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Auto, Truck & Motorcycle Accidents

Greenville, Spartanburg, South Carolina

Auto accidents , motorcycle, and truck accidents can be minor with little vehicle damage and no injuries, or they can be extremely serious and involve horrible, life-altering (even fatal) injuries. No matter the severity of the accident or the vehicles involved, you will need to follow the same types of standard practices. You should also be prepared to seek the legal services of a qualified attorney such as the Dick James Law Firm in Greenville, South Carolina.

No matter how serious your accident is, you must be sure that your rights are protected. You may have to deal with lawyers, insurance adjustors, insurance companies and doctors before your ordeal is over. It is important that you are prepared to handle any upcoming issues relating to the accident. For these reasons, you should consult a Greenville accident attorney as soon as you are able to.

In order to prevent complicating matters, there are also certain practices you should follow as soon as an accident has occurred, no matter who is at fault. Here are some general steps you should take if you are able to do so.

Remain At the Scene

Never leave the scene of an accident until the proper authorities have been notified and an officer has arrived on the scene to make a police report. Because South Carolina is a no-fault state, the good driver does not have to prove that the crash was somebody else’s fault in order to receive compensation. The insurance company of the “good” driver will pay medical bills, rehab bills, and lost wages up to the purchased amount, but the injured person cannot sue for pain and suffering or emotional distress.

If the accident is minor, exchanging personal and insurance information is usually sufficient. However, under these circumstances, you must file an accident report with the proper authorities immediately.

Assist Any Injured Parties

If you are injured, do not move and request that medical help be contacted immediately. If you are not injured, be sure that you check with everyone else involved to establish the severity of their injuries, if any. This should be done prior to the exchange of any information. If there are any injuries, emergency assistance should be requested immediately.

You are responsible for remaining with the injured person and helping them in any way possible until medical help arrives. Do not attempt to move or treat any injured person unless you are properly trained to do so. Otherwise, you may cause further damage.

Preserve Any Evidence

If the vehicles are blocking traffic, they should be moved to a safer place. Otherwise, they should remain in the positions they came to rest in. Note everything about the accident scene before moving anything. Use flares and four way flashers to warn oncoming traffic. This will prevent further accidents, preserve the scene and provide room for the arrival of emergency vehicles. If possible, take pictures at the scene to preserve evidence.

The best accident prevention is careful driving and following all safety rules and regulations. Second, be sure your insurance is always sufficient and up-to-date. If you find yourself involved in an accident, regardless of the severity, it is in your best interests to consult knowledgeable accident attorneys in Spartanburg and Greenville, South Carolina. To learn more, please contact the Dick James Law Firm today.