Ty Robinson | June 25, 2025 | Car Accidents

FAQs: Car Accident Reports in South Carolina

Even though car accidents are reasonably common, drivers often have questions after getting into accidents in South Carolina. Take a closer look at some of the most frequently asked questions about car accident reports and how you can access yours after a crash.

What Is Included in a Police Report?

Generally, the police report will include these key elements:

  • Contact and personal details of all parties involved in the accident and all witnesses
  • Insurance information for all related vehicles
  • The officer’s observations from the scene
  • Time and location information about the accident
  • A crash diagram and the opinion of the officer about how the accident occurred
  • A description of road and weather conditions
  • A list of any citations the officer issued to the drivers

This information can be helpful in pursuing your claim if it is accurate. It is important to get a copy of the report to see what is included and ensure all the information is correct.

How Do I Get a Copy of the Police Report?

You can request the police report for your accident by contacting the SCDMV. The SCDMV allows you to make that request online, in person, or by mail. Note that there is a $6 fee per collision report.

Why Do I Need This Report?

The car accident report provides you and your lawyer with evidence that can potentially convince an insurance company that the other driver was at fault. It includes the contact information of witnesses that your lawyer can interview. It should also have a diagram of the accident from moments after it occurred.

While your lawyer can attempt to investigate without this information, this investigation would typically start days after the accident occurred. That can make evidence harder to acquire and may prevent them from getting accurate information, which is why these accident reports are crucial.

Do I Need to File A Report if Police Arrived at the Scene?

If law enforcement investigated the accident, you don’t need to do any more work to report your accident to the SCDMV. However, if law enforcement did not arrive or were called away before creating a report, you may need to file a collision report on your own.

In South Carolina, you must file a police report for a car accident if it results in injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more, or if you strike an unattended vehicle or property and cannot locate the owner. If law enforcement does not file a report at the scene, you must submit Form FR-309 to the SCDMV within 15 days of the accident.

An Accident Report Can Play a Key Role in Your Claim

Insurance companies provide compensation for car accident victims based on the available information about what happened during the crash. To improve your chances of a successful claim, make sure to contact the police immediately after an accident to get them to the scene so that they can create a crash report. 

When that isn’t an option, it’s important to file a report swiftly and follow up with the SCDMV to get a copy. An accurate report can make all the difference in ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you were injured in an accident in Charleston, South Carolina, and need legal help, contact our Charleston [PRACTICE AREA] lawyer at Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.

Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm
28 Broad St Suite 204-2
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 278-2222