2024 What to Do After a Car Accident in Myrtle Beach?

If you are in a car accident in Myrtle Beach, you should check for injuries, call the police, then contact an attorney. Experiencing a car accident can be disorienting and overwhelming, leaving individuals unsure of what steps to take in the aftermath. If you find yourself wondering what to do after a car accident in Myrtle Beach, the attorneys at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., offer tangible steps to ensure a safe and full response post-accident.

Whether you’ve been involved in a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, it is essential to know how to act immediately following an accident. The steps individuals take directly after an accident can make a significant difference in ensuring safety, protecting rights, and navigating an insurance claims process smoothly.

Steps to Follow After a Car Accident in Myrtle Beach

• Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Attention: Immediately following a car accident, take time to identify injuries and call for medical emergency services as needed. Even if you do not feel injured immediately following an accident, it is helpful and advisable to seek medical attention as some injuries are not apparent right away but can have long-term implications if not addressed.
• Move to Safety: If you are in an unsafe location, such as a highly trafficked highway, move to safety if it is possible. This can help to prevent further accidents or injuries.
• Call the Police: Regardless of the severity of an accident, it is important to report it to the police. In South Carolina, it is required by law that accidents leading to damages or injuries costing over $1000 dollars must be documented. Law enforcement will create an official report that will prove helpful for an insurance claim.
• Exchange Information: Make sure to exchange the contact and insurance information of the other involved parties, including names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance policy details, if applicable.
• Document the Scene: Taking photos and/or videos of the accident scene, including all damages to vehicles, road conditions, and relevant landmarks, can be valuable down the line when filing an insurance claim.
• Notify Insurance Company: Many insurance companies have strict and quick timelines in which incidents must be reported in order to receive compensation. It is vital that individuals report promptly and provide necessary details and documentation of the accident.
• Seek Legal Assistance: Individuals may want to consider legal assistance as accidents that have led to damages or injury can have serious legal implications. Attorneys can review accidents and provide guidance on legal options moving forward.

Common Car Accident Types in Myrtle Beach

Just as understanding the right steps to take following a car accident can prove helpful in the future, so can understanding the common car accident situations in your area. In Myrtle Beach, car accidents occur due to various factors, including poor weather conditions, traffic congestion, and driver behavior. Some of the typical car accident types in Myrtle Beach Include:

• Rear-End Collisions: These accidents happen when a vehicle hits the rear of another vehicle, often due to tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops.
• T-Bone Accidents: This type of accident occurs when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, often happening in intersections or parking lots.
• Intersection Accidents: Intersection accidents can result from a failure to yield, running red lights or stop signs, or confusing right-of-way traffic rules.
• Head-On Collisions: These are typically the most severe accident types, leading to devastating injuries occurring when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide front-to-front due to improper passing, distracted driving, and more.
• Parking Lot Accidents: Accidents in parking lots involve low-speed collisions, often due to issues like backing out blindly or failing to yield to pedestrians.
• Pedestrian or Bicycle Accidents: Myrtle Beach offers many pedestrian-friendly areas and bike lanes, but unfortunately, it has accidents involving both pedestrians and cyclists often because of driver inattention or failure to yield.

FAQs

Q: What Should You Do in Case of an Accident in South Carolina?

A: The immediate actions individuals should take after an accident are dependent on the severity of the crash. In general, individuals should assess injuries and seek medical attention right away if this is necessary. After moving to a safe location, individuals need to report the accident to local law authorities and create a police report. It is important to exchange contact information with the other parties involved and notify your insurance of the incident.

Q: Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in S.C.?

A: Yes, in the state of South Carolina, individuals are required to report accidents that have caused at least $1,000 in property damage or injury results to local authorities. Failure to report an incident can result in negative legal ramifications.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in South Carolina?

A: Claims seeking a settlement for car accident damages and injuries can take a varied amount of time due to the specific circumstances of the case, including the severity of injuries and damages, the efficiency of all affected parties, and the availability of the court. Car accident settlements have the ability to be resolved in a matter of months but have taken as long as years in the past.

Q: Is South Carolina a No-Fault Accident State?

A: No, South Carolina follows an at-fault model with comparative negligence. This means that if an individual is under 50% responsible for an accident, they can file a claim against the at-fault party. Fault is crucial in personal injury claims in South Carolina as this proves that you are not liable for the injuries and damages you endured in an accident and can claim a settlement from the at-fault party to cover all incurred costs.

Contact a Myrtle Beach Car Accident Attorney Today

In the aftermath of a car accident, it’s natural to feel shaken and uncertain about what to do next. However, there are clear steps to take that can quickly start the post-accident process with greater ease and effectiveness. By taking proactive steps and staying informed, individuals can protect their well-being, rights, and interests in the event of a car accident. Reach out today to the car accident attorneys at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., to set up a consultation.