What if I Was Partially at Fault in an Accident?
Being involved in an accident is a painful and emotionally draining experience. However, if you feel partially to blame for the accident, it may compound your stress. South Carolina is an at-fault state, meaning the at-fault party covers accident-related losses.
South Carolina applies comparative negligence when establishing fault in an accident. Under these laws, you can still obtain damages if you are partially at fault for the accident, as long as you were less to blame than the other party. If your actions contributed to the crash, you should still explore your rights to compensation.
Consult a trusted car accident attorney in Anderson, SC, for legal advice on actions to take if injured in a car crash.
What to Do After an Accident
Considering the implications of being at fault for an accident, the negligent driver may shift the blame on you. You should document the events leading to the accident. Most importantly, your actions after a car crash can protect your right to compensation.
Here are the steps to take immediately after a crash:
Call the Police
You should inform the police about an accident irrespective of the severity of the crash. When a police officer arrives at the scene, they will create a report you can rely on to file an insurance claim.
Similarly, insurance adjusters rely on the document to determine the extent of the damage and who is at fault. If the liability is unclear, the details in the police accident report can provide clarity.
A police accident report often contains the following details, which may help prove the at-fault party:
- Details of parties involved
- The description of the accident scene
- Traffic violation information
- Police officer’s observation
Get Medical Attention
Irrespective of the severity of a car crash, you’re likely to sustain an injury. The symptoms of your injury may not be evident immediately after the crash. You need a comprehensive medical examination to reveal any hidden injuries.
A healthcare provider will initiate a treatment plan and generate medical records that you can rely on to prove the extent of your injuries.
Get in Touch With an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
If injured in a car crash, you should immediately contact an attorney. While many injured victims obtain compensation from the at-fault party’s insurer, working with an attorney enhances your chances of a positive outcome.
One crucial role of an attorney is proving fault by investigating driver-related factors like distractions, fatigue, or impaired driving. An attorney can establish liability by compiling various sources of information, including images of the crash scene, video surveillance footage, and an opinion from an accident reconstruction expert.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Anderson, SC
A car accident can cause many injuries, financial losses, and other ongoing concerns in your life. The at-fault party may attempt to shift blame to you for the accident, leading to potential loss of compensation.
Never wait to seek representation from an experienced attorney from Bradley & Perkins, who will aggressively protect your right to compensation. Contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.