Importance of the Police Report for Car Accident Cases

June 19, 2024

Being involved in a Camden car accident can have life-changing consequences. The impact may be both financial and personal, especially if you get hurt in the crash. Such chaotic events have you wondering about the best course of action. Your unfamiliarity with laws and procedures, however, could impact your ability to get compensated in the aftermath of the crash.

An experienced Camden car accident attorney will tell you that evidence gathering is very important if you want to file a solid claim. A police report ranks among the most important documents that will often be used to establish fault and determine the size of the compensation you’ll be entitled to.

Are Police Reports Required After a Crash in South Carolina?

South Carolina Code of Law Section 56-5-1260 states that drivers are obliged to call the police after a crash that causes injuries or death.

Filing a police report isn’t a legal requirement in other situations. Just because that’s the case, however, doesn’t mean you should refrain from contacting law enforcement.

It’s a good idea to call the police after any car crash. The job of law enforcement professionals is to assess the situation, gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and establish the cause of the crash.

Having a police report will help you build a stronger case, especially when someone else is at fault for the collision. The documentation is thorough and precise. Insurance companies will rely on such reports to determine whether their client is the sole party responsible for the crash and if they should be making a full payment.

So, don’t hesitate calling 911 as soon as you get in a crash. Doing so will get law enforcement professionals involved, meaning you’ll be entitled to getting information about the results of the investigation.

What Information Does the Police Report Contain?

A police officer will interview you and ask some important questions after the crash. Some of the information you should be prepared to provide includes:

  • Your names, address, and contact information
  • Insurance policy information
  • The way you perceived the accident, do provide a detailed description
  • You’ll be asked to hand over any kind of evidence you’ve gathered (photos, videos)
  • Information about injuries you or the passengers in the car sustained

police officers will investigate your accident thoroughly

The other driver will be asked for the same information. After interviewing both of you, a police officer will also talk to witnesses to get their point of view. All of the information gathered from multiple sources will then be presented in the police report.

Before leaving the scene, a police officer will give you a report number. Keep that information – it will be needed when an insurance claim gets filed. It’s best to give your Camden car accident attorney the number and let them handle the documentation from that point forward.

Getting a Copy of the Police Report

The good news is that you have several options when it comes to obtaining your police report.

The easiest opportunity involves making an online request. The South Carolina DMV’s website has the forms you need to fill out in order to get a copy.  Keep in mind you’ll have to pay a small fee of six dollars in order to get your report.

A copy of the police report can also be collected in person at any South Carolina DMV branch. To get the report, you’ll need to present an accurately filled SCDMV Form FR-50.

You can also request a copy by mail by completing the same form and mailing it to South Carolina DMV at:

Titles Mail-in Unit FR-50

PO Box 1498

Blythewood, SC 29016-0050

If you have already chosen a South Carolina car accident lawyer, you’ll be free from having to go through these steps. Your attorney will do the filing on your behalf and also request the additional information that the insurance company may be asking for.

Reach Out to a Camden Car Accident Attorney Right Away!

An experienced Camden car accident lawyer can suggest the best course of action from the moment you get hit on the road. Don’t attempt dealing with the situation on your own. Insurance companies have large teams dedicated to minimizing claims. Any mistake you make could lead to a reduced payment or your claim getting turned down altogether.

Call us now at 803-310-5700 for a free case evaluation.