Electric and hybrid electric vehicles are growing in number. Therefore, you have a better chance of being involved in a traffic accident with an electric vehicle. Additionally, these vehicles pose significant risks to pedestrians and bicyclists because of the low noise levels emitted from these vehicles.
An electric vehicle accident can cause traumatic injuries. If another party caused the crash, you could recover compensation for your damages. First, however, you must prove fault and liability. Our South Carolina car accident lawyer assists victims in fighting for the money they deserve.
Steps to Take After an Electric Vehicle Accident
The steps you take after an accident involving an electric vehicle significantly impact the outcome of your personal injury case. Important steps to take include:
Report the Car Accident to the Police
Drivers involved in a car crash are required to stop at the accident scene. Call 911 to report the accident and request assistance. The emergency operator dispatches a police officer and emergency medical services.
Do not admit fault for the cause of the car accident. Saying you are sorry could be misinterpreted as admitting fault. Instead, tell the police officer what happened without embellishing or accepting responsibility for the cause of the collision.
Document the Accident Scene
If it is safe to do so, take pictures and make a video of the accident scene. Try to capture the location of the vehicles, vehicle damage, skid marks, road signs, and the surrounding area. Ask eyewitnesses for their names and contact information.
Seek Medical Treatment for Injuries
Saying you are “fine” or “okay” could hurt your personal injury claim. It is better to say that you will see your doctor regarding any injuries caused by the accident.
Seeing a doctor as soon as possible is best. The insurance company could use delays in medical care to deny the claim. The insurance adjuster may argue that you would have sought medical care immediately following the accident if the crash had caused injuries.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company. However, be cautious when answering questions about the cause of the crash. It is not wise to agree to provide a written or recorded statement for your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company without discussing your case with an accident attorney.
The statements you make could be used to blame you for the cause of the accident. The result could cost you thousands of dollars in lost compensation.
Document Your Damages
Take pictures of your injuries as you recover from the electric vehicle accident. Keep copies of all bills, invoices, and receipts for expenses related to the car crash or your injuries. It can also help your case to keep a journal detailing your pain and suffering, activities you cannot perform, and other details about your recovery.
Seek Legal Advice
An electric car accident lawyer reviews your case to determine fault and liability. An attorney can protect you from aggressive claims adjusters and unfair insurance tactics. Your attorney understands how to value damages to maximize the amount of your recovery.
The insurance company has a team of highly trained, experienced professionals protecting its best interest. They work to reduce the money the company must pay you for your claim. You need a legal team that works to protect your best interests.
Contact Our South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Your time to file a claim after an electric vehicle accident is limited by the South Carolina statute of limitations. Seeking legal advice as soon as possible after a car crash can improve your chances of recovery and avoid missing filing deadlines.
Call now for a free consultation with one of our South Carolina car accident lawyers.