Tension and emotions are high in the moments immediately following an accident. In the absence of a clear mind, it can be easy to forget to get the information you need to file a claim. Any initial action you take, or fail to take, can significantly impact the success of your claim. In this blog, our Charleston car accident lawyers share tips on what to do after a car accident that can help you file a successful claim.
Call The Police
Notifying the authorities is one of the first things you should do following an accident, especially if there is significant car damage. Take down the name and badge number of the responding officers. If the officers fill out a report, you’ll want to get a copy. If there are serious injuries that need to be reported, you should not hesitate to call an ambulance – your health and safety should always come first.
Exchange Information
When getting the other driver’s information, you want to make sure you’re also exchanging license plate numbers, insurance police numbers, and basic insurance information. If there are any surrounding witnesses, be sure to get their names, numbers, and addresses.
Watch Your Words
You can ask to make sure no harm came to the other driver and passengers, but you should never apologize for the accident. Your words can easily be construed as an admission of guilt and be used against you. Even if you think you caused the accident, you only saw it happen from one perspective and there may be more to the story.
Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC is a boutique law firm with the experience and skill you’d find at a large corporate firm. If you’ve been involved in an accident and suffered injuries, our Charleston car accident lawyers can take care of the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today!