Story by Joel Berly
October 30, 2025
If you’re in a car accident in Bluffton, what you do right after the crash can determine how well you protect your health, rights, and financial recovery. Here’s a quick rundown of the most important steps to take:
Acting quickly and staying organized can make all the difference in protecting your rights and recovering damages. Many attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you only pay if they win your case.
Taking the right steps immediately after an accident can make a big difference in protecting your rights. What you do – or don’t do – can impact any future insurance claims or legal actions. Your first priorities should be ensuring safety and gathering evidence.
If it’s safe to move, get your vehicle off the road and turn on your hazard lights. If the vehicles can’t be moved, leave them where they are and focus on getting everyone to a safe location.
Check for injuries in all vehicles involved. If anyone is hurt or if there’s significant damage, call 911 right away. South Carolina law requires you to report accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or major property damage.
When calling 911, provide your exact location – mention nearby landmarks or mile markers to help emergency responders locate you quickly. The police officer who responds will create an official report. This document can be a key piece of evidence in determining what happened and who may be at fault.
Stay at the scene until the police arrive and complete their investigation. Leaving, even in minor accidents, can lead to criminal charges under South Carolina law. If you need medical attention and must leave, inform the responding officer where you’re headed.
Use your phone to document the accident scene as soon as possible. These photos can serve as critical evidence later.
Also, look for witnesses. Ask for their names, phone numbers, and a brief description of what they saw. Witness statements can be invaluable if there’s a dispute about what happened.
Once you’ve documented the scene, collect essential details from other drivers involved in the accident.
Exchange the following information with each driver:
Stick to the basics – don’t discuss who’s at fault or offer apologies. Determining liability is up to the insurance companies or, if necessary, the courts.
If another driver claims they don’t have insurance or left their insurance card at home, still gather their contact information and license plate number. Your insurance provider can often assist in tracking down their coverage later.
If the other driver contacts their insurance company while at the scene, note the claim number they receive. This can help ensure both insurance companies have consistent details, streamlining the claims process.
If a driver seems impaired, becomes aggressive, or refuses to share information, avoid escalating the situation. Focus on your safety and let the police handle any confrontations. Protecting yourself is more important than getting every detail in the moment.
After a car accident, getting medical attention right away is critical. Even if you feel fine, some injuries might not show symptoms immediately. A prompt medical evaluation can uncover hidden injuries and provide the documentation needed to support your personal injury claim in Bluffton. This step is essential not just for your health, but also for building a strong case if you decide to seek compensation.
Certain injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding, may take hours or even days to show symptoms. For instance, whiplash might cause neck pain and stiffness 24 to 48 hours after the accident, while concussion symptoms – such as headaches or memory issues – can develop later. Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because they may not have any visible signs but could be life-threatening.
Seeking medical care promptly serves two purposes: it ensures early detection and treatment of injuries, and it establishes a clear connection between the accident and your injuries. This is crucial if insurance companies try to dispute your claim. Even a visit to an urgent care center or your family doctor can create a timeline that may prove essential if there are questions about delays in treatment. Once you’ve been evaluated, make sure to document all findings thoroughly to support your claim.
After starting medical treatment, it’s important to keep detailed records of everything related to your injuries. This includes emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, diagnostic test results, prescriptions, and bills from every healthcare provider you visit. These documents strengthen the connection between the accident and your injuries, which is key to your claim.
"Your medical records will note all diagnostic techniques, lab tests, and imaging exams used to assess and treat your injuries. These records document how your injuries happened and their short- and long-term effects. They may also document that your injuries were not pre-existing and the length of time they will prevent you from returning to work."
- Adam M. Smallow, Legally Reviewed By, Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers
Keep track of all medical expenses, from hospital stays and physical therapy sessions to prescription medications and even over-the-counter pain relievers. If you need assistive devices like braces or crutches, include those costs as well.
