The experience of being involved in a car accident that was not your fault can make you jolted and disgruntled, and it can be not very clear to understand what to do next. It is essential to remain calm in those first moments and even days. Knowing that you are entitled to compensation you would not want your frustration or worry to overwhelm you. Discover how a Columbia automobile accident attorney can assist you after a car accident and how to obtain payment for your injuries.
In 2020, there were 962 fatal crashes in South Carolina.
Start by Getting Off the Highway:
It is first and foremost to get off the road and out of any further physical danger after you have experienced an accident. Drive the car to the side of the road if it is still functioning. If it is not, do not move anything and make sure that all vehicles are cleared away from that part of the road.
Dial 911:
Having everyone examined by a medical professional is the best way to ensure everyone is safe. Some injuries can take several days to manifest due to the adrenaline from the accident. You may be injured but might be unaware of it. The police are almost always called to the scene as first responders. Consequently, you can file a police report.
A copy of the information will help you recall the details later when you have to recount the story several times over the coming months, even though it is not admissible in court. If you have not been trained in first aid, do not attempt to help the injured person. A person who is injured should not be moved unless they are under life-threatening circumstances. Moving an injured person can aggravate their injury.
Trade Driver and Witness Information:
Get the name and address of the other driver and determine the title and insurance card of the provider. Confirm the authorization, certification, and proof of the other driver’s insurance. You should use your license to get the officer’s name, their precinct information, license number, and the driver’s identification number.
Once you have exchanged contact and insurance information with the other driver, ask witnesses on-site if they would be willing to provide their names and contact information. When it comes time to seek compensation, you may need additional witness support. Keeping this in mind, the more witnesses you can enlist, the better off you will be.
Do Not Discuss Anything:
It is difficult to navigate what happened in the immediate aftermath of an accident. It would help if you did not discuss whether or not you believe the other party is at fault at this stage. Give your police statement, exchange information with the officers, driver(s), and witnesses, and leave the scene of the accident.
Keep the facts straight and do not try to change the story. The important thing is that you protect your rights by documenting the details. Be careful not to discuss anything with the other driver other than exchanging information and do not argue with them. You may say something wrong in the heat of the moment that can be later used against you in court. Inform the officer of what you believe, happened.
Photograph the Scene:
The accident scene should include any damage to the vehicle and the location as well as any tire marks from the skid. For your Columbia automobile accident attorney, make notes and try to draw a detailed diagram of what occurred. Provide as many details as possible about the accident.
Record the Accident:
You may be able to recall details that you will forget later if you take pictures of what happened. Because your mind is still fresh after an accident, you might be able to recall details that you might not recall later. Make notes at this point to help you later when trying to remember what happened. All documents related to the accident should also be kept in a folder.
Make Contact With Your Insurance Company:
You should know that insurance adjusters are not on your side. The insurance company, being a profit maximization enterprise, gives you as little money as possible in order to protect its profitability.
Take notes if you lose time from work due to an accident. If that happens, you can contact your insurance company for their claim forms. Keep accurate records of any time lost from work and moreover, keep track of your injuries.
For instance, after 6 or 7 months, you might forget how painful getting a new dressing on your wound used to be, and your adjuster will try to use those details against you. Also, make a list of pain relievers you have been taking. These written documents can come in handy if you present your claim in court or to an insurance adjuster. It is also recommended to keep expense records.
Maintain Your Medical Bills For Your Columbia Automobile Accident Attorney:
If you decide to seek compensation for your injuries later, you must keep detailed records of appointments with doctors, treatments, and medical bills. You will be able to put your Columbia automobile accident attorney in a better position if you provide a detailed account of your medical bills after the accident.
Speak With an Experienced Columbia Car Accident Attorney:
Injured people who hire a lawyer receive three and a half times as much compensation as those without. When it comes to car accidents, it is necessary to seek the assistance of an experienced car accident attorney to recover compensation for medical expenses.
You can speak with a personal injury lawyer in Columbia who specializes in car accidents at our law firm. Our firm strives to ensure our client’s entire financial recovery through meticulous trial preparation. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have been involved in a car accident.