Understanding the Role of Police Reports in Car Accident Claims

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) reports that there were 143,426 motor vehicle collisions reported statewide in 2022. If you were hurt in a crash or if any vehicle sustained significant property damage, the incident should be reported to local or state law enforcement. The police report can play an important role in your car accident claim. Here, our Charleston auto accident attorney provides a more comprehensive guide to the role of police reports in motor vehicle crash cases in South Carolina.

What to Know About Filing a Police Report for a Car Accident in South Carolina

You should file a police report after most car accidents. State law mandates the reporting of most motor vehicle crashes to law enforcement. In South Carolina, drivers are required to report car accidents to the police if it results in:

• Property damage over $1,000:
• Any physical injuries; or
• A death.

In South Carolina, all drivers involved in the accident must remain at the scene until police arrive unless there is a medical emergency.

Always provide accurate information to the responding officers. You should also get a copy of the accident report for your records.

Why it Matters: The Importance of a Police Report

You should always get a copy of the police report after a serious motor vehicle collision in South Carolina. The accident report is an important form of evidence. It documents that the crash happened and provides some key details about what occurred. Some of the most notable information that you can often find in a car accident police report include:

• Date, Time, and Location of the Accident: A police report will provide details of when and where the accident occurred. That basic information can confirm the crash.

• Names and Contact Information of Parties: A police report will also often include the names and contact details of the drivers, passengers, and witnesses to the crash.

• Vehicle Description(s): A car accident police report often records details about the vehicles involved, such as make, model, year, license plate number, and any visible damage.

• Diagram of the Accident Scene: In many cases, a police report will include a visual representation of the accident—including positions of vehicles and notable obstructions.

• Description of Road and Weather Conditions: You may be able to find notes on whether the road was wet, icy, or obstructed.

• Initial Statements from Drivers and Witnesses: The police report may summarize what each party recalls about the incident.
• Citations or Violations (If Issued): If any were issued, the police report should include a comprehensive account of traffic citations (speeding, running a red light, etc).

• Officer’s Opinion on Fault (Some Cases): While not always included and not by itself definitive, some police reports will state the officer’s opinion on fault.

Car Accident: How to Get a South Carolina Police Report

How do you get a copy of the police report after a car accident in South Carolina? You need to go through the specific law enforcement agency that responded to your crash. For example, if you were involved in a serious rear-end collision in Charleston, here is an overview of the steps to take to get a copy of the police report:

• Call the Police: A police report will not be generated unless the accident is reported. You should call the police to respond to the scene of the crash. If it is already too late to do so, be sure to report the accident.

• Wait for Processing: You generally cannot get an official copy of the police report on the same day. There is a slight delay for processing. The timeline can vary by law enforcement agency, but it will usually take a week or two.

• Identify the Law Enforcement Agency: Make sure you know which law enforcement agency responded to your crash. It could be the Charleston Police Department, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Highway Patrol, or another local agency.

• Contact the Appropriate Agency: There are usually two or three options to get a copy of the police report for a car accident in South Carolina: A) In Person (visit the records office), B) By Phone (call the agency), C) Online (only some departments allow online access).

What Can I Do If the Police Accident Report Has an Error?

The police report is an important form of documentation for a car accident claim. However, unfortunately, a police report will not always be accurate. The police report for your crash may have an error. A minor error—such as a slight misspelling of your name—is often not a big deal. It may have no real impact on your case. However, a more serious error needs to be corrected.

Recovering Full and Fair Compensation After a Crash in South Carolina

Following a car accident in Charleston or elsewhere in South Carolina, you need compensation to pay your bills and support your family.

You have the right to pursue damages for the full amount of your economic losses and your non-economic losses. However, the insurance company can make the claims process challenging. They want to settle cases for less. Our Charleston, SC car accident lawyer is more than ready to help. You may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Motor vehicle repairs
• Emergency room care
• Hospital bills
• Other medical costs
• Loss of wages
• Loss of earning power
• Pain and suffering
• Mental distress
• Long-term disability
• Wrongful death

Contact Our Charleston, SC Car Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review

Attorney Trey Harrell has the skills and experience that you can count on when it matters most. If you were involved in a car crash and you have any questions about the police report, we are here to help you fight for justice. Give us a phone call now or contact us online to set up a free, no-strings-attached initial case review. Our team fights for the rights of motor vehicle accident victims all across the wider region of South Carolina. Remember Trey Hepls!