If you are in a car accident in Rock Hill, South Carolina, you may feel shocked and overwhelmed, but it is important to know what to do. According to the South Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, over 2,000 car accidents occurred in Rock Hill in 2019. Unfortunately, many car accident victims don’t know the proper steps to take after an accident, leading to further complications when they try to recover compensation for their damages.
As a firm, at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our car accident attorneys have represented car accident victims since 2005. However, some of our attorneys, including Jason Taylor, have been handling these types of claims even longer than that. We are here to help if you need legal assistance after an auto accident. We have years of experience dealing with car accident cases, and we know how to get results. We force the liable parties to accept the consequences of their actions and provide you with the compensation you are entitled to.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Call the Police
If you are involved in a car accident, the first thing that you need to do is call the police if you are able. This will ensure a record of the accident and that both parties are accounted for. The police will also be able to provide you with instructions on what to do next.
Get Medical Attention
If you are injured, it is important to get medical attention immediately. Many people wait to see if their injuries will go away on their own, but this can often lead to further problems, including proving your injuries are a result of the collision. It is best to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible after an accident.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
You will need to exchange information with the other driver. Get their:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Insurance information
You should also take a picture of their insurance card with your phone.
Call Your Insurance Company
Once you have exchanged information with the other driver, you will need to call your insurance company. They will need to know about the accident, and they will also help you with any further steps that need to be taken.
Do Not Admit Fault
One of the biggest mistakes people make after a car accident is admitting fault. Even if you are at fault, it is best to wait until the police have completed their investigation. Admitting fault can often lead to further problems down the road.
Follow Up With the Police
It is important to follow up with the police after a car accident. Make sure to get a copy of the police report and keep it in a safe place. Also, make sure you feel the police report accurately reflects what happened. If it doesn’t, don’t be afraid to call the officer and talk to them about why they wrote it the way they did. They may actually change or revise the police report. But even if they don’t, just calling and voicing your concerns over how it was written will be helpful if you need to file a claim later on.
Collect Evidence
If you can, collect evidence from the accident scene. This can include:
- Pictures of the accident scene
- The vehicles involved in the accident
- Skid marks
- Damage to the vehicles
- Anything else that may be helpful
Contact an Attorney
If you are injured, the last thing that you want to do is deal with the insurance company. This is where an attorney can help. An attorney can handle all of the communication with the insurance company and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Do Not Sign Anything Without Speaking to an Attorney
If the other driver offers to settle the claim, do not sign anything without speaking to an attorney. Often, drivers will try to get you to sign a release form that will absolve them of any responsibility.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can often lead to serious injuries. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Back and Neck Injuries
- Head Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Spinal Cord Injuries
If you are injured in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention. Many times, these injuries can go undiagnosed for weeks or even months. This can lead to further problems down the road.
Damages You Can Recover After a Car Crash
After a car accident, you can recover a variety of damages, including:
- Medical Bills – This includes the cost of medical treatment, hospital bills, and prescription drugs.
- Lost Wages – If you cannot work because of your injuries, you can recover lost wages.
- Pain and Suffering – You can also recover damages for the pain and suffering you have endured due to the accident.
- Property Damage – You can recover damages for the damage to your vehicle and any personal property that was damaged in the collision, like a cell phone or child car seat.
Factors That Impact Your Rock Hill Car Accident Case
Many factors can impact your car accident case. Some of the most important factors include:
- The Type of Injury You Sustain – If you have suffered a serious injury, you will likely receive more compensation than if you have suffered minor injuries.
- The Amount of Property Damage – The amount of property damage can also impact your case. If there is severe damage to your car, you will likely receive more compensation than if there are only minor scratches to your bumper.
- The Insurance Policy Limits – If the other driver has a low insurance policy limit, you may not be able to receive full compensation for your damages. If this is the case, you may be able to sue for the extra damages or use your own policy if you have underinsured motorist coverage.
Filing Car Accident Claims in South Carolina
If you are injured in a motor vehicle crash in South Carolina and you are less than 50% at fault, you have the right to file a claim. You may be able to file your claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or with your own insurance company. It is important to speak to an attorney before filing any claim so that you know what to expect and that it is being done properly.
Filing a car accident claim can be complex, and often, the insurance companies will try to deny your claim. An attorney can help you file your claim and can help you get the compensation that you deserve.
Determining Fault in a Rock Hill, South Carolina Motor Vehicle Accident
To recover damages in a car accident case, you must first prove that the other driver was at fault. This can be difficult, especially if the other driver denies responsibility. An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to help you gather evidence and build a strong case in your favor.
Modified Comparative Negligence for South Carolina Car Accidents
In South Carolina, car accident victims can recover damages as long as they are less than 51% at fault for the accident. This is known as modified comparative negligence. As long as you can prove that you do not have the majority share of fault, you will still be able to recover compensation for your damages.
The Statute of Limitations in South Carolina
In South Carolina, you usually have three years to file a car accident lawsuit. If you do not file within this time frame, you will likely lose your right to sue. It is important to speak to an attorney about the statute of limitations in your particular case to ensure you don’t end up being barred from recovery.
Call the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor to Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Rock Hill, SC Car Accident Attorney Today
Car accidents can happen at any time, and if you have been injured in one due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you deserve fair compensation for your injuries.
Our Rock Hill car accident lawyers take on insurance companies and negotiate with them to ensure that you receive fair treatment. We are also not afraid to go to trial when it’s in our client’s best interest.
Contact us today for your free initial consultation and learn more about what we can do to help you. We will answer your questions and explain all of your legal options.
