Steps to Take After Someone Hits Me on a Highway
If another driver hits you on the highway, it’s time to take action. The steps you take now can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim – and in your ability to fully recover. While your accident claim will be unique to the circumstances involved, there are certain basic steps that every accident victim can benefit from, and one of the most important is consulting with an experienced South Carolina car accident attorney as soon as you’re able to do so.
Move to Safety
If you can, the first step in the process is moving your car safely out of the line of traffic. From here, leave your vehicle and assess the situation. If you or anyone else involved is clearly injured, you shouldn’t wait to call 911 and render whatever aid you can – if someone besides yourself is injured – until the emergency medical crew arrives. If you’re confident that no one was harmed and that the level of property damage is very low, you can contact the non-emergency number for reporting car accidents, but keep in mind that erring on the side of caution is in everyone’s best interests.
If You’re Offered Medical Assistance, Accept It
If the emergency medical personnel offer you medical assistance, accept it. Serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), don’t necessarily present with symptoms from the start, and the adrenaline and shock that courses through you in the wake of a car accident can mask a considerable amount of pain. If medical treatment isn’t offered, seek medical attention upon leaving the scene, and follow your doctor’s advice and instructions carefully.
Gather Evidence if You’re Able
If you’re in the condition to do so, collecting evidence at the scene can strengthen your claim, but if you’re not, you can count on others to get involved. Further, your attorney will spare no effort in their quest to ensure that all the available evidence is well accounted for. Evidence can come in many different forms, including the following:
- Photos and videos taken during the event and at the scene
- Relevant dashcam footage
- The testimony of eyewitnesses
- The police report, including any additional information – such as any tickets issued
- Your own account of how the accident transpired, which it’s a good idea to jot down while your memories are fresh
Consult with an Accomplished South Carolina Car Accident Attorney As Soon As You Can
The sooner you retain the skilled legal guidance of an experienced car accident attorney, the better prepared you’ll be to bring your strongest claim. The capable South Carolina car accident attorneys at Parham Smith & Archenhold LLC – proudly serving Charleston, Spartanburg, and Greenville – have a wealth of experience helping clients like you successfully navigate the challenging path forward toward fair settlements and court awards that address their complete losses. We’re on your side, so please don’t wait to contact us online or call 864-400-2545 and learn more about what we can do to help you today.