- June 19, 2024
You just got into a car accident in Greenville. The airbags deployed. There’s broken glass everywhere. Your heart is racing. What do you do next? The moments right after an accident are crucial. Staying calm and taking the proper steps will protect you legally and financially down the road.
This article will walk you through the key things to do immediately after a crash, from collecting evidence to hiring a Greenville car wreck attorney and more. With these steps, you’ll know exactly how to handle those stressful first moments during and following a collision.
Check for Injuries and Call for Help If Needed
First, check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If you notice any pain or bleeding, call for emergency help immediately. Dial 911 and give them your location, the number of people involved in the accident, and a brief description of any injuries you see. Stay on the line with the operator until help arrives.
If no one is seriously injured, exit the vehicle and check on the other drivers involved in the accident. Ask them if they are okay and if they need medical attention. If so, immediately call 911 and request an ambulance.
Seek Medical Attention Even If You Feel Fine
After any car accident, no matter how minor it seems, you should get checked out by a doctor. Adrenaline floods your body during traumatic events like a crash, masking any pain or injuries you may have sustained. Once that adrenaline wears off, though, you’ll feel the impact.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry in this situation. Head to an urgent care center or emergency room right away and get evaluated. They can properly assess if you have any internal injuries, fractures, or concussions that may not be obvious.
Document the Scene With Photos and Videos
As soon as it’s safe to do so, start documenting the accident scene. Take photos and videos of your vehicle and any others involved, capturing damage from multiple angles. Get shots of the surrounding area, including any skid marks on the road. Photograph injuries to yourself or any passengers as well.
All of this evidence can help authorities determine fault and may be useful for insurance claims down the road. While technology allows us to capture high-quality images with our phones, the more visual information you can provide, the better. Don’t just take one or two quick snaps and call it a day.
File a Police Report After Your Car Accident in Greenville
Reporting the accident to the police is critical. Call 911 as soon as possible and remain on the scene until the police arrive. Provide the police with the details of the accident, including specifics on any injuries. Get the name and badge number of the responding officer.
Ask the police to document the cars’ positions and any damage and review the information to ensure it’s recorded accurately before signing the report. Getting an official police report, even for minor accidents, establishes an official record of the incident.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Getting in touch with your insurance company should be at the top of your list after an accident. Call them as soon as possible to report the details of the incident. Have your policy number handy, as well as any information you have about the other driver(s) involved, including their license plate number, contact information, and insurance details.
Your insurance provider will walk you through the next steps to take in order to process your claim. They may send out an adjuster to evaluate any damage to your vehicle. Be prepared to provide a statement about what happened.
Contact an Experienced Greenville Car Accident Lawyer
If you were involved in a car accident in Greenville, don’t go through this difficult time alone. Call Brumback & Langley today at (864) 310-7897 for a free case review with an experienced car crash lawyer who will advocate for you. Our legal team has helped injury victims in Greenville for years get justice and recover damages.
We know how confusing and stressful the aftermath of an accident can be. Let us guide you through the process, investigate your claim, determine who’s at fault, and fight the insurance companies on your behalf.
