What to do after a collision in Aiken, SC

1. Start with people and the scene

Call 911 for injuries, fire or immediate danger, and follow the dispatcher’s and responding officers’ directions. Stay clear of moving traffic. Do not put yourself at risk to collect photographs or belongings.

For a collision involving only vehicle damage, South Carolina’s “Steer It or Clear It” guidance calls for making a reasonable effort to move a vehicle obstructing traffic off the roadway when it can be driven safely. That guidance does not mean a damaged vehicle is safe for the drive home. If you are unsure, tell the responding officer and discuss towing.

2. Save useful information without taking risks

When the scene is safe, exchange driver, vehicle and insurance information. Keep the investigating agency’s name and the incident or report number. Record witness contact information if available.

• Photograph the overall scene and the vehicles from several angles, where safe.
• Include wider damage views and close-ups. Keep the original files.
• Write down what you directly observed while it is fresh. Separate observations from guesses.
• Preserve relevant dash-camera footage before the device records over it.

A few clear records are more useful than trying to photograph everything while standing near traffic. Keep personal documents private rather than posting them publicly.

3. Know where the tow truck is taking your vehicle

Ask for the towing company’s name, destination address and contact number. Save the tow receipt. If the vehicle is going into storage, ask when charges begin, what charges apply, and what authorization or payment is needed for a later transfer or release. These details depend on the situation; ask for them in writing.

You can request Big Chris Collision as your towing company at the scene. Call (803) 226-0238 to confirm availability, your location and destination. Emergency towing operates 24/7; office appointments are separate.

4. Build one simple repair file

Keep your photographs, report information, tow documents, claim number, adjuster’s contact information, estimates and correspondence together. SCDMV explains how to request the official collision report once it is available. The initial document handed to you at the scene may contain less detail.

Contact the relevant insurer about reporting and policy questions. Keep a short log of names, dates and what was discussed. For an incident that law enforcement did not investigate, use the SCDPS reporting resources below to check the separate reporting requirements.

5. Make the first shop conversation useful

Have the year, make, model, vehicle location and a short description of the impact ready. Tell the shop about warning messages, deployed airbags, unusual noises or changes you noticed. Explain whether the vehicle has been driven or moved since the collision.

Ask what the next appointment covers, whether inspection or disassembly needs authorization, and what charges may apply. Photos can start the conversation; further inspection may be needed to establish the repair plan.

Three questions to keep handy

• Where is my vehicle, and who is responsible for the next move?
• What am I authorizing, and what will it cost?
• Who will contact me when more information is available?

General consumer education. Emergency responders handle the scene; your insurer addresses coverage, and your repair facility explains inspection and repair arrangements.