What Should I Do Immediately After Being Injured in an Accident?
In the moments following an accident, you may feel distraught and utterly perplexed. A personal injury can impede your ability to perform normal activities and even being able to work, making you depressed and anxious. Preserving evidence is key to supporting your claim, but many accident victims do not have the presence of mind to take these measures following an injury.
In this blog, our Charleston personal injury lawyers discuss what steps should be taken following an accident to ensure you recover adequate compensation.
Seek Medical Treatment
It is estimated that someone is injured in a motor vehicle collision every 15.4 minutes in the Palmetto State. If you suffered any injuries, you should seek medical attention immediately. If an ambulance is called to the scene, paramedics will rush you to the emergency room if your injuries are severe. If you suffer minor bumps and bruises, it is a good idea to go to an urgent care center. Many allow walk-ins. Be mindful that an urgent care doctor will be unfamiliar with your medical history, so it is important to bring a list of your current prescriptions and allergies.
Contact the Police
If you were in an automobile accident that resulted in injuries or death, you are required to contact law enforcement. A police officer who is called to the scene will investigate the crash and even draw their own conclusion regarding which driver caused the crash. Having a copy of the police report will benefit you later when filing your insurance claim.
Take Pictures
If you are involved in a car accident and have suffered no apparent injuries, you should take photos of the accident scene, including any broken glass, shredded tires, other vehicle wreckage, and even skid marks on the road.
If you suffered a dog bite, be sure to get pictures of your wound and the dog who attacked you, if possible. If you experienced a slip and fall, besides taking pictures of any broken bones or bruises, you should get photos of the floor, sidewalk, or step that caused your fall. Photographic documentation can unlock further information regarding your accident.
Exchange Information with the Other Drivers
If you speak with any other drivers following a car accident, be sure not to admit fault, even if you believe you may be partly at fault. Do, however, get the names, phone numbers, and addresses of the other motorists, as well as the names of their insurance companies and policy numbers. South Carolina is an at-fault state when it comes to motor vehicle claims, so the at-fault driver will be responsible for paying your damages.
Nobody likes to speak with claim adjusters, but when you hire our personal injury lawyers, we will negotiate with the adjuster on your behalf. We will also help you gather the necessary documentation to show proof of your losses to submit as part of your demand package. When you hire our Charleston personal injury lawyer, you are ensuring that you will recover the most compensation possible on your claim.
A Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer Advocating for You
At John Price Law Firm, our legal team understands that healing from a trauma takes time and resources. Our Charleston personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping our clients recover fair compensation following an accident or injury. To learn more or to schedule your free consultation, contact us online or by phone today.