Starting a daily recovery journal can also be incredibly helpful. Write down how you feel each day, any symptoms you notice, and how your injuries affect your daily life. For example, note if you’re having trouble sleeping, missing work, or needing assistance with basic tasks. This journal can provide compelling evidence of your pain and suffering – details that medical records might not fully capture.
"Medical records are vital for an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. These records connect your injuries to the accident. They detail the extent of your injuries, the treatment plan, and the prognosis, all of which are crucial for substantiating your claim."
Be cautious about sharing your medical records. Never give them directly to insurance companies without consulting an attorney first. Insurance adjusters may try to use pre-existing conditions or unrelated health issues to minimize your claim. Instead, let your lawyer handle all requests for medical information to ensure only relevant details are shared.
Finally, keep all your documentation – whether in a physical folder or as digital files – organized and easily accessible. These records will not only support your claim but also help you monitor your recovery and ensure you’re receiving the care you need.
After addressing your health and starting your recovery, it’s crucial to report the accident and get your paperwork in order. Properly reporting the incident and keeping detailed records helps protect your rights and speeds up the claims process. South Carolina law outlines specific steps for reporting accidents, and your insurance company will have its own deadlines and requirements. Acting quickly and staying organized ensures you stay within the bounds of the law and your policy.
In South Carolina, accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported to local law enforcement. Even if the damage seems minor, it’s always a good idea to call the police. The officer on the scene will prepare an official report, which becomes a critical piece of evidence for your claim.
When speaking with the police, stick to the facts. Share only what you observed, where you were headed, and the sequence of events as you recall them. Avoid statements like "I’m sorry" or "I didn’t see them", as these could be misinterpreted as admissions of fault, even if they were meant as polite or concerned remarks.
Once the scene is handled, contact your insurance company promptly – ideally within 24 to 72 hours, as most policies require. During this initial call, provide basic details but avoid offering in-depth explanations without consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that could downplay your claim or assign blame. Your insurer will assign a claim number and begin their investigation, which typically requires the police report, the other driver’s insurance details, and information about any injuries or property damage.
Be cautious when dealing with the other driver’s insurance company. If they request a recorded statement, politely decline and let them know that your attorney or insurance company will handle communications. These early conversations can have a lasting impact on your claim, so it’s best to proceed with care.
Once the accident is reported, focus on organizing and safeguarding all related documents. Keeping everything in one place – whether a physical folder or a digital file – saves time and ensures nothing gets misplaced. This organization will make it easier to provide information to your attorney or insurance company down the line.
Here’s what you’ll need to collect and organize:
To stay on top of everything, create a timeline to track dates and document types. For example: "10/15/2025 – Received Police Report #2025-1234" or "10/20/2025 – Spoke with State Farm adjuster; voicemail left requesting callback." This record can be invaluable if disputes arise about when information was shared or received.
For digital records, back up files regularly and ensure they’re stored securely. Cloud storage can be helpful, but make sure it’s accessible from multiple devices. Some people prefer scanning physical documents for digital storage, while others opt to keep hard copies with digital backups.
Lastly, don’t discard anything related to the accident, even if it seems trivial. Receipts for medical appointments, prescriptions, or even rideshare expenses when you couldn’t drive can add up and may be reimbursable. Keeping everything ensures you don’t miss out on compensation for these smaller but important costs.
Once you’ve gathered and organized all your paperwork, the next critical step is seeking professional legal support. Consulting a car accident attorney can make all the difference in ensuring you receive fair compensation. Experienced attorneys bring the knowledge and skills needed to protect your interests, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may try to offer less than you deserve.
South Carolina’s legal system has its own unique aspects, from comparative negligence rules to strict deadlines for filing claims. Partnering with an attorney who knows these specifics can safeguard your rights and help you avoid missing key opportunities to secure compensation.
A skilled car accident attorney goes beyond the basics by digging deeper into the details of your case. This can include gathering traffic camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and even working with accident reconstruction experts to piece together what happened.
By collecting all the evidence, your attorney can build a compelling case. South Carolina law allows you to recover damages even if you’re partially at fault, as long as your share of responsibility stays within the legal limit. An experienced attorney knows how to present your case in a way that reduces your perceived fault and highlights the other party’s liability.
