In South Carolina, all injury crashes and most property damage crashes must be reported to law enforcement. This raises an important question: Should you always file a police report after an accident? While you may not need a report for a very minor property damage, such as fender damage, you should always file a police report for any significant crash. Notably, a police report is key evidence in a personal injury case if you were hurt in a crash. Here, our Anderson car accident lawyer explains why it is so important to get a police report after a wreck in South Carolina.
What is a Car Accident Police Report?
In South Carolina, most motor vehicle collisions should be reported to law enforcement. With a serious crash, it is best to have the police come to the scene. The responding officer(s) will investigate the scene and prepare an official accident report. The document (commonly known as the South Carolina Traffic Collision Report (Form TR-310)) serves as an official record of what happened. It is a foundational piece of evidence for a car accident injury claim.
A Police Report is an Important Piece of Evidence for Your Claim
After a crash, facts can quickly become unclear. Drivers may remember events differently or dispute responsibility. The police report provides an objective account based on direct observation, witness statements, and physical evidence gathered at the scene. That is not to say that the police report is decisive by itself. The reality is that some car accident police reports are incomplete or even inaccurate. Still, a police report is a very important piece of evidence. You need to get a copy after a crash in Anderson or elsewhere in the Upstate South Carolina region.
The Bottom Line: A police report is not the same as proof of fault, but it carries significant weight. Police officers are trained to record all relevant factors, from road conditions to traffic violations. A well-documented report can strengthen your position when negotiating with the insurance company and/or presenting evidence in court.
Key Details in South Carolina Accident Reports
What can you actually find within a police report for a car crash? The answer will depend somewhat on the specific circumstances of the case. The more serious and complex the accident, the more detailed the accident report tends to be. Still, there are exceptions. It is recommended that you always obtain an official copy of the police report to see exactly what it says. Here is an overview of common details:
- The Date, Time, and Location of the Crash: The initial section is about the basics. It usually verifies where and when the accident occurred. It establishes jurisdiction and can help prove compliance with reporting laws.
- Driver Information and Vehicle