{"id":376274,"date":"2017-08-03T16:50:06","date_gmt":"2017-08-03T21:50:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/south-carolina-law\/your-charleston-car-accident-the-basics.html"},"modified":"2021-04-01T23:00:00","modified_gmt":"2021-04-02T04:00:00","slug":"your-charleston-car-accident-the-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/south-carolina-law\/your-charleston-car-accident-the-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Your Charleston Car Accident: The Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Your Charleston Car Accident: The Basics<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Your mom was out for a lovely Sunday morning drive down coastal Highway 17. She was with her "rowdy" book club group who decided to take a field trip after reading Pat Conroy novel, "South of Broad." Those ladies, particularly Mildred, can be speed-demons. "Millie" just bought a bright yellow, Chevrolet Camaro SS with 426 horsepower. Watch out, world. Here she comes.<\/p>\r\n

Your mom was test-driving the Camaro and discovered her "lead foot." She calls and tells you she was going too fast racing a Mustang (who is this woman?) and couldn’t avoid hitting a tree and the Mustang.<\/p>\r\n

Now what? Here’s some information to help guide you through the process should you or someone you know be in a car accident in Charleston County.<\/p>\r\n

Stop and Call the Police<\/h2>\r\n

First, stop where you are and call the Charleston Police<\/a> or 911, especially if someone was injured (or worse). A police officer will respond to your location and take a report. The investigating officer will give you a form (FR-10) to fill out to prove that you have the proper liability insurance.<\/p>\r\n

South Carolina law requires all drivers to stop at the scene and exchange insurance information or provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured. If you drive away, you could be charged with criminal hit-and-run<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Report the Accident to the DMV<\/h2>\r\n

If the police take a report, you may not have to report the accident to the DMV. However, if you do, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles will be waiting to hear from you if the accident caused over $1,000 in damages, injuries, or death to anyone. Complete a traffic collision report within 15 days. The form is called an FR-309. If you don’t, you could face penalties.<\/p>\r\n

What Do I Do at the Scene?<\/h2>\r\n

Be prepared to exchange information with the other driver: your name, address and driver’s license number; the registration number of the car you were driving; and the name your insurance company. If there are witnesses, be sure to get their names and addresses, too.<\/p>\r\n

Consider making note of traffic and weather conditions. Draw a simple diagram of the collision scene and\/or take photographs if you are able.<\/p>\r\n

At this stage, don’t volunteer who you think is to blame for the accident. Generally, don’t agree to pay for damages or sign any documents except a traffic ticket. Make sure you always cooperate with the police officer investigating the case.<\/p>\r\n

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements<\/h2>\r\n

If you plan to drive in Charleston, you must have liability car insurance. At a minimum, you should have:<\/p>\r\n