If you’re ever in a car accident, one of the first things you should do is call for help. But what happens after that? What should you know about car accident reports? Who fills them out, and what kind of information do they contain?
Here’s a quick guide to everything you need to know about South Carolina police accident reports.
Who Fills Out Police Accident Reports?
The responding officer will most likely fill out the police accident report. In some cases, however, another officer may be dispatched to the scene specifically to fill out the report.
What are the Types of Police Accident Reports in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, police officers complete two types of reports: The FR-10 Financial Responsibility Report, and the TR-310 Collision Report. The FR-10 will be given to each driver at the scene and must be filed with the SCDMV within 15 days of the wreck. The TR-310 is completed by the responding officer and must be approved by his supervisor, and it is filed with the SCDMV and must be specifically requested by a party involved.
What’s in a FR-10 Financial Responsibility Report?
A typical FR-10 Financial Responsibility Report will contain the following information:
- The date, time, and location of the accident.
- The names, addresses, and phone numbers of all parties involved in the accident.
- The name and badge number of the officer who responded to the accident.
- The make, model, and license plate number of all vehicles involved in the accident.
- Each party’s insurance company, policy number, and contact information.
- An indication of which party contributed to the collision.
What’s in a TR-310 Collision Report?
A typical TR-310 Collision Report will contain the following information:
- The date, time, and location of the accident.
- The names, addresses, and phone numbers of all parties involved in the accident.
- The name and badge number of the officer who responded to the accident.
- The make, model, and license plate number of all vehicles involved in the accident.
- A diagram and description of the accident itself.
- An indication of the injuries or damage sustained as a result of the accident.
- The identities of witnesses and passengers.
- Statistical information regarding the collision.
What Happens to the Reports After the Accident
Police accident reports are typically filed with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. The FR-10 is given to each of the parties at the scene of the collision, and they are required to give it to their insurance companies so the companies can file proof of insurance with the SCDMV. The TR-310 can also be requested by any parties involved in the accident and their insurance companies.
How to Read a TR-310 Collision Report
A TR-310 Report is broken down into multiple sections. All sections in a TR-310 Collision Report are designed to piece together what happened in an accident. By including as much information as possible, the report can be used to determine who was at fault and how to prevent similar accidents in the future. To better understand each section, let’s take a look at how each section is typically laid out:
1. Location of the Accident
In this section, the responding officer will note the exact location of the accident. This will include the street address, intersection, or other landmarks.
2. Personal Information of Parties Involved
This section will include the names, addresses, phone numbers, and driver’s license numbers of all parties involved in the accident. It is often broken into two or three columns with unique ID numbers for each individual. If more than three individuals are involved, additional sheets may be attached.
3. Vehicle Information
This section will include the make, model, and license plate number of all vehicles involved in the accident. It is often broken down into two or three columns, with a unique ID number for each vehicle.
4. Description of the Accident
Here, the responding officer will give a brief description of what happened. This will include the vehicle’s direction and any traffic violations that may have been involved. The officer will interview each party and any witnesses to get a clear picture of what happened.
5. Police Officer Identification Information
This section will include the name and badge number of the responding officer, as well as the names of any other officers who may have been dispatched to the scene.
6. Description of Injuries Sustained in the Accident
This section will include a description of any injuries sustained as a result of the accident. This will include both major and minor injuries.
7. Description of Damage to Property
This section will include a description of any damage to property due to the accident. This may include damage to vehicles, buildings, or other structures.
8. Officer’s Observations
In this section, the responding officer will include any observations they made about the accident. This may include weather conditions, road conditions, or anything else that may have contributed to the accident.
9. Statements on the Sequence of Events
This section will include the statements of all parties involved in the accident and any witnesses. These statements will be recorded verbatim by the officer.
10. Diagrams of the Accident Scene
In some cases, the responding officer will include one or more diagrams of the accident scene. These may be hand-drawn or computer-generated. They will include the position of all vehicles and any other relevant landmarks.
11. Determining the Presence of Drugs of Alcohol
In some cases, the responding officer will administer a field sobriety test to determine if drugs or alcohol were involved in the accident. If the test results are positive, this will be noted in the report.
12. Ticket Information
If any tickets were issued as a result of the accident, this will be noted in the report. This may include traffic tickets, criminal citations, or summonses to appear in court.
13. Factors That May Have Contributed to the Accident
In this section, the responding officer will include any factors that may have contributed to the accident. This may include weather conditions, road conditions, driver error, or mechanical problems.
How Can I Obtain a South Carolina Police Accident Reports?
Police Accident Reports are public records in South Carolina. You can obtain a copy of your report, or the report of another individual, by making a request to the appropriate law enforcement agency. In most cases, you will need to provide the report number, the date of the accident, and the names of the parties involved. Be aware that there may be a fee for obtaining a copy of the report.
Using a Police Accident Reports in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Police accident reports can be a helpful tool if you’ve been involved in a car accident. They can provide important information about what happened, who was involved, and whether anyone was at fault.
If you have any questions about a police accident report, contact an experienced car accident attorney at David R. Price, Jr., P.A., who can help you understand your rights and options.