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Automobile Accident Questions

Anderson, Greenville, Spartanburg, South Carolina

On this page, you will find some frequently asked questions about automobile accidents. If you or your loved one would like additional or case-specific information on these types of accidents, contact an experienced automobile accident attorney.

If I am involved in an automobile accident, do I have to report it?

Yes. If someone is injured or killed in an automobile accident, you must immediately call the police. You should also report the accident to your insurance company. Ask your insurance company what other forms you must fill out, if necessary. Drivers should also report motor vehicle accidents to the Department of Motor Vehicles if the damage exceeds $1,500, or if anyone involved in the accident was hurt of killed.

What information should I obtain at the scene of an automobile accident?

Be sure to obtain as much information as possible. Collect the contact information and driver's license numbers of the other driver(s) involved and note the following:

Address
Phone number
Date of birth
License expiration date
Insurance company information

Also be sure to write down the make, model, year, license plate and VIN number of the other vehicles involved in the accident. Obtain the contact information of any eyewitnesses to the accident. When possible, take photographs of the scene, whether it be with a cell phone or a camera. Draw a diagram and write a description of how the accident happened, including the time of day and weather conditions. Never volunteer any information, even if you think you are in the wrong. This is up to the attorneys to decide, based on the evidence.

Should I see a doctor even if I feel OK after my accident?

This is a vital step that many people overlook. A physical examination should always be conducted on both you and your passengers following an automobile accident. You could be injured and not know it right away, as symptoms may take time to surface. Additionally, a doctor’s diagnosis can only help, not hurt, your claim.

Who will pay for my automobile repairs?

This depends on who is more at fault for the accident. Since South Carolina is a comparative negligence state, even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to collect damages to cover the cost of vehicle repairs. This determination is also dependent on what type of automobile insurance you have. There are two major types of automobile insurance: liability insurance, which will cover the other driver’s damage and injuries; and collision insurance which pays for damages to your car, no matter who is at fault (minus the deductible).

What kind of damages can I collect?

Under South Carolina law, if you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, due to another person’s negligence, you may be entitled receive compensation for:

Past medical bills
Future medical expenses
Loss of ability to perform household services
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
Intangible losses
Property and punitive damages

The party responsible for your automobile accident should be held liable in a court of law. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an automobile accident, and you live in Anderson, Spartanburg or Greenville, South Carolina, please contact the Dick James Law Firm to arrange your free consultation.

800-714-6029
The Dick James Law Firm
611 N. Main Street
Greenville, SC 29601