What to Do After a Car Accident in South Carolina
What to Do After a Car Accident in South Carolina
What to do after a car accident in South Carolina can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect your health and your rights. Strom Law Firm’s got your back if you’re in Columbia or anywhere in the state. They’re a personal injury, criminal defense, and complex litigation firm based at 6923 N Trenholm Rd, Columbia, SC. With decades of experience, their team knows how to handle car accident cases. Here’s a straightforward guide on what to do, plus answers to common questions folks ask online about accidents—all tied to how a car accident lawyer near me at Strom Law Firm can help.
Step 1: Stay Safe and Check for Injuries
First, make sure you’re out of harm’s way. Move your car off the road if you can, and check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 if anyone’s hurt—don’t wait. Strom Law Firm’s attorneys say this step is key because it keeps everyone safe and gets help fast.
Step 2: Call the Police
Even for a fender bender, get the cops involved. In South Carolina, they’ll file a report, which you’ll need later for insurance or a claim. Strom Law Firm’s team leans on these reports to build your case if things get messy.
Step 3: Swap Info and Snap Photos
Get the other driver’s name, insurance details, and license plate. Take pictures of the cars, the road, and any skid marks or damage. Strom Law Firm’s lawyers use this stuff to figure out who’s at fault and back up your story.
Step 4: Don’t Admit Fault
Keep it simple—don’t say “sorry” or act like it’s your fault. That can bite you later. Strom Law Firm’s seen too many cases where a quick apology turns into a legal headache.
Step 5: See a Doctor
Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Some injuries, like whiplash, sneak up on you. Medical records also tie your injuries to the crash, which Strom Law Firm can use if you need to file a claim.
Step 6: Call a Car Accident Lawyer Near Me
Reach out to Strom Law Firm at 803-252-4800 for a free chat. They’ve got attorneys—like former U.S. Attorney Pete Strom—who know South Carolina’s laws inside out. A car accident lawyer near me can deal with insurance companies so you don’t have to.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
Here’s what people often ask on Google’s “People Also Ask,” with answers linked to Strom Law Firm:
1. What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Stay safe, call 911, and don’t move if you’re hurt. Strom Law Firm says these first moves matter a lot.
2. Do I need a lawyer for a car accident in South Carolina?
Not always, but it helps if the crash is bad or insurance fights you. Strom Law Firm steps in to sort it out.
3. How long do I have to file a claim in South Carolina?
Usually, you have three years from the accident date. Strom Law Firm can confirm what applies to you.
4. What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
It’s tricky, but you might use your own uninsured coverage. Strom Law Firm has handled plenty of these in Columbia.
5. Can I still get money if I’m partly at fault?
Yeah, South Carolina’s rules let you recover if you’re less than 51% at fault. Strom Law Firm can figure out your share.
Why Strom Law Firm?
They’ve been in Columbia for over 30 years, helping folks with car accidents and more. Their attorneys, including ex-prosecutors, know how to push back against insurance companies that lowball you. They’re local and ready to jump in if you need a car accident lawyer near me.
Quick Tips to Remember
- Don’t skip the doctor—hidden injuries can mess you up later.
- Keep quiet about fault—let Strom Law Firm handle the talking.
- Act fast—delays can weaken your case. Call 803-252-4800 now.
Get Help Today
Car accidents suck, but Strom Law Firm in Columbia, SC, makes it easier. They offer free consultations to go over your crash and what’s next. Hit them up at 803-252-4800 or stromlaw.com. A car accident lawyer near me is just a call away—don’t wait around.
