Myrtle Beach roads are crowded with millions of residents and tourists each year. If you live or visit Myrtle Beach, you could sustain an auto accident injury on one of our busy streets.
Being involved in a traffic accident can be frustrating. It can also be painful and overwhelming. Knowing what steps to take after a Myrtle Beach car accident can help protect your legal right to receive fair compensation for an auto accident injury that was not your fault.
Five Steps to Take After a Myrtle Beach Auto Accident Injury
1. Call 911 to Report the Accident and Request Help
Unless there are no injuries and no property damage, you must report accidents to the police. Because you cannot be sure whether you sustained an injury until you see a doctor, it can be wise to report all crashes to the police immediately.
Also, if the vehicle has out-of-state tags, it is best to call the police. You want to ensure you have an official accident report with an out-of-state driver when you battle the insurance company for compensation for your injuries and damages.
2. Take Pictures of the Accident Scene
If it is safe to do so, take pictures of the accident scene, including the location of both vehicles and the damage to both vehicles. Make sure you capture the other vehicle's tag in the pictures. It can also help to make a video of the accident scene with your cell phone.
If there are any eyewitnesses present, ask them to give you their names and contact information. Eyewitness testimony can be instrumental when proving fault for a car accident.
3. See a Doctor as Soon as Possible
If you do not go directly to the hospital from the crash scene, you need to see your doctor as soon as possible. Aches and pains could indicate a more significant injury. Some injury symptoms may not be noticeable for a few hours or a day or two after the accident.
Documenting your injuries through medical records is crucial for recovering money for an accident claim. Your auto accident injury needs to be evaluated by a physician and documented as soon as possible after the accident. Delays could jeopardize your health and your claim.
4. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Provider
South Carolina law requires that you report the crash to your insurance provider, even if you did not cause the accident. Depending on the type of insurance coverage you carry, you might have benefits under your insurance coverage for medical payments and other losses.
Be careful when discussing the case with any insurance company, even your insurance company. The things that you say could hurt your accident claim. It is generally best to meet with an accident attorney before you provide a statement, sign documents, or answer any insurance company's questions after an accident.
5. Seek Legal Advice About a Personal Injury Claim
As soon as possible, contact our Myrtle Beach car accident lawyers for a free case review. We want to ensure that you have the information you need to make decisions that are best for you.
If you hire our law firm, we handle all aspects of your auto accident injury claim, including filing insurance claims, gathering evidence, dealing with adjusters, and aggressively negotiating for maximum compensation for your case.
Call Our Myrtle Beach Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
At Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers, we assist clients in Horry County and throughout South Carolina when they need help seeking the compensation they deserve after an auto accident injury.
Call our office now to schedule your free consultation with a Myrtle Beach personal injury attorney.
