Why You Need a Police Accident Report After a South Carolina Crash
If you are involved in a car accident in South Carolina, one of the most important documents you will need is the police accident report. This report provides a clear summary of what happened, who was involved, and who may be responsible. Insurance companies, attorneys, and courts rely on this report to process claims and determine fault. Whether the accident happened in Charleston or a rural county, knowing how to obtain this report can help protect your rights and support your claim for compensation.
In this blog, you will learn how to obtain a police report in South Carolina, who can request it, what details are included, and why it matters after a car accident.
Who Creates a Police Accident Report in South Carolina?
A police accident report in South Carolina is created by the law enforcement agency that responds to the scene of a car accident. This document plays a key role in determining fault, filing insurance claims, and supporting legal cases.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Agencies
In South Carolina, several agencies have the authority to file a police accident report. These include city police departments such as the Charleston Police Department, county sheriff’s offices, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The agency that responds first or takes control of the scene will complete the report.
When Officers File a Report
An officer files a police report when an accident involves injury, death, or property damage above $1,000. This is required by S.C. Code § 56-5-1260. The officer collects information from everyone involved, inspects the vehicles, and notes any visible damage. They may also speak with witnesses and document weather, road, and traffic conditions.
What Happens at the Scene
At the scene, the officer gathers names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, vehicle information, and insurance details. They also assign a case number, which victims and drivers can use to obtain a copy of the report later. The officer’s summary includes a diagram, statements, and any signs of traffic violations or crime.
Importance of the Report
The police accident report helps identify who was involved, what happened, and who may be at fault. It is often used as evidence by car accident lawyers, insurance companies, and the court system. This official report can support or challenge claims made after the accident.
Agencies You May Need to Contact
If your accident occurred inside a city, contact the local police department. If it happened on a highway or in a rural area, the South Carolina Highway Patrol likely responded. To obtain the report, contact the agency’s records department using the case number provided by the officer.
Step-by-Step: How to Obtain Your Police Accident Report
You can request a police accident report in South Carolina through several official methods depending on where the crash occurred and which agency responded.
Step 1: Gather Basic Information
Before requesting the report, collect key details. This includes the accident date, time, and location. You should also have the names of the drivers involved, the case number, and the name of the police department or officer who filed the report. This information helps the records department locate the correct police report.
Step 2: Request the Report from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
If the South Carolina Highway Patrol responded to your accident, you can request the car accident report through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Use Form FR-50, also called the Request for Collision Report form. Submit it by mail or in person to the SCDMV. A $6 fee applies. You must include all required details and sign the form.
Step 3: Request from the Local Police Department
If your accident was handled by a local agency like the Charleston Police Department, you can contact their records department directly. Most police departments allow you to request an accident report online, in person, or by mail. Be ready to provide the case number and the name of the officer who responded. Some departments may charge a small processing fee.
Step 4: Confirm the Timeline
Reports are usually available within 3 to 10 business days after the crash. Reports may take longer if the accident involved serious injuries, a fatality, or is still under investigation. If you do not receive it within this window, contact the police department or SCDMV for an update.
Step 5: Receive and Review the Report
Once you obtain the police accident report, check it for accuracy. Confirm that names, addresses, vehicle details, and the accident summary are correct. If there are any errors, you may request a correction or add a supplemental statement. This report is important for insurance claims and legal action.
Step 6: Get Legal Assistance if Needed
If you are unsure how to interpret the report or if there are disputes about what happened, speak with a car accident lawyer. A car accident attorney can review the report, contact the right agency, and use the details to support your injury claim or case.
Who Can Request the Accident Report?
Access to a police accident report in South Carolina is limited to specific people and entities based on state law and the type of report filed.
Drivers and Passengers Involved
Any person involved in the accident can request a copy of the police report. This includes drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and property owners whose vehicles or property were damaged. You may need to provide proof of involvement, such as a case number or driver’s license.
Vehicle Owners and Insurers
The registered owner of a vehicle listed in the police report has the right to obtain a copy. Insurance companies also have access for the purpose of processing claims. Claims adjusters may request the report using the vehicle information, accident date, and the name of the officer who responded.
Legal Representatives
Licensed attorneys representing any person involved in the car accident can request the report on behalf of their clients. A car accident lawyer may use the report to build a case, prove fault, or support a compensation claim. Legal staff may also contact the police department or South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain certified copies.
Family Members in Fatal Accidents
In the event of a fatal crash, immediate family members of the deceased may be allowed to request the report. This includes spouses, parents, or children. Proof of relationship may be required before the report is released.
Law Enforcement and Public Agencies
Other law enforcement offices or state agencies may request the report as part of a related investigation. These agencies usually contact the records department directly and follow internal procedures.
Public Access Limits
Under S.C. Code § 30-4-40, police accident reports are not fully public and are exempt from general release under the Freedom of Information Act. Only eligible individuals or parties with a direct connection to the incident may request a copy.
What Information Is Included in a South Carolina Police Report?
A police accident report in South Carolina contains detailed facts about the car accident, the people involved, and what the responding officer observed at the scene.
Basic Crash Details
The report includes the date, time, and location of the accident. It lists the road name, intersection, and city or county where the crash happened. It may also note the weather and lighting conditions at the time.
Involved Persons and Vehicles
Names, addresses, phone numbers, and driver’s license information for all drivers are recorded. Passengers and pedestrians may also be listed. Each vehicle’s make, model, year, license plate, and VIN are included. Insurance details are recorded for each driver.
Officer’s Summary and Findings
The officer writes a summary explaining what happened. This section describes how the crash occurred and identifies any contributing factors such as speeding, failure to yield, or following too closely. The officer may note if someone admitted fault or violated a traffic law.
Diagram of the Scene
Most police reports include a basic diagram. It shows the position of each vehicle before and after the crash, direction of travel, traffic signals, and points of impact. This visual helps explain how the accident took place.
Witnesses and Contact Information
If witnesses are present, their names, addresses, and phone numbers are recorded. This information can be useful if there are disputes about what happened. Your car accident attorney may contact witnesses later.
Signs of Injury or Crime
The report notes any visible injuries and whether medical services were called. It also includes any signs of alcohol use, drug involvement, or reckless driving. If a citation or arrest was made, it will appear in this section.
Case and Officer Information
Each report includes a case number, which helps locate the report later. It also lists the name and badge number of the officer who responded. This information is important when you request a copy from the police department or South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.
Get Help from Our Team at McDougall Law Firm!
If you were injured in a car accident and need help understanding or using your police accident report, our team at McDougall Law Firm is here to assist. We can review your report, explain your options, and help you take the next steps toward a claim.
Contact us at 843-438-4386 for a free case review today!
