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If you were involved in a South Carolina crash, you will need a copy of the police accident report to file an insurance claim. This report is necessary whether you are pursuing a claim based on the at-fault driver’s auto liability coverage or your own collision insurance.
If you were hurt, it is a good idea to discuss your options with a South Carolina car accident lawyer before filing your insurance claim on your own. An attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Step-By-Step Guide to Obtaining an Accident Report in South Carolina
When you are in a crash, you need to take certain actions to ensure your healthy recovery and the viability of your insurance claim. You need to call 911 to notify law enforcement, and you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
When the police arrive, they will investigate the accident. The responding officer may provide you with a brief report that offers some general details about the accident.
However, you will want to obtain a copy of the full accident report. Police reports typically take five to seven days for processing, although it could take longer.
Obtaining a copy of this report will require you to do the following:
- Identify the law enforcement agency that responded to your crash, which is usually the South Carolina Highway Patrol, county sheriff’s office, or local police department
- Ensure you have all the necessary information, such as your name, the date of the collision, and the report number, if available
- Request a copy of the report online through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) website or from the agency that responded to the crash
- Pay the required fee
- Download the report
Some local county or municipal police departments may have their own options for requesting a copy of the accident report. In addition, SCDMV offers in-person and mail-in options for requests.
Why is the Police Report Vital to Your Car Accident Claim?
The accident report filed by the responding police officer is an official, third-party account of what happened. This makes it vital information in most car accident claims.
It is so important that most insurance companies require it before they will begin looking at a claim. The report will give the following information:
- Documents the facts of the case, including the date, time, and location, as well as weather and road conditions and parties involved
- Includes the officer’s observations about visible damage and injuries
- Identifies witnesses with names and contact information included
- Includes a preliminary fault assessment, including whether a driver was cited
Insurance companies put a lot of weight on the police report when determining liability, and the courts take these official reports seriously. This makes them key evidence in your case against an at-fault driver.
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What Can You Do If You are Recovering from Serious Injuries?
If you are still in the hospital, undergoing rehabilitation, or otherwise cannot request a police report because of your injuries, your South Carolina personal injury lawyer can obtain the report for you.
Attorneys regularly request accident reports from law enforcement or the SCDMV as part of building a case. When you hire an attorney, you can count on them to:
- Submit the request on your behalf
- Pay the required fee and include it in your case costs
- Ensure they contact the correct agency
- Review the report for accuracy
- Compare the information in the report with other evidence
Having an attorney on your side handling your case will save you time and ensure the right documentation is collected quickly. If you have serious injuries, you should consider hiring a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
They will protect your rights and begin investigating your case while you focus on treatment and healing.
What if There is a Problem With Your South Carolina Accident Report?
While police accident reports are widely trusted for their accuracy and neutrality, mistakes are possible. If your crash report is incorrect, it could cause major issues in your insurance claim or legal case.
Even a minor error, such as an incorrect street name, location, time, or vehicle color, could create confusion later.
You should take steps to get it corrected as quickly as possible by:
- Contacting the reporting officer or agency and politely explaining the error
- Providing evidence to support a correction when possible
- Requesting a supplemental report if altering the original is not possible
- Asking to submit your own statement to be attached to the file, if necessary
Sometimes, it is not possible to get a police report corrected. However, you will need strong evidence to challenge any inaccuracies.
Why is it Important to Obtain a Copy of the Police Accident Report as Soon as Possible?
Requesting a copy of the accident report quickly is important for several reasons, which include:
- Mistakes or missing details are easier to correct soon after the crash
- Key witnesses identified in the report may be harder to track down later
- Knowing the preliminary fault assessment helps you prepare your case strategy
- It allows you to prepare and file your claim faster, which could mean getting paid faster
- It keeps your case on track and ensures you meet all necessary deadlines
Under S.C. Ann. § 15-3-530, most victims typically have three years to file a lawsuit based on personal injuries. However, evidence fades fast, and you will want an attorney working to protect your rights and build a case much sooner. Contact a lawyer about your injury accident as soon as your injuries are stable.
Talk to Our South Carolina Legal Team About Your Car Accident Case
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, provides free consultations for crash victims in South Carolina. Our team has helped more than 10,000 clients and recovered over $100 million in settlements and verdicts.
Our car accident lawyers can help you with your crash injury case from our Spartanburg, SC, office. Contact us today.
