Experiencing a car accident can be disorienting and stressful, but knowing the appropriate steps to take immediately after a car accident can significantly help protect your health and legal rights. If you find yourself in a car accident in Aiken, South Carolina, following these steps can guide you through the immediate aftermath and subsequent legal processes. Here, we outline the essential actions you should consider, directly from an Aiken car accident lawyer at Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer & Staggs. We are a highly skilled law firm, with over 40 years of experience in Aiken, that specializes in handling all types of personal injury cases.
Read on to find out the 7 steps that we advise everyone to follow if they have been involved in a car accident.
1. Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Location
If you are involved in a minor accident and the vehicle is still operable, South Carolina law advises drivers to move their vehicles to the side of the road to prevent further accidents and reduce road blockage. Ensure you move to a location that is safe and does not disrupt traffic. Turning on your hazard lights can also alert other drivers to your presence and situation. Remember, the safety of all parties involved is the priority, so only move your vehicle if it’s safe to do so.
2. Check for Injuries
Once you are in a safe location, check yourself and others for any injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to move anyone injured severely as this might worsen their condition. Even if the injuries appear minor, it’s crucial to record them, as some symptoms of more serious injuries may appear hours or even days later.
3. Call the Police
For any car accident in Aiken, it’s important to notify the police. A police report is essential for documenting the incident and is often required when filing an insurance claim. The responding officers will fill out an accident report and document the scene. Be sure to ask the officers how you can obtain a copy of the accident report for your records.
4. Gather Evidence at the Scene
While waiting for the police to arrive, if it’s safe, gather evidence by taking photographs of the vehicles involved, the accident scene, any visible damages, and road conditions. Also, if there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information. This information can be invaluable for your insurance claim and any legal actions you may pursue. Make notes about the accident, including the time, date, and your account of what occurred.
5. Notify Your Insurance Provider
Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with all the relevant details and the evidence you have gathered. Be honest about the incident and your injuries. Understanding your insurance policy is vital, as it will give you information on what is covered and the procedures to follow.
6. Always See a Medical Professional After a Car Accident
Even if you feel fine, it is prudent to visit a medical professional after an accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, might not present immediate symptoms. A thorough medical examination will ensure that any hidden injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly, which can also be crucial in any injury claims.
7. Meet with an Aiken Car Accident Lawyer
Finally, consulting with a car accident lawyer specialized in personal injury cases can provide you with guidance and ensure your legal rights are protected. Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer & Staggs, with their deep expertise in personal injury law in Aiken, can help you understand your rights and the potential for compensation. They can assist with negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, represent you in court to ensure you receive fair treatment and compensation for any damages and injuries.
Bonus Tip! Stay OFF Social Media About Your Accident!
While we have laid out 7 steps that will help you safely and effectively handle the aftermath of a car accident in Aiken, without damaging your ability to obtain compensation, we also want to share one crucial thing that you SHOULD NOT DO after a car accident: Stay OFF Social Media About Your Accident! The insurance companies defense attorneys are going to look for any and everything they can find to prevent their client from having to pay out a large sum of money. We regularly see cases that should be fairly straightforward and easy wins for the injured party, only to have the case blow up in their face because of things they said or did on social media following the accident. For example, a man is hit by another driver who ran a red light. The injured man claims to have been seriously injured, but on Facebook the same man can be seen skiing on the lake 3 days after the accident. As you may guess, the insurance company is going to be able to strongly push back against any assertion of serious injury, and while the man may still obtain compensation, his claim is almost certainly severely damaged.
Contact JJWLS to Speak with a Skilled Aiken Car Accident Lawyer Today!
Following these steps after a car accident in Aiken will help ensure that you handle the situation as safely and efficiently as possible. Remember, the aftermath of an accident can be just as critical as the moment of the collision. Protecting yourself legally and physically is paramount, and professional guidance from entities like Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer & Staggs can be invaluable. Stay informed, stay safe, and seek the right help when necessary.
If you or someone you love have been injured in a car accident in Aiken, SC, or the surrounding areas, contact our team today at (803) 649-5338 or by completing our contact form here.
