What Documentation is Needed After a Wreck?

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) reports that tens of thousands of people are hurt in motor vehicle collisions in our state each year. Were you one of them? It is crucial that you know how to protect your rights and your interests. You need all relevant documentation after a traffic collision. Here, our Florence car accident lawyer provides an overview of the documentation that you need after a crash in South Carolina.

The Police Report

All injury crashes in Charleston and elsewhere in South Carolina should be reported to law enforcement. After any collision in South Carolina, obtaining the official police report is essential. It is a key form of documentation. While what you will find in a police report can vary, it will usually include contact details, insurance information, and statements from witnesses. It serves as a critical piece of evidence for insurance claims and potential legal action. Our Charleston, SC car accident lawyer can help you track down a copy of the police report after a crash.

Photographs

Visual evidence can be very compelling in a car accident case. Accident scene photos preserve evidence that may disappear quickly. With that in mind, you should do your best to take clear pictures of all vehicles, the roadway, debris, weather conditions, and any visible injuries. You should include close-up and wide shots to show context. As a general rule, the more pictures you take of a car crash in Charleston, the better. If you have repetitive photos, they can be deleted in the future after your car accident claim has been fully resolved.

Your Written Account

As soon as possible after the crash, you should try to write a detailed personal account of what happened. Among other things, you should include the time, location, road conditions, and every observation you remember. It is also best to note whether you heard screeching tires, saw traffic signals change, or noticed distracted behavior from another driver. A written record created soon after the incident carries strong credibility because it reflects unaltered recollections.

Medical Records

Finally, it is imperative that you seek a doctor after a car accident in South Carolina. Medical records are key to any car accident injury claim. Even if injuries seem minor, you should always seek prompt medical care after a collision. Medical records document the diagnosis, treatment plan, and prognosis for all accident-related injuries. Comprehensive medical records can help connect the crash directly to your physical harm.

Call Our Florence, SC, Car Accident Attorney Today

At The Law Office of D. Craig Brown, LLC, our Florence auto accident attorney is standing by, ready to protect your rights. Have questions about car accident documentation? We are more than happy to help. Contact us now online for a complimentary case review. With an office in Florence, we handle motor vehicle accident claims throughout the South Carolina region.