“What should I do after a car accident?”
In the blink of an eye your entire life can change. Sometimes a car wreck is a minor inconvenience with minimal damage and injuries – other times it can be catastrophic that leads to catastrophic injury and, sometimes, death. Fear, anxiety, confusion – these are all common emotions after even a minor wreck, in addition to the realization of vehicle and property damage, auto accident related injuries, and impending insurance headaches. If you were injured by someone else in a motor vehicle accident, obtaining the skills and experience of an experienced car accident lawyer can greatly help alleviate some of this stress.
Initially after a car accident, it is important to remember to never leave the scene of an accident, as doing so can result in having your driving privileges revoked or your license suspended. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles recommends stopping without obstructing traffic, and safely provide immediate assistance to other motorists, if possible.
DO NOT admit liability to anyone on the scene, and limit discussion about the facts of the accident to the limited questions that law enforcement may ask. However, there is certain information that you are required to provide to the other parties involved, as are all of the drivers, passengers, or pedestrians involved in the auto accident. This information includes:
- Name, address, and contact details of the drivers, passengers, and owners of the vehicles involved;
- Drivers’ license number;
- License plate numbers of the vehicles involved; and,
- Auto insurance information for the motorists involved.
Other relevant information to obtain includes:
- Name, address, and telephone number of witnesses;
- Location of the auto accident;
- Description of any known or suspected injuries, and damages to vehicles and property;
- The names of any law enforcement personnel that may respond to the scene;
- Names of anyone who claimed responsibility for the accident;
- Any observations you made after the accident, including any appearance that someone may be under the influence; and,
- Photos of the car accident, vehicles, and injuries.
If you have experienced any type of vehicle damage, or accident related injury of any severity, contact your local law authority so that a report may be generated and ask to be transported to your local hospital for evaluation. It is important to be seen and evaluated by medical personnel soon after your accident because sometimes “soft tissue” injuries may take a few days to present symptoms. Delays in medical care and treatment can often be problematic to a potential claim or car accident lawsuit.
Contact a skilled personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident. An experienced car accident attorney can help evaluate the details of your accident and injury to determine the potential for a claim or lawsuit. Write down a list of questions and concerns that you may have for your potential lawyer so that you are comfortable with any prospective relationship. Aaron Jophlin and The Jophlin Law Firm are experienced car accident lawyers in Georgetown, South Carolina, and offer a free consultation to meet with you and your loved ones to evaluate your car accident.
Call 833-JOPHLIN or email info@jophlinlaw.com to schedule a no fee, free consultation with The Jophlin Law Firm.
