As experienced personal injury attorneys in Aiken, SC, at Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer, & Staggs (JJWLS), we’ve seen firsthand how chaotic and overwhelming a car accident can be. One moment, you’re going about your day, and the next, you’re faced with injuries, insurance adjusters, and a mountain of paperwork, all while trying to recover physically and emotionally.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Aiken, it’s crucial to take the right steps from the beginning. What you do immediately after a crash can have a big impact on your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
Step #1. Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your safety and the safety of others is the first priority.
To this end, you should prioritize seeking medical attention. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical assistance if anyone appears injured. If possible, move to a safe location, especially if your vehicle is in traffic or at risk of further collision.
Additionally, request law enforcement officers to attend to the scene of the accident. Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to have law enforcement at the scene.
The responding officers will create a police report, which is a critical piece of evidence if you pursue a personal injury claim. The report helps establish the facts of the accident, including who may have been at fault.
Later on, you can request a copy of the collision report of the car accident in Aiken from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles by filling out the SCDMV Form FR-50 or requesting it online through the South Carolina DMV’s online portal.
Just as vital are your medical records. These provide objective proof that you sustained injuries and can help connect those injuries directly to the crash. Don’t assume that you’re okay, get checked by emergency responders and follow up with a physician as soon as possible.
Step #2. Exchange Information with All Involved Parties
Once you’ve ensured safety and contacted emergency services, it’s time to exchange information with the other driver(s) involved. Collect the following details:
- Full names and contact details
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plate numbers
- Insurance provider and policy numbers
Keep the conversation calm and factual. Importantly, avoid discussing fault at the scene, even if you feel pressure to apologize or explain. Determining liability is a legal matter that should be handled by professionals, not decided in the heat of the moment.
Step #3. Document the Scene
Preserving evidence starts immediately. We encourage every client to take detailed notes and photographs right after the accident if they’re physically able. Ideally, you want as much evidence as possible. The more documentation you have, the better prepared you’ll be when it’s time to file a claim or defend your version of events.
With the above in mind, use your phone to take photos of:
- Vehicle damage (from multiple angles)
- Road conditions and skid marks
- Traffic signs, lights, and signals nearby
- Visible injuries (cuts, bruises, swelling, etc.)
In addition to photos, try to gather the names and contact details of any witnesses who saw the accident happen. Their statements can help corroborate your version of events later, especially if conflicting accounts of the accident arise.
It’s also a good idea to jot down notes while the details are still fresh: the time of the car accident in Aiken, the weather conditions, and any relevant behavior by other drivers (e.g., speeding, swerving, running a red light).
Step #4. Seek Medical Attention – Even If You Feel Fine
Many people assume that if they’re not in immediate pain, they must be okay. But not all injuries show up right away.
Conditions like whiplash, soft tissue damage, internal injuries, or even concussions can take hours, or even days, to develop noticeable symptoms. That’s why it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible after the crash.
Doing so not only protects your health but also creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the car accident in Aiken. This is important if you pursue a personal injury claim.
Your medical records serve as:
- Proof that your injuries are real and accident-related
- Documentation of treatments received and their cost
- Evidence of your prognosis and ongoing medical needs
Equally important is to follow all prescribed treatment plans and keep records of every appointment, test, and prescription. These details are often used when calculating the value of your case.
Step #5. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
You’ll also need to report the car accident in Aiken to your auto insurance provider. It’s best to do this as soon as possible, even if the other driver was at fault.
Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault, injuries, or damages. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s interests, and anything you say, especially if recorded, can be used to reduce or deny your claim.
If the adjuster asks you to sign a medical release form, review it carefully. It should be HIPAA-compliant, as explained in this article from the HIPAA Journal, and not overly broad.
Ideally, you should limit access to records only from the date of your accident onward, not your entire medical history. We recommend speaking with an attorney before signing anything, even what seems like a routine form.
Step # 6. Don’t Post About the Accident on Social Media
We understand the temptation to share your experience online. However, social media posts can be used against you by insurance companies and opposing legal teams. Even a harmless photo or comment can be taken out of context and used against you by insurance adjusters or defense attorneys.
For example, a woman in a personal injury case lost her insurance claim after investigators used photos from her social media to argue she wasn’t in pain.
To protect your case, avoid posting altogether or set your accounts to private until your legal matter is resolved.
Step #7. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Aiken
Not all car accidents require a lawyer, but many do. Especially if you suffered injuries, the fault is disputed, or you’re being pressured to accept a quick settlement.
An experienced car accident lawyer can:
- Collect and preserve evidence
- Help you understand your legal rights
- Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Ensure you’re not being lowballed or misled and pursue the maximum compensation possible
- Help calculate your total losses, including pain and suffering
At JJWLS, we’ve been serving injured clients in Aiken for decades. We know how to fight for fair compensation and provide the legal support you need so that you can focus on healing.
Step #8. Keep Track of All Accident-Related Expenses
To build a strong personal injury claim, document every expense related to your car accident in Aiken. You need to track and record:
- Emergency room and doctor bills
- Physical therapy or specialist visits
- Prescription medications
- Auto repair estimates or invoices
- Towing or car rental fees
- Lost wages and time missed from work
- Any out-of-pocket expenses
- Car rental and transportation costs
Also, keep a record of non-economic impacts, like pain, emotional distress, or how the injury has affected your daily life. These may not have receipts attached, but they can still be compensated.
Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident in Aiken By Calling JJWLS
If you’re ever involved in a car accident in Aiken, remember that the steps you take afterward will influence your health, rights, and ability to make claims. It is critical to prioritize your safety, gather information, seek medical care, and get legal support.
At Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer, and Staggs, we’re here to help you protect your rights, deal with the insurance companies, and recover the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Aiken, contact us at (803) 649-5338 for a free consultation and guidance on your next steps.
