Obtaining a Police Accident Report in South Carolina
After suffering injuries in a car accident because of the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation. Building a strong personal injury claim relies heavily on evidence. One of the most critical pieces of evidence is the police report. Here is a look at car accident reporting requirements in South Carolina and how to obtain a copy of the police report for your personal injury claim.
Car Accident Reporting Requirements in South Carolina
In South Carolina, any auto accident that causes injuries, death, or property damage to the extent of $1,000 or more should be reported to the police immediately. If you are unsure whether an accident meets these criteria, you should report it. Once you notify the police, they will come to the accident scene, conduct a preliminary investigation, and create an accident report. Under South Carolina law, if the police are not called to the scene after such an accident, you must submit a report yourself to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) within 15 days (regardless of who was at fault), together with evidence of liability insurance coverage.
Why the Police Accident Report Matters
After a South Carolina car accident, you may wonder if you really need the police report pertaining to your accident. Obtaining a car accident report is vital for several reasons, including the following;
- A police report contains critical details about the accident, including the accident’s date, time, location, and which parties and vehicles were involved. It also includes information about any injuries or damages. This information can be vital when trying to remember facts. It can help verify facts later on.
- A police accident report contains the responding officer’s observations. These observations can help strengthen your position.
- Witness statements in the police report can help support your version of events.
- The details in the police report can imply liability, especially if a driver was cited for violations.
Obtaining a Police Report in South Carolina
In South Carolina, you can request a police report by mail, in person, or online. To request the report by mail, you must complete Form FR-50, also called the Request for Copy of Collision Report, with all relevant details. Then, you need to send the form and a $6 payment to the SCDMV. To obtain a copy of the police accident report online, fill out Form FR-50 with all relevant details and visit any of the SCDMV’s branch offices. You can visit the SCDMV website to find a branch near you. Bring the form and the $6 fee with you.
Finally, you can request a copy of the police accident report online by visiting the Department’s collision report request page. Enter your identification details and crash information. If you don’t have a South Carolina license or don’t know your customer number, you’ll need to get in touch with the SCDMV. You may be unable to purchase a collision report online in such a case. However, you may be able to apply for one using one of the other two options.
Contact Us for Legal Help
For legal help, contact our Charleston personal injury attorney at Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm today.
Source:
scstatehouse.gov/code/t56c005.php#:~:text=SECTION%2056%2D5%2D1270.Operators,evidence%20that%20the%20vehicle%20was%20uninsured.
