843-479-2865
Steps to Take Immediately After Someone Hits Your Car
When a driver knocks you off your feet, the shock can be immediate. However, the full weight of the injuries may not set in until hours later. Knowing what steps to take right away is critical, not just for your health, but for your ability to hold the negligent driver liable for your damages. Acting quickly can preserve evidence, safeguard your rights, and give you a stronger foundation if you decide to file a claim.
At Douglas Jennings Law Firm LLC, our South Carolina car accident lawyers help injured people like you take control of the situation when everything feels out of control. Here, we’ll break down what you should do right away and why each step matters.
Get Medical Attention First
Your priority is your health. Even if you think you can walk it off, many serious injuries, including concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, don’t appear right away. Whiplash, for instance, is one of the most common car accident injuries. However, symptoms usually develop 24 to 48 hours later. Without early documentation, the other side may say you made it up.
On the other hand, a doctor’s evaluation creates a medical record that ties your injuries directly to the crash, which is crucial if the driver’s insurance provider later tries to argue that something else caused them.
Contact The Police
When officers respond to a crash scene, they’ll create an official record of what happened, collect statements, and note important details. This report will become a crucial piece of evidence for your case.
If You Can, Gather Evidence
If you’re physically able, take photos of the scene, your injuries, the vehicle, and nearby traffic signs or cameras. Ask for names and contact information from witnesses. These details can make the difference later if the driver disputes fault.
Call Your Insurer
South Carolina follows a fault-based auto insurance system, which means the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for paying damages. Depending on the specific circumstances surrounding the crash and the terms of your policy, your auto insurance may provide coverage through medical payments or uninsured motorist benefits. Promptly notifying your insurer protects your ability to use these resources should you need them.
Call a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer Before Speaking to The Other Party’s Insurer
A car crash doesn’t end when the ambulance leaves. Medical bills, missed paychecks, and questions about liability start piling up almost immediately. Insurance adjusters aren’t looking out for you. Having a South Carolina car accident attorney on your side means someone is fighting for your physical, mental, and financial recovery, not the company’s bottom line.
What you do in those first minutes and days, securing medical care, talking to the police, and documenting the scene, can mean the difference between getting maximum compensation and paying for everything out-of-pocket. Your car accident lawyer in South Carolina will:
- Secure evidence before it disappears, from traffic camera footage to witness testimony
- Work with doctors and experts to show the true extent of your injuries and future care needs
- Calculate damages that cover more than hospital bills, including lost wages, emotional distress, and long-term effects
- Push back against insurance companies that undervalue claims or try to blame you
Sadly, many accident victims don’t realize how much compensation they’re entitled to until a trusted law firm fights for it. Don’t let your situation mirror theirs.
Consult With Our South Carolina Car Accident Attorneys
Contact Douglas Jennings Law Firm LLC at 843-479-2865 or online to arrange your complimentary case review with our South Carolina car accident lawyer today.