South Carolina Car Accident Report Basics

There’s never a good time to be in a car accident. Fortunately, if the drivers are all from South Carolina, you shouldn’t worry about the insurance company not paying your car accident claim. Of course, it depends on whether you’re the at-fault driver. If you caused the crash, you must hope that your insurance policy covers the damage.

South Carolina requires all motorists to carry liability insurance. But, before filing your insurance claim, you should get to know South Carolina car accident reporting laws. 

Here, we’ll discuss South Carolina laws about reporting motor vehicle accidents. We will also explain how to file your crash report. 

How to File a Car Crash Report in South Carolina

The chart below summarizes South Carolina laws and procedures for filing a car accident report.

Note: Laws are subject to change. Verify the information you read online by conducting research or consulting a South Carolina car accident attorney.

Reporting a Car Accident to the Police

South Carolina law does not require you to report every motor vehicle accident. You must only notify the police immediately after a vehicle accident resulting in injury or death. The quickest way to do this is to call 911.

Even though you don’t have to report a minor fender-bender, it’s a good idea to call the police after any accident. When the police officer arrives, you can ask them to file an accident report. 

Law enforcement’s collision report is an impartial record that your car accident lawyer can use if you need to sue the at-fault driver. The police accident report contains valuable information you’ll need to prove your personal injury claim. Your insurance company will also need an auto accident report to pay your claim. 

When is a Driver Responsible for Filing a Crash Report?

According to South Carolina Law, the driver or owner of a vehicle in an accident that the police officer does not investigate must self-report the accident to the DMV. 

You do this by completing form FR-309 within 15 days of the accident and sending it to:

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Attn. Financial Responsibility
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0040

This report verifies that all vehicles had auto insurance at the time of the crash.

Drafting a Personal Accident Report

When the police respond to the scene of your accident, they will prepare an accident report. But, you should also create your own accident report. It’s not unusual for the at-fault party to accept responsibility after the accident, only to change their story later. A personal accident report will also help the insurance adjuster who reviews your car accident case. 

Record the following information when drafting your accident report:

• Description of the crash, including how many people were in both cars
• Driver’s license numbers and registration information 
• Contact information for the drivers, passengers, and potential witnesses
• Name and insurance information of the drivers
• Whether anyone suffered a car accident injury
• Details about property damages to the vehicles
• Diagram of the accident scene
• Photos of damage and video statements
• Other contributing factors, such as weather and road conditions

Your traffic collision report can help with your personal injury lawsuit.

Talk To an Injury Attorney About Your South Carolina Car Accident

Getting your life back on track after an accident can take a long time. The road to recovery is even more difficult if you have severe injuries or significant property damage. An experienced South Carolina personal injury lawyer can help you through the claim process and, if necessary, in court. Most attorneys offer a free case evaluation. Visit our attorney directory to find a car accident lawyer near you.

More South Carolina Car Accident Resources

• South Carolina Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
• South Carolina Car Accident Compensation Laws
• South Carolina Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline