incurred. Also photograph skid marks on roads or any other related evidence like broken glass pieces or debris scattered around.
While you’re at it, note down details about the location such as street names or landmarks nearby which might serve useful later when recreating the event sequence during legal proceedings or insurance claims settlement process.
Exchanging information with other drivers involved is another critical step you mustn’t overlook. Gather their names, contact details (phone numbers and addresses), driver’s license numbers and insurance information (company name & policy number). Be sure also to record vehicle descriptions including make model year color license plate number etcetera.
Witnesses can play a pivotal role in summerville car accident lawyer lawsuits hence try identifying any bystanders who might have observed what transpired then request them kindly for their contact details too so that they could be approached later if needed for testimonies supporting your case.
Once law enforcement arrives cooperate fully providing accurate factual accounts avoiding speculation about whose fault caused this unfortunate event since doing otherwise could potentially harm your case down line especially considering South Carolina follows comparative negligence rule wherein your compensation could be reduced proportionately by percentage of blame attributed to you.
In the days following the accident, notify your insurance company about the incident and start the claim process. It’s also advisable to consult with a car accident attorney before giving any recorded statement to an insurance adjuster. An experienced lawyer can guide you through this complex process, ensuring that your rights are protected and helping you get fair compensation for damages and injuries.
Lastly but importantly, keep track of all medical treatments received post-accident along with related expenses for future reference during settlement negotiations or court proceedings if it comes down to that.
Remember, every step taken after a car accident has potential legal implications. Therefore, make sure they align towards protecting your best interests under guidance from an experienced Summerville lawyer who understands intricacies involved in such cases better than anyone else.
Murphy Crantford Meehan
136 W Richardson Ave, Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 832-1120
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