If you’re involved in a car accident, getting a settlement from the other driver’s insurance company can seem like the main priority. Unfortunately, filing a claim is just the beginning and, if you’re not fully prepared, you may not get a settlement that truly meets your needs. There are a few things you can and should do after an accident that will help you get a fair settlement without having to resort to partnering with a South Carolina car accident lawyer to take the responsible driver to court. Here are a few steps you’ll want to take after an accident.
Contact the Police and Document the Scene
Immediately following the accident, assess your medical condition. If you’re hurt, call 911 and request an ambulance immediately. If you’re unhurt or your injuries are not severe, call the police and notify them of the accident. Then, document everything you can. Take pictures of the damage, the other driver’s car, their license plate number, and any other details you can find. The more information you have on hand, the better off you’ll likely be when filing an insurance claim.
Exchange Insurance Info With the Other Driver
Under South Carolina law, you’re required to exchange insurance information with the other driver. If you’re comfortable doing this on your own, you can. But if the situation feels hostile or you’re concerned for your safety, you can wait until the police arrive and let them help you get the necessary information.
Go to the Doctor
Even if you feel uninjured, it’s a good idea to go to a doctor after an accident. This is because it can take a few days for injuries to become noticeable, and the sooner you can document those injuries and start receiving treatment for them, the better. If you have a primary care doctor, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If you don’t, visit an urgent care facility near your home. This will establish proof of your injuries, which can be useful if you’re trying to negotiate a larger settlement.
Speak With a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
Remember, it’s in an insurance company’s best interest to offer you the smallest settlement possible. In some cases, the settlement amount they offer may not be enough to fully cover the cost of your medical treatments or vehicle repairs. That’s why hiring an experienced South Carolina car accident lawyer from the very beginning can be helpful. They’ll represent your interests with the insurance company and can contest the settlement if it’s too low. And if you need to, your attorney can help you take the other driver to court to increase the settlement you receive.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you don’t have to navigate the situation on your own. At Lam Law Firm, we believe that every car accident victim deserves a fair settlement. We’ll review your case and work with you to deal with the responsible driver’s insurance company. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
