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Injured in a Car Accident? Greenville Injury Attorney Discusses 8 Steps to Take

March 29, 2016

Although no amount of compensation can undo the trauma of a car accident, a successful claim may help you avoid overwhelming debt. According to the South Carolina Department of Insurance , crash victims may be entitled to damages for health-care expenses, time off work and other losses.

Even if liability and negligence seem obvious, recovering compensation after a wreck is not always easy. The driver may deny fault, or the insurance company could offer a settlement that does not cover your ongoing losses. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your interests, and an injury attorney can guide you through the claims process.

If your crash happened in South Carolina, contact the Churdar Law Firm. Doug Churdar is a car accident lawyer in Greenville who can gather evidence, talk to witnesses and aggressively fight for the maximum compensation.

Call 864-233-0203 to schedule a consultation. You can also visit the USAttorneys website to learn more about accident claims in South Carolina.

Here are eight steps that you should take immediately after a collision:

1. Get a copy of the police report.

The police report will outline important details of the crash such as the time, date, cause, and whether there were injuries or property damage. Your car accident lawyer may be able to use this report to prove liability and negligence.

2. Go to the doctor.

According to the Department of Motor Vehicles , your top priority after a collision is to undergo a medical evaluation. A doctor can identify injuries that you may not have noticed, and his or her report can help your injury attorney prove economic damages.

3. Disclose pre-existing injuries.

If you had a pre-existing injury before the crash, you must disclose this to your doctor. Although it will give the other party a reason to dispute your claim, you may still be entitled to compensation if the collision aggravated the injury.

4. Avoid giving statements without a car accident lawyer.

Never give recorded statements to insurance companies without the guidance of an injury attorney. The insurance provider may use your statements to undervalue or deny your claim. A personal-injury attorney can help you avoid unknowingly admitting fault.

5. Collect witness information.

If the at-fault party denies liability, witness testimonies may be invaluable evidence. Be sure to gather the names, phone numbers and email addresses of witnesses at the crash scene.

6. Collect evidence at the scene.  

Take photographs at the scene. Be sure to capture wide angles that show the positions of vehicles, and take close up shots of property damage and injuries.

7. Secure all evidence.

Store your evidence and documents in a safe place. These include records of lost income, invoices paid, days taken off work and medical bills.

8. Investigate your insurance policy.

Your insurance policy contains crucial details about the claims process including the statute of limitations, caps on compensation and more.

If you were injured in a car wreck in South Carolina, contact the Churdar Law Firm. Mr. Churdar is a Greenville injury attorney who can handle settlement negotiations and protect your interests. Call 864-233-0203 today to schedule a consultation.

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