(803) 888-2200
CALL US NOW
EMAIL US NOW
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), there were 145,761 reported collisions in South Carolina in 2023 alone, the most recent data available. Unfortunately, many car accidents lead to injuries and even loss of life. When accidents happen and the other party is found at fault, you may qualify to receive compensation for property damage, medical care, emotional damages, and more. For that reason, it’s important to understand who is at fault for the accident.
While it won’t determine fault alone, having a copy of your car accident report will help your attorney understand the accident, determine inaccuracies, and work as a tool to prove who was truly at-fault for the accident. In South Carolina, there are a few different ways to obtain your car accident report for your convenience.
How to Obtain Your Collision Report in South Carolina
You can obtain your South Carolina collision report online, in-person, or via the mail. Here’s how.
Online:
To obtain your police report online, simply go to the South Carolina DMV website here. You will need to have the following information handy:
- Driver’s License, Beginner Permit or ID #
- Social Security Number
- Date of Birth
Complete the application to receive your copy. There is a small fee of $6 to obtain this document.
In-Person:
You may also complete the Request for Copy of Collision Report (SCDMV Form FR-50) and bring it to any South Carolina DMV branch. Make sure to sign both pages after printing.
You can find your local DMV branch here.
By Mail:
You may also request your form via mail by completing the same SCDMV Form FR-50 and then:
- Printing two copies of the report, complete with as much information as possible.
- Including a check or money order for $10 made out to the SCDMV address below [cash is not accepted]
- Mailing these to the below address:
SCDMV
Titles Mail-in Unit FR-50
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0050
What Information Is Included in the Car Accident Report?
The official collision report is a more detailed version of the report you likely received on the day of the collision. This document will include important details such as:
- The time, date, and location of the accident
- Insurance information for each vehicle involved
- Registration for each vehicle involved
- The driver’s license provided by all motor vehicle operators involved in the crash
- Identification of each driver and all passengers involved in the accident
- Contact information for witnesses
- Witness statements
- Passenger statements
- Driver statements
- Vehicle damage summary
- A description of the scene of the accident
- Weather and road conditions
- A basic diagram of the collision scene, provided by the police officer
- Description of any reckless actions or citations
- Sometimes, it will list who the officer believes was as at fault
This information is extremely important for understanding the specifics of your case and proving who was involved, especially if you or a loved one was hurt in the accident.
How Does Fault Work in South Carolina Car Collisions?
South Carolina is an at-fault state, meaning that you must be found less than 50% responsible for the accident in order to receive compensation for any damages caused by the accident. This can include compensation for medical bills, property damage, time missed from work, emotional distress, and more. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you will not be able to collect compensation for these damages.
In addition, the percentage you are found at fault determines how much compensation you qualify for. For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault by a jury, you would be awarded 75% of the amount of damages the jury determines you incurred in the accident.
Unfortunately, insurance companies will frequently try to place blame on other drivers to avoid having to pay your claim, especially if it’s not entirely clear who caused the accident. Having a reputable lawyer on your side will prevent insurance companies from trying to trick you into admitting fault or making statements they will use against you. Determining who was truly at fault for the accident is critical for your car accident claim. Our experienced car accident lawyers will help you prove fault and make sure you get what you’re owed under state law.
Should I Speak to a Lawyer?
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, we always recommend at least speaking to an experienced injury lawyer. With decades of combined experience handling car accidents across South Carolina, we can answer any questions you have and help you understand your rights under state law. Speaking with an award-winning accident attorney at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC is free. Simply call our office at (803) 888-2200 or email [email protected] and our team will be in touch as soon as possible.
Disclaimer: This article is presented for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
With offices in Columbia, Mount Pleasant and Greenville, our lawyers travel to and represent clients throughout the state.
Client Focused. Results Driven.
Author: Joseph O. Thickens
I’m Joe Thickens, and I’m a founder and personal injury attorney at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC. I primarily represent people who have been injured in car and truck accidents in Columbia and throughout the state of South Carolina. Our entire team is dedicated to getting accident victims the justice they deserve, including making sure they get compensated for all of the physical, financial, and emotional pain they’ve had to face as a result of an unexpected accident.
If you or a loved one has any questions following an accident, we’d be glad to help you understand your options under state law. We take great pride in our work and prioritize a great client experience. If you’d like more information, simply call our team at (803) 888-2200. We are available for you via phone 24/7.
