A car accident can be a shocking and overwhelming experience. Whether it’s a minor fender bender, a rear-end accident, or a serious automobile accident, taking the right steps in the aftermath can protect your health, finances, and rights. For accident victims in South Carolina, knowing how to handle this challenging time is critical,especially when it comes to navigating the legal process and pursuing a personal injury claim.
Here’s everything you need to know, straight from the legal team at Ted Law Firm
1. Ensure Safety and Call for Help
Immediately after the crash, ensure you and others are in a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights, use warning triangles, and move vehicles off the road if possible.
- Call 911 for emergency assistance if there are any visible injuries, severe injuries, or signs of internal bleeding or internal trauma.
- Request emergency medical help even if you don’t feel hurt,some physical injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or broken bones, aren’t obvious right away.
- Accept care from paramedics and ask for a medical assessment or initial trauma assessment to document any hidden injuries.
Prompt medical assistance is crucial. It’s not only a health safeguard but also a key element of your legal obligation to act responsibly after an accident.
2. Contact Law Enforcement
Under South Carolina law, you’re under a legal requirement to report certain crashes. Whether it’s a minor collision or a serious wreck, call a law enforcement officer to the scene:
- Obtain an official accident report or crash report, which will serve as critical evidence in any legal proceedings or insurance claim process.
- Be honest and provide accurate details, but never admit guilt or give an admission of fault.
This official record strengthens your position if you take legal action later on.
3. Exchange Contact and Insurance Details
Gather the other driver’s:
- Name, phone, and address
- Vehicle registration and driver’s license
- Insurance card and insurance policy details
Avoid casual conversation about the crash. Stick to getting the vehicle details, and do not discuss fault party issues on-site. Even small talk can damage your chances of a successful claim.
4. Document the Post-Accident Scene
Use your phone to collect:
- Photos of vehicle damage, broken glass, tire treads, skid marks, and surrounding traffic signs or traffic signals
- Notes on weather conditions, lighting, and location
- Record statements from witnesses
- Save all detailed records, including location, contact info, and time
This relevant evidence can boost your chances of success in court or with an insurance carrier.
5. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Some accident injuries, such as bone fractures or brain injury, can take hours to become obvious.
- Visit a healthcare provider or emergency room
- Get a proper assessment and follow-up care
- Keep a comprehensive record of your medical costs, doctor visits, and physical therapy
Delays in medical assistance or treatment may be used against you by insurance adjusters and claims handlers.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
Even if the other driver was at fault, contact your auto insurance company:
- Share all insurance details from the other party
- Submit a copy of the official report, photos, and vehicle details
- Avoid giving a recorded statement without consulting an accident lawyer
If you don’t know your policy collision benefits or collision coverage, now’s the time to check your insurance coverage.
7. Avoid Public Discussions or Social Media Posts
This is no time for updates on social media platforms. Avoid:
- Posting photos or updates about the crash
- Sharing your physical condition or medical progress
- Mentioning emotional trauma or emotional distress online
Insurance companies will use anything to question your legal claims or downplay your personal injury.
8. Keep Track of Every Related Expense
Start a file for:
- Hospital bills and medication receipts
- Car rental, towing, and repair invoices
- Lost wages, mileage logs, and even gas for medical visits
These detailed records build your claim for fair compensation or maximum compensation.
9. Know South Carolina-Specific Accident Laws
South Carolina follows a modified comparative fault system. You can seek financial compensation if you’re:
- Less than 51% at fault
- Able to file within the time limit of 3 years
If you miss this deadline, your legal rights to compensation could be lost.
10. Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Hiring an experienced car accident attorney is your best bet for:
- Investigating the accident scene and collecting strong evidence
- Dealing with insurance providers and their claims adjusters
- Evaluating compensation for damages and future medical costs
- Managing all legal processes, court appearances, and negotiations
An accident attorney can help you avoid legal pitfalls and make informed decisions during this challenging time.
11. Don’t Make These Mistakes
Avoid these errors:
- Admitting fault
- Skipping emergency medical care
- Signing forms from insurance providers without review
- Failing to get legal guidance or misjudging the legal process
Having skilled attorneys by your side helps ensure a successful outcome.
12. Understand the Full Value of Your Claim
You may be eligible for compensation for damages like:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Personal care needs and therapy
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
- Property loss, vehicle damage, and replacement
- Reduced earning potential and job loss
Each personal injury claim is unique. Your recovery depends on taking the proper steps with a strong legal team.
13. Why Legal Professionals Matter
Even minor accidents can have long-term effects. Legal professionals offer the structure and support you need to process everything with confidence.
They help:
- Manage correspondence with insurance companies
- Handle legal matters efficiently
- Focus on your chances of success
- Assist in legal proceedings and trials
Don’t go through this alone. Let Ted Law Firm support you with your legal claims and help you reach a positive outcome.
Your Next Step Matters – Call Ted Law Firm Today
At Ted Law Firm, we fight for the rights of accident victims across South Carolina.
Our dedicated team understands how overwhelming this challenging time can be.
Let our personal injury attorneys guide you through every step of the legal process.
We’ll handle insurance calls, paperwork, and legal requirements,so you can heal.
Serving communities across South Carolina and Georgia, Ted Law Firm supports clients in Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Atlanta, and beyond. You deserve legal help you can trust, and that’s what we deliver. At Ted Law Firm, you’ll always have a team working for your best interest.
Contact us now for a free consultation. Take the first step toward fair compensation today.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
