What to Do After a Rear-End Car Accident in South Carolina
The pain from a rear-end accident can be excruciating, and the uncertainty that follows is even worse. In South Carolina, where there are over 143,000 accidents each year, knowing what steps to take immediately after this type of accident is crucial for your safety, legal rights, and potential recovery.
Wondering what to do after a rear-end accident? The team at Peake & Fowler is ready to help you during this difficult time. Give us a call at 803-788-4370 to set up a consultation with our Columbia personal injury attorneys.
Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
The first thing to do after a rear end accident is to check if anyone is hurt. Look over yourself, your passengers, and people in the other vehicle. If anyone is injured, call 911 right away. It’s important to stay as calm as possible during this time.
Even if you don’t feel hurt, you should still see a doctor. Injuries like whiplash can show up later. A healthcare professional can check you out and document any injuries. This medical record will be crucial if you need to file a claim later. Prioritizing safety and health right after the accident ensures that everyone gets the help they need and that you have proper documentation for any future legal or insurance matters.
Report the Accident to Authorities
In South Carolina, you must report a car accident to the local authorities if it involves injury, death, or significant property damage. When the police arrive, give them accurate information about what happened. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault at the scene, as this can complicate legal matters later.
The police will create an accident report, which is a crucial document for both insurance claims and any potential legal proceedings. This report will include details about the accident, which can support your case. Be sure to get a copy of this report, as it will be important for future reference.
Document the Scene and Exchange Information
After ensuring everyone is safe and the authorities have been notified, it’s important to document the scene of the rear-end accident. Use your phone to take clear photos of the vehicles involved, any damage, the surrounding area, and any traffic signs or signals that might be relevant. These photos will be useful for insurance claims and potential legal matters.
Also, gather information from the other driver. This should include their names, phone numbers, insurance details, and license plate numbers.
If there are witnesses, get their contact information and ask them to describe what they saw. Having this detailed information can make the claims process more straightforward and help establish the facts of the accident later on.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve ensured everyone’s safety and documented the scene, it’s crucial to notify your insurance company about the rear-end accident. Most insurance policies require you to report car accidents as soon as possible, so don’t wait. When you contact your insurer, provide them with all the information you’ve collected, including the police report, photos, and details about any injuries or damages.
Be honest and thorough in your explanation of what happened, but avoid guessing or making statements about who was at fault. Your insurance company will investigate the incident and determine fault based on the evidence. This process ensures that the claims are handled fairly and that you receive the support you need during this stressful time.
Understand Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities
In the wake of a rear-end accident, it’s crucial to grasp your legal rights and responsibilities in South Carolina. The state uses a fault-based system for car accidents. This means that the driver found at fault is responsible for paying for the damages. If you were not at fault, you could receive compensation for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.
It’s also important to understand the statute of limitations. In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could mean you lose the right to seek compensation, so being prompt is key.
Contact the Team at Peake & Fowler
After your accident, you should reach out to Peake & Fowler to discuss your legal options. If someone else was responsible for your accident, we’ll help you fight for compensation. Get in touch online or call us at 803-788-4370.