Negotiating with insurance companies is another area where attorneys excel. Insurers often aim to minimize payouts, but your attorney will recognize lowball offers and fight for a fair settlement. They’ll also calculate the full scope of your claim, factoring in future medical costs, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. If negotiations reach a standstill, a prepared attorney can escalate the case to court, adding leverage to your claim.
By working with a knowledgeable attorney, you position yourself for a stronger case under South Carolina’s legal framework. This approach maximizes your chances of securing fair financial recovery.
Financial concerns are common after a car accident, especially when you’re already dealing with medical bills and lost wages. To address this, many car accident attorneys, like those at Berly Rouse Attorneys, operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any attorney fees unless your case is resolved successfully. The fee is then taken as a percentage of your settlement or court award, so there are no upfront costs or hourly rates to worry about.
This arrangement makes high-quality legal representation accessible to everyone. Many firms, including Berly Rouse Attorneys, also offer free initial consultations. During this meeting, you can discuss your case, explore potential compensation, and get a clear understanding of the legal process – all without any financial obligation.
Additionally, your attorney will manage case-related expenses, such as obtaining medical records, hiring expert witnesses, and conducting depositions. These costs are typically reimbursed from your settlement. Before signing any agreement, it’s important to clarify how fees and expenses will be handled.
With an experienced attorney by your side, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities and negotiations with insurance companies. Choosing the right attorney ensures your claim aligns with South Carolina’s legal standards and gives you the best chance at a fair outcome.
After a Bluffton car accident, taking the right steps quickly can make all the difference in protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Acting promptly and staying organized lays a strong foundation for any potential claim.
Seek medical attention immediately. This isn’t just about safeguarding your health – it also creates a critical record that connects your injuries to the accident. Detailed medical records can play a key role in backing up your case.
Keep thorough documentation. Police reports and well-organized paperwork are essential, especially when dealing with South Carolina’s strict deadlines. These records help establish the facts and strengthen your claim.
South Carolina’s comparative negligence laws and insurance company strategies can be tricky to navigate, which is why having an experienced attorney is invaluable. A skilled lawyer can gather evidence, handle negotiations, and ensure your case is presented effectively.
The best part? Many attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t face upfront legal fees. This allows you to focus on healing while your attorney takes care of the legal intricacies.
If the other driver won’t provide their insurance information, it’s important to stay calm and avoid escalating the situation. Take a clear photo of their license plate and vehicle instead. Then, wait for law enforcement to arrive. Share all the details you’ve collected with the police. They can assist in obtaining the required information and will file an official report. This report will be crucial for your insurance claim and any legal steps you might need to take.
If the insurance company presents a settlement offer that doesn’t seem to cover your losses adequately, a car accident attorney can step in to help. They’ll review the offer thoroughly to ensure it reflects the full scope of your damages – this includes medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll like pain and suffering. If the offer falls short, your attorney can step up to negotiate with the insurer for a more reasonable outcome.
When negotiations hit a dead end, your attorney can escalate matters by filing a lawsuit and representing you in court. Their mission is to secure the compensation you’re entitled to while safeguarding your rights every step of the way.
Hiring a contingency-based attorney after a car accident can be a game-changer. Why? Because you won’t have to worry about upfront legal fees. These attorneys only get paid if they win your case, taking a percentage of your settlement or court award. This setup allows you to seek justice without the added stress of financial pressure.
What’s more, this payment structure aligns your attorney’s priorities with your own. Since their earnings depend on the outcome, they’re driven to secure the highest possible compensation for you. That means they’re fully committed to fighting for what you deserve.
If you need experienced legal representation in Charleston, South Carolina, contact Berly Rouse. Our team is ready to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Visit our offices or call today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
At Berly Rouse, we’re proud to be a leading law firm in Charleston, SC, committed to serving our community with integrity, dedication, and legal excellence. Let us put our experience to work for you.
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Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
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