At the David W. Martin Law Group, our South Carolina auto accident lawyers know that it can be difficult to understand what to do after a collision has occurred.
Believe it or not, it is going to be up to you — or your personal injury attorneys — to prove who was at fault for the crash. This is true even if the cause seems obvious, like when one driver is hit by another who ran a red light.
Whether you are pursuing your own car insurance coverage or the at-fault driver’s policy for your damages, neither company is going to simply write a blank check for your expenses.
That does not mean you should pay for your damages out of pocket.
There are several steps you can take to help strengthen your South Carolina car accident and injury case from the start.
Never Leave the Scene of a South Carolina Car Wreck Without Calling 911
If your injuries permit you to stay behind, call 911 and wait for law enforcement to arrive.
Once they arrive, insist an accident report is filled out and filed accordingly. This is incredibly important because the other driver can deny any involvement in the crash without it. It would simply become your word against his or hers — neither of which will be easy to prove.
Go to the Nearest Medical Provider to Get Help for Your Injuries
If you plan to pursue a personal injury claim, you must be able to prove you were hurt. The only way that is possible is to have your injuries diagnosed by a professional healthcare provider.
The insurance company — whether it is yours or the other driver’s — is not going to take your word for it. The insurance representative will require evidence that you have sought medical care, your injuries have been diagnosed, and your treatment plan is not only in place, but being followed.
Contact Your Car Insurance Provider to Alert Them of the Crash
Your insurance company should know that you have been hurt in a crash, even if another driver was at fault for the collision.
Be sure you are well enough to have a coherent conversation with the insurance representative, as he or she is going to want a considerable number of details regarding the crash.
That may include:
- Which vehicle you were driving if they cover more than one in your home.
- The time and location of the crash.
- A succinct description of the accident, who was in the car, the severity of the damage, and who was injured.
- Names and contact information of others involved in the accident and any witnesses who were on the scene.
- The name and insurance information of the other driver.
- Whether you have any supporting evidence from the crash, including pictures, video, or witness statements that will support your version of events.
The insurance provider will provide you with his or her name, a car insurance claim number, and their direct phone number. Write each of those details down, so you can refer to them later.
Insurance Company Contact Information for South Carolina Accident Claims
Company Claims Phone Number
Allstate 800-255-7828
American Family 800-692-6326
Amica 800-242-6422
Farmers 800-435-7764
Geico 800-861-8380
Liberty Mutual 800-2CLAIMS (225-2467)
Nationwide 800-421-3535
Progressive 800-76-4737
State Farm 800-732-5246
Travelers 800-252-4633
USAA 800-531-USAA (8722)
It is possible that you will speak with more than one insurance company representative while discussing your claim.
Keep in mind, each representative — no matter how friendly he or she is — will be recording your phone call. They will use the information you provided to help determine who was liable for the claim. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation when describing what happened.
If you plan to pursue the negligent driver’s insurance provider for damages, including your medical costs, lost wages, and additional expenses, it is important to speak with a skilled car accident attorney in South Carolina before divulging any details.
The insurance company will not be interested in maximizing your claim. In fact, they will want to do the exact opposite, and may offer you a low settlement right away to help mitigate their losses. Allow our skilled personal injury lawyers in South Carolina to take the lead while you focus on your physical and emotional well-being.
Contact Our Experienced Car Accident and Injury Attorneys in South Carolina Today
If you been have injured in a South Carolina car wreck caused by another person or party’s negligence, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers by calling 980-265-9724 or contacting us online for a consultation today.
We provide consultations for all personal injury cases in South Carolina, and never charge any legal fees unless we deliver a positive outcome for your unique case.
