What NOT To Do After a South Carolina Car Accident
The moments following a car accident are usually stressful and overwhelming. After a car accident, victims are often disoriented and unsure of what to do next. Unfortunately, some people do certain things that could adversely affect the outcome of any compensation claim they file afterwards. Over the years, our Charleston car accident lawyer has seen car accident victims make many poor choices. This article discusses some things you should NOT do after a South Carolina car accident. Avoiding the mistakes discussed below can significantly increase your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
#1: Admit Fault
The first thing you should avoid doing after a South Carolina car accident is admitting fault. Even if you believe you caused the accident, do not tell anyone at the accident scene that the accident was your fault. It is crucial to let the police investigate the accident and determine liability. You may not know all the details about what happened. An investigation will reveal a clear image of what exactly happened.
Even apologizing to the other driver may be taken as an admission of guilt. So, as much as it is natural for people to say, “I am sorry,” even when they are not at fault, it is best to avoid apologizing to the other driver. Instead of apologizing, you can try to show your concern in another way. Other ways to express your concern for the other driver include asking them if they are injured or need medical help.
#2: Fail To Collect Evidence
Evidence is the most crucial part of a car accident claim. Not collecting evidence after a car accident can adversely affect the outcome of your car accident claim. Without enough strong evidence, you cannot prove liability. Evidence is also important as it can help prove the severity of your injuries. After a car accident, you should collect as much evidence as possible. The following are examples of the type of evidence you should try getting after a South Carolina car accident;
- Pictures of property and vehicle damage
- Pictures of your injuries
- Pictures of the road conditions
- Witnesses’ names and contact information
If your condition prevents you from taking pictures and videos, you can ask someone to help.
#3: Refuse To Seek Medical Attention
After a car accident, you may not feel any pain because of adrenaline. You may not feel any injuries immediately after a car accident. Because of this, you may decide not to get medical attention. Even if you believe you are uninjured, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident. Some injuries are not easily noticeable, whereas others, such as whiplash and traumatic brain injuries, may have symptoms that take time to manifest. Delaying getting medical attention can make it hard to prove the severity of your injuries. It can make it difficult to prove you were injured in the accident.
Contact Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm
Another thing you should NOT do after a South Carolina car accident is fail to contact a car accident attorney. After getting into a car accident, you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. You can contact our Charleston car accident lawyer at Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm, by calling 843-310-5555 or filling out our online contact form.
