What Information Should Be Exchanged After a South Carolina Car Accident?

Millions of motor vehicle accidents happen in the United States every year. South Carolina alone witnesses more than a hundred thousand accidents annually. With this many vehicles getting into accidents, all drivers need to stay prepared for the possibility of being involved in an accident. Research suggests that a driver’s odds of being involved in a car crash are one out of 366 for each 1,000 miles driven.

One of the most crucial steps after a car accident is exchanging information with the other driver. Exchanging information after a car accident helps you protect your legal rights. However, you can only exchange information with the other driver if your condition allows you to do so. If, after a car accident, you are physically able to speak to the other driver, there are several items of information you should exchange with them. Below, we look at the information that should be exchanged after a South Carolina car accident.

The Information You Should Exchange After a South Carolina Car Accident

After a South Carolina car accident, you should exchange certain information with the other driver unless your injuries prevent you from doing so. However, call the police and emergency medical providers before talking to the other driver. When exchanging information with the other driver, the following are some of the most crucial things you should focus on finding out;

Names

After you’ve called the police and emergency medical providers, you should first ask the driver their names and the names of their passengers (if there are any). Be sure to get everybody’s full names and not just the first names, and ensure you ask about spellings if you are unsure. Do not guess. Additionally, if two or more people share names, ask for a third name or initials.

Contact Information

The second most crucial information you should exchange after a South Carolina car accident is contact information. Ask the other driver to share their cell phone number, home number, and email address. Asking for the other driver’s home number is important in case they need to be served court papers in the future. Additionally, asking for a cell phone number, home number, and email address ensures you have multiple options to reach the other driver.

Driver’s License Number

Ask the other driver for their driver’s license number. The other driver is generally required to provide their driver’s license if you request it.

Vehicle Information

It is extremely important that you note, among other things, the model, make, license plate number, and color of the other vehicle.

Name of the Insured

You might find that the driver and the person who carries the auto insurance policy for that car are different. Ensure you confirm if the driver of the vehicle is the owner of the car and, thus, the insured. If they are not, ask for the name and contact details of the person who carries the auto insurance policy for that car.

Contact Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm

If you’re involved in a South Carolina car accident, do not hesitate to contact our Charleston car accident lawyer at Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm.

Source:

crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813266