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If you’ve been in an auto accident, you’ll need to file a car accident report with your local police department and an insurance claim. Ensuring you include the correct information in these documents is important, as they both may directly impact your financial recovery.
The Thumbs Up Guys from Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward Injury Attorneys know how stressful it can be to deal with the aftermath of a collision. That’s why our Charleston car accident lawyers are here to help you pursue compensation for your losses and provide information on how to write a report for a car wreck.
Information to Include When Writing a Car Wreck Report
Getting the facts right in your car accident report will ensure the collision is documented properly. Here are some details you’ll want to include when writing a report for the car accident you were involved in:
The Other Driver’s Identity
Whether the other driver(s) involved were at fault or not, you’ll want to include their name(s) in the car wreck report. It can also be helpful to take photos of their driver’s license(s) at the scene of the accident to give you all the information you need.
The Time and Location of the Collision
When writing a report for a collision, it’s essential that you include the date and exact time that the incident took place. You’ll also want to include the location of the accident. Having this information will make the investigation and claims process much easier for everyone involved.
Vehicle Information
You’ll also want to include the makes, models, colors, and license plate numbers of all the vehicles involved in the accident when writing the report for your car wreck. Once you’ve recorded identifying information for all the vehicles involved, you should also mention the damages that each vehicle took due to the collision.
Make sure you describe exactly where on the vehicle the damage occurred and what it looks like. It can also be helpful to make a note of any pre-existing damage your vehicle had.
Insurance Details
Recording insurance information is one of the most important steps you can take after a car wreck. In your report, you’ll want to mention the insurance coverage that all involved parties have. Taking this step will make it much easier to document the accident, report it to insurers, and eventually obtain the compensation you’re owed.
Eye-Witness Information
If anyone who witnessed the accident agreed to provide testimony for your case and car wreck report, make sure to write down their name(s) and phone number(s). You may also want to take a video recording of them describing what they saw.
An Explanation of How the Collision Occurred
When generating an accident report for a car wreck, it’s important to include an explanation of how the incident happened. Make sure to describe the chain of the events that led to the crash in chronological order and include the following pieces of information:
- The speed you were driving at
- The weather conditions
- Your interaction with the other driver(s) afterward
- Whether or not the vehicles involved were moved to the side of the road or left in place
- The aftermath of the incident
- The car accident injuries and financial losses you suffered
What To Do After a Car Accident
In addition to submitting a car accident report to the insurance company and local police department, there are several other steps you should take after a crash. Taking the following measures will help you get the treatment you need to recover from your injuries and the compensation you deserve:
Seek Medical Attention
If you’ve been in a car wreck, it’s extremely important that you see a doctor. Even if you feel fine after the crash, you could still be suffering from an injury that’s masked by the shock and confusion from the wreck. Seeing a physician will ensure that any unnoticed injuries are identified, allowing you to get the treatment you need to protect your health.
Document the Accident Scene
As mentioned above, there are a number of different pieces of information you’ll need to include in your car wreck report. To make sure you have the details you need to write a comprehensive report, make sure to take the following steps after the accident:
- Get the driver’s insurance and contact information
- Speak to eye-witnesses and take down their information
- Take photos of the accident scene
- Take photos of the vehicles involved in the collision, including close-up shots of vehicle damage
- Take photos of your injuries
- Hold on to your medical and vehicle repair bills
- Keep a written record of the pain and emotional trauma you experienced after the crash
Hire an Attorney
Once you’ve sought medical attention, collected important information from the accident scene, and filed a car wreck report, you’ll need to hire an attorney to help with your case. A lawyer can use the evidence you’ve collected along with your report to obtain the compensation you’re owed.
According to South Carolina Code of Laws § 15-3-530, you have three years from the date of the crash to file a civil suit. If you’re unable to file within this time frame, you won’t receive the damages you need to get back on your feet. To protect your right to compensation, get in touch with a lawyer ASAP.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Skilled Lawyer Today
At Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward Injury Attorneys, we’re committed to obtaining the results you need to cover your losses, treat your injuries, and move forward with your life after a collision. Once you’ve written a report for your car wreck, an attorney from our team can help you build a strong claim or civil suit and fight for the outcome you deserve.
To get started on your case, contact our firm today and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced attorney from our firm. They’ll meet with you to discuss the accident and determine what your best course of action is. If they find you have grounds for a claim, they’ll begin working on your case ASAP.
