5 Immediate Steps to Take After a South Carolina Car Accident

In the quiet afternoon of a day that started like any other in Greenville County, South Carolina, tragedy struck on Wade Hampton Blvd., transforming routine travel into a life-changing event for several families. David Owen Jones and Diana Lynn Jones, residents of Simpsonville, set out without knowing it would be their last journey together. Their vehicle, a 2012 Ford Escape, collided with a 2019 Kia Stinger in an event that underscores the unforeseen risks every driver faces on the road. This devastating incident, occurring around 1:30 p.m. near the intersection by Shady Lane, has not only left a community in mourning but also serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of road safety.

As we navigate through the shockwaves of such events, it becomes imperative to arm ourselves with knowledge and preparedness for the unexpected. The aftermath of a South Carolina car accident can be overwhelming, leaving victims and their families unsure of the steps to take to mitigate the long-term consequences.

In this blog, we’ll share five immediate steps to take if you’re unfortunately involved in a car accident in South Carolina. Our goal at Hammack Law Firm is to empower you with the information needed to navigate the aftermath, ensuring that you and your loved ones are protected and supported throughout the recovery process. For more specific advice tailored to your unique situation if you’ve been injured, we welcome you to reach out to us at (864) 326-3333 for a free case review. We’ll personally connect with you to make sure you’re taken care of from the beginning to the end.

1. Ensure Safety at the Scene

When involved in a car accident in South Carolina, your immediate focus should be on the safety of everyone involved. Prioritize these actions to secure the scene.

Check for Injuries

Immediately after the accident, assess yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If you or anyone else is hurt, call 911 or ask someone else to do so. Avoid moving injured people unless there’s an immediate danger, such as a fire.

Move to a Safe Location

If your vehicle is drivable and is causing a hazard where it is, move it to the side of the road or a nearby safe place. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you cannot move your car, leave it and get yourself to safety.

Set Up Warning Signals

Set up flares or reflective triangles behind your vehicle to warn other drivers if it’s safe to do so. This will help prevent further accidents and ensure that approaching drivers maneuver carefully around the accident scene.

2. Report the Accident

In the immediate aftermath of a car accident in South Carolina, it’s critical to report the incident to ensure a legal and formal record.

Call 911

If there are injuries, possible hazards, or significant vehicle damage, you must call 911 immediately. This alerts police and emergency services to the scene, which is essential for medical needs and to officially document the accident.

Provide Accurate Information

When speaking to authorities:

• Be factual and concise about what occurred.
• Do not speculate or guess; provide only information you are certain of.
• Your statements will be crucial for the police report, so clarity and accuracy are key.

3. Document the Accident

After an accident, it’s crucial to gather as much evidence as possible to support any future insurance claims or legal actions. This includes taking photos, exchanging information with the other parties involved, and obtaining accounts from witnesses.

Take Photographs

Immediately after the accident, ensure your safety first. Once safe:

• Take wide shots of the overall scene, including stoplights, signs, and weather conditions.
• Capture close-up images of vehicle damage and any injuries.
• Photograph license plates, insurance cards, and driver’s licenses if possible.

Remember to date and time-stamp photos if your camera or phone doesn’t do it automatically.

Exchange Information

It’s important to exchange the following information with the other driver(s):

• Name and contact details: Full name, address, and phone number.
• Insurance information: Company name, policy number, and contact details.
• Vehicle information: Make, model, color, and year of the vehicle.

Be polite but cautious; avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you.

Talk to Witnesses

If there are any witnesses to the accident:

• Ask for their full names and contact details.
• Inquire if they would be willing to provide a statement.
• Keep a written note or a voice recording of their account if they agree.

Witness information can be invaluable for insurance or legal processes, so gather it while the event is still fresh in people’s minds.

4. Seek Medical Attention

After a car accident in South Carolina, your health is your top priority. Promptly seeking medical attention ensures your injuries are professionally assessed and appropriately treated.

Visit a Healthcare Professional

• Schedule an immediate examination: Even if you don’t feel hurt, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional right away or visit an emergency room if necessary.
• Full Evaluation: Request a comprehensive evaluation to document all possible injuries related to the accident. This may include X-rays, MRIs, or other diagnostic tests.

Keep Records of Your Injuries

• Detailed Documentation: Maintain a file of all medical reports, test results, and treatment recommendations provided by your healthcare professionals.
• Ongoing Treatment: Record the progression of your injuries, any persistent symptoms, and follow-up visits. A detailed log will be crucial for insurance claims or legal action.

5. Consult a Car Accident Attorney

After a South Carolina car accident, consulting with lawyers for car accidents can be crucial in understanding your legal rights and potential compensation. Your attorney will manage every step of your case so you can focus on your recovery.

Understand Your Legal Options

Your attorney will provide counsel on the various legal avenues available to you. They will assess the specifics of your case, including:

• Liability: Who is at fault for the accident?
• Statute of Limitations: How long you have to file a claim
• Potential Defenses: What arguments the other side may use

Discuss Compensation Claims

Speak with your attorney about compensation. Your attorney will help identify what you can claim for, such as:

• Medical bills: Costs for immediate and ongoing medical care
• Lost wages: Income lost due to time off work
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and mental distress
• Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle

Your attorney will negotiate with insurance companies or represent you in court to help ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.

Take the First Step Towards Justice with Hammack Law Firm

Car accidents can unfold in moments, but their consequences can last a lifetime. In the wake of such an event, securing the right legal representation is not just an option; it’s a necessity. At Hammack Law Firm, our approach to car accident cases is tailored to provide you with the comprehensive support and guidance needed to navigate these challenging times. Our lead attorney, Paul Hammack, brings over two decades of experience to the table, offering a depth of understanding and a commitment to excellence that sets us apart. His prior experience of litigating on behalf of insurance companies—now the very entities he sues—provides our clients with a distinct strategic advantage. This insider knowledge of insurance industry tactics ensures that we approach each case with a dual perspective, prioritizing your interests above all.

Together with attorney Jamie Ackermann, who contributes another 30 years of litigation experience, our team offers a combined expertise of approximately 55 years, ensuring your case receives the insightful and dedicated attention it deserves.

At Hammack Law Firm, we offer a free case evaluation and operate on the principle of no recovery, no fee. Our goal is to secure the full compensation you are entitled to, covering everything from medical bills and lost wages to pain, suffering, and vehicle repairs. For those facing the loss of a loved one, our compassionate team is here to offer support and relentless advocacy for justice and fair compensation. With a track record of significant settlements and a commitment to safer roads in South Carolina, choosing Hammack Law Firm means opting for a partner who is as invested in your personal recovery as in the broader community well-being.

If you’ve been searching online for “car accident lawyers near me,” contact us instead by calling (864) 326-3333 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation with experienced injury lawyers in South Carolina. Join us at Hammack Law Firm, where our experience and dedication are your strongest allies in seeking justice.

At Hammack Law Firm, our team is trained and experienced to win!

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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Hammack Law Firm
223 West Stone Avenue
Greenville, SC 29609
(864) 326-3333
https://hammacklawfirm.com/