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What
To Do In Case of An Auto Accident
At the Scene
| • |
Compose
Yourself - Accidents are never planned in advance. They
are always unexpected. Your initial reaction maybe confusion and/or
anger. Before doing anything you must gain control of your emotions
and assess the situation. |
| • |
Help
Those Who are Injured - Call an ambulance if necessary.
Do not try to move an injured person unless you have proper training. |
| • |
Take
Precautions to Prevent Further Accidents - Do not move
the vehicles unless it is unsafe to leave the vehicles where they
are. To warn approaching vehicles, use flares, flashlights or raise
your hood. Above all, do not do anything to include any further
injury to yourself or others! |
| • |
Call
the Police - Their report will serve as a valuable tool
in determining liability. Answer their questions but remember what
you say may be used against you. Make no admission to fault even
if you think you caused the accident. South Carolina is a comparative
negligence state. Find out where and when you can pick up a copy
of the accident report. |
| • |
Record
Details - Record names and addresses of witnesses. Also
record street names and the positions of the vehicles. |
The Next 24
Hours
| • |
Notify
Insurance Company - Notify your insurance carrier and
make a report or have your lawyer make the report for you. You must
cooperate with your insurance company; however, you are under no
obligation to give statements to the other company. Remember, they
are concerned only with the welfare of their insured, not you! |
| • |
Seek
Legal Advice - Most personal injury attorneys operate
on a "no charge unless we recover basis". They do not
charge for initial consultations. A call to your attorney may prevent
you from receiving an inadequate settlement or no settlement at
all. Most attorneys who handle automobile accident cases are readily
accessible. Many provide local and nationwide toll-free numbers
and are available to answer questions at all hours. |
| • |
Should
You Seek Medical Help - If you have not received obvious
injuries such as broken bones, cuts, etc you may not feel the
need to see a doctor. However, it's
important to remember that serious and expensive injuries do not
always result in immediate pain. Your personal injury attorney,
in many cases, can refer you to medical professionals who will
treat you and will defer payment until the time you receive your
insurance settlement.
|
Uricchio
and Associates Law Firm
147 Wappoo Creek Drive, Suite 205 • Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 795-9300 • (800) 968-9927
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Intelligent Media Ventures, Inc.
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