Most people don't know what to do after a car accident. If you're involved in a car accident in South Carolina, there are some important steps you need to take to protect yourself and your rights.
1. Check for injuries and call 911 if necessary. The first priority after a car accident is making sure everyone is okay. Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
2. Move your car to the side of the road if possible. Once you've confirmed that everyone is okay, try to move your car out of the way of traffic if possible. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers will know to be cautious around you.
3. Exchange information with the other driver (or drivers). You'll need to exchange insurance information with the other driver (or drivers) involved in the accident. Be sure to get their name, phone number, insurance company and policy number. It's also a good idea to take pictures of the damage to both vehicles as well as any visible injuries sustained in the accident.
4.. Call your insurance company . You'll need to notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible so they can begin processing your claim. Be prepared to give them all of the information you collected from the other driver (or drivers), as well as any details about what happened leading up to and during the accident itself.. 5.. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine . Even if you don't think you were injured in the accident, it's important to see a doctor or go to urgent care right away.. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not present themselves until days or even weeks after an accident occurs.. 6.. Hire an experienced South Carolina car accident lawyer . An experienced lawyer can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages following a car accident.. They can also help negotiate with insurers on your behalf and deal with any red tape that may arise during settlements or litigation processes..