Free Consultation (803) 350-9230
What to Do After a Car Accident- Best Advice!

By: Robert F. Goings

WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT:

Here is our best advise of what to do after a car or truck accident:

Step 1 – Get Medical Attention

Call 911 right away to make sure serious injuries get prompt medical attention.  Even if you experience bruises, soreness, aches, or pains, go the the emergency room or scheduled an appointment with you primary doctor as soon as possible.

Step 2 — File A Police Report or Incident Report

File a police report, even if you’ve only been in a minor car accident. This is your best protection against inflated or false claims. Only discuss the accident with police and do NOT admit fault.
Move out of the way of traffic to protect yourself from further injury.

Step 3 – Preserve Evidence for Your Case

Take photographs and video, if possible, of the accident scene, any injuries, and any resulting damages.
Obtain the following insurance-related information from the other driver:
Name, address, birthdate, phone number, driver’s license info, and insurance info
The make, year, model, license plate number, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the other car
If the other driver doesn’t own the car, get the names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance info of the other car’s registered owners
The names, addresses, and phone numbers of any passengers in the other vehicle

If the accident involves a truck, take photographs of:
The tractor-trailer involved, especially photographs of any company names, Department of Transportation (DOT) numbers, and logos.
The location of the tractor-trailer at final rest.
Identify any witnesses and obtain their contact information before they leave the accident scene.
Contact your insurance company to inform them that an accident has occurred, but don’t give a recorded statement.

Step 4 – Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

Before you sign any papers or give a recorded statement to the insurance company, it’s in your best interest to consult with an experienced car accident attorney.  An attorney can provide you the best likelihood to receive the compensation that you deserve.

Hiring an experienced car accident attorney can help you to:
Obtain the maximum amount of compensation that you deserve
Coordinate a rental car or other transportation method to replace your damaged vehicle
Avoid having your words used against you by the insurance company or the at-fault party
Focus on recovering from your injuries instead of stressing about medical bills and lost wages

If you’ve been hurt in a serious car or truck accident, it’s important to act fast.  The sooner you contact our law firm, the sooner we can investigate your claim, preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and help build your case.

Our legal consultations are free and there’s no obligation to use our services.  The Goings Law Firm, LLC is available at 803-350-9230 to answer your questions.

Related Posts:

What to Do After an Car Accident That is Not Your Fault?

Who Pays for Rental Car After Accident?

My Car Was Hit, and Their Insurance Won’t Pay… What’s Next?


Last Updated : October 25, 2024
The State's Best - 2024 Winner - Goings Law Firm
The State's Best - 2024 Winner - Goings Law Firm
The State's Best - 2024 Winner - Goings Law Firm
TBest Law Firms - Personal Injury Litigation 2022
International Society of Barristers
10.0Robert F. Goings
Legal Elite Logo
Legal Elite Logo
South Carolina Leadership in law Honoree Logo
Rated a 10.0 Super Lawyer by Avvo.com
American Board of Trial Advocates
American Society of Legal Advocates Top 40 Under 40 - 2014
Best Law Logo
National Trial Lawyers Top 100
Legal Elite of the Midlands logo
 AV Preeminent
Best Law Badge
Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Columbia
South Carolina Association for Justice
Lead Counsel Seal
American Society of Legal Advocates Top 40 Under 40 - 2014
Super Lawyers Rising Star
Goings Law Firm, LLC, LawyersPersonal Injury & Property Damage, Columbia, SC
Robert Goings CR Platinum 300
Robert Goings PR AV
Trust Analytica-badge
The State's Best - 2023 Winner - Goings Law Firm
South Carolina Lawyers - The 2024 Powerlist - Personal Injury