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9 Steps to Take after a South Carolina Accident (Part A)

When you've been in an accident, you rarely expect the damages that follow, including physical injuries, property damage, lost wages, medical bills and emotional trauma. All of these damages can be compensated for by filing a South Carolina personal injury claim as long as you take care to preserve your case.

One of your first moves once you have made certain of your safety after an accident should be to contact a Charleston personal injury attorney. Your attorney can help you navigate the 9 steps every accident victim should take after a serious injury accident.

Reporting and Documenting Your Accident

Step 1 is to makes sure of your safety and the safety of others around you. In car accidents, do not attempt to move severely damaged, leaking or smoking vehicles unless instructed to do so by authorities. Stay clear of any hazardous wreckage, and remove yourself from any hazardous locations such as busy highways or bad weather conditions. As you move to safety, take photographs of the accident scene for later evidence in your South Carolina personal injury claim.

Step 2 is to immediately report the accident to the proper authorities. Dialing 911 is almost always the best solution since your call can be routed to the proper authorities. Most accident responses will include police, fire and medical teams to attend to injuries and create an accident report. No matter how minor the accident, you should have it documented by the proper authorities to avoid a liability claim in the future.

Step 3 is to make sure a police officer completes an accurate accident report. You will be questioned on the details of the accident and your involvement, which you should answer truthfully. This accident report will serve as critical evidence when filing your South Carolina personal injury claim. You should obtain a copy from the police station within 24 to 72 hours to bring to your Charleston personal injury attorney.

Step 4 is to take notes of the accident details and witnesses. You will need the names and contact information for any accident witnesses to give to your Charleston personal injury attorney. Your attorney can later assist you in contacting these witnesses to provide testimony in your South Carolina personal injury claim.

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