What to Do After a Car Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault
The actions you take after a car accident that wasn’t your fault can have a significant impact on your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. The South Carolina attorneys at Wilson Law Group, LLC want you to know what to do to protect your claim if you suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence. Here’s what to do after a Bamberg car accident.
What Do I Do If I Am Injured in a Car Accident That Was Not My Fault?
The steps to take after a car accident include:
- Call 911 to bring paramedics and police to the accident scene.
- Take photos and video of the crash site if you can.
- Collect the names and insurance information for every driver involved in the crash. Also, get the names and contact information or any witnesses.
- Seek prompt medical attention to ensure your injuries are diagnosed, treated, and documented on your medical record.
- Follow your doctor’s orders and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Record details about how your injuries affect your life in a daily diary.
- Keep a file of your accident-related medical bills, pay stubs showing missed time at work, bank records, vehicle repair estimates, and other losses.
- Never agree to give a recorded statement to the insurance company until you have spoken with an experienced car accident attorney.
- Avoid posting photos or sharing information about the crash on social media.
- Contact a knowledgeable car accident lawyer for advice in a free consultation.
When the Insurance Company May Try to Argue You Are at Fault
Insurance investigators examine the available evidence to determine who was at fault for a car accident before making any payouts. A lack of evidence or inaccurate assumptions may lead the insurance company to believe you are responsible for a crash.
Insurers may argue the crash was your fault if you were involved in accidents like:
- Rear-end collisions – In most cases, the driver who hits the vehicle ahead of them is at fault in a rear-end accident. However, if the driver ahead of you suddenly stopped short or decided to “brake check” you, they could be partly to blame. However, this could be difficult to prove without help from an experienced lawyer.
- T-bone accidents – Many T-bone crashes occur because of failure to yield the right of way at intersections. If you run head-first into the side of another vehicle, you’ll need to be able to prove you had the right of way to avoid liability.
- Multi-vehicle accidents – Sometimes, multiple vehicles in congested traffic collide in a chain-reaction accident. When these pileups occur, it can be difficult for investigators to determine exactly who is at fault. An attorney can protect you from unfair claims of fault.
- Negligent pedestrian or bicycle accidents – Many people automatically assume motorists are at fault for pedestrian or bike accidents, but this is untrue. Pedestrians and cyclists must obey the rules of the road just like all other road users. When they don’t, their negligence can contribute to accidents.
When Should You Contact a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
If you sustained serious injuries, missed time at work, or suffered other significant losses after a Bamberg car accident, you need a proven personal injury attorney to hold the at-fault parties accountable for their negligence. Contact the trusted legal team at Wilson Law Group, LLC for a free initial case review.