Under South Carolina Code Section 56-5-1270, any accident resulting in injury, death, or total property damage of $1,000 or more must be reported. You can obtain a South Carolina car accident report through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) or the local police agency that responded to your crash.
If you were involved in a car wreck in Greenville, act quickly to get your accident report. Our Greenville car accident lawyers explain the importance of a report and how getting this document is the first step in protecting your legal rights after a collision.
What Is a Car Accident Report and Why Does It Matter
A car accident report (Form TR-310) is the official record of a vehicle collision. It is written by the law enforcement officer who arrives at the scene, and serves as an objective account of what happened. It lists the date, time, and location of the crash, and identifies the drivers, their insurance providers, and any witnesses who saw the event.
Adjusters review the “Officer’s Opinion” section to determine the cause of the accident. If the report says the other driver was at fault, your path to getting paid becomes much easier. Furthermore, if your case goes to court, the report helps accident reconstruction experts understand the nature and force of the impact.
The Form TR-310 differs from the Form FR-10, which is the document the investigating officer provides to the drivers involved in the wreck. This document is intended to provide a driver’s contact and insurance information to other drivers. Although the Form FR-10 contains a section notating which driver the investigating officer believes was at fault for the wreck, it contains very little detail regarding the circumstance sof the collision.
How to Obtain a Police Report for a Car Accident
Getting a copy of your report is straightforward. You can choose the method that works best for your schedule.
- Go Online: Visit the SCDMV website. This is the fastest way to get your records. You will need your driver’s license number, and you will need to pay a fee.
- Have Your Details Ready: You’ll need your name, the date of the accident, and the county where it occurred to locate your report.
- Pay the Fee: Reports typically cost a small fee (around $6–$8 online). Payment can usually be made by credit or debit card.
- Request in Person or By Mail: If you prefer, visit your local SC Highway Patrol office or the law enforcement agency that responded to the crash. You can also submit a written request by mail to the SC Department of Public Safety.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: In many cases, your insurer already has a copy of the report and can share it with you at no extra cost.
- Check the Timeline: Reports are generally available within 10–14 business days after the accident, so don’t panic if it doesn’t show up right away.
- Review for Accuracy: Once you have the report, check names, dates, vehicle details, and the officer’s narrative. If anything is wrong, contact the filing agency to request a correction.
- Ask Your Lawyer: If you hire a lawyer at David R. Price, JR., P.A., our team will handle the request for you. We make sure we have the official TR-310 form before beginning to build your claim.
What to Do if Your Accident Report Is Incorrect
Sometimes, an officer makes a mistake on the report. If you find an error, it’s important to fix it.
First, contact the officer who wrote the report. Provide them with evidence that shows the error, such as photos of the scene or dashcam footage. The officer can then issue an amended or “supplemental report” to add the new information.
If the officer refuses to change the report, write a statement and ask to have this attached to the official file, ensuring your side of the story is part of the public record. An attorney can help you gather the proof needed to challenge an incorrect report.
How Long Do You Have to Obtain an Accident Report?
The SCDMV keeps South Carolina accident reports for a set period. Generally, these records are available for several years. However, you should not wait to get yours. Under South Carolina Code Section 15-3-530, you usually have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
While three years sounds like a long time, evidence disappears quickly. Getting Greenville accident reports within the first week of the crash is the best way to keep your claim moving.
How Accident Reports Are Used in Insurance Claims
Insurance adjusters use the accident report to find reasons to deny your claim. South Carolina follows the comparative negligence rule, meaning you cannot recover any damages if you’re deemed 50 percent responsible for the crash.
The adjuster will look at the report to see if the officer checked any boxes related to “contributing factors” for your vehicle. If the report says you were distracted, the insurance company will use that to lower your settlement offer. By receiving the report early, you and your lawyer can anticipate these issues and prepare a response.
The report also lists the “point of initial impact,” demonstrating how the cars collided. If your account doesn’t match the report, the adjuster will question your story.
How a Greenville Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
A lawyer handles the difficult parts of your case. For example, by:
Getting Your Accident Report
A lawyer knows exactly how to request your official records from the SCDMV or local Greenville police. They handle the paperwork so you can focus on healing.
Reading the Codes
Police reports use specific number codes to describe how a crash happened. Your lawyer can review these codes to determine whether the officer found the other driver at fault.
Talking to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies often try to settle for as little as possible. Your lawyer speaks to insurance adjusters for you, making sure the insurance company does not take advantage of you.
Finding Evidence
Beyond the police report, a lawyer looks for traffic camera footage, dashcam video, and witness statements to prove what happened.
Fixing Mistakes
If the police report has the wrong information, your lawyer can help you submit a statement or evidence to get the record corrected.
Calculating Your Losses
A lawyer adds up your medical bills, car repair costs, and lost wages. This ensures you ask for the right amount of money in your claim.
Going to Court
If the insurance company refuses to pay a fair amount, your lawyer can take your case to a judge or jury to fight for your rights.
Contact Our Greenville Car Accident Lawyers
If you were hurt in a crash, do not try to fight the insurance companies alone. The information in your accident report is the foundation of your case. The legal team at David R. Price, JR., P.A., can provide clear legal advice to help you get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact us at 864-271-2636 to request a free consultation to discuss your accident and review your report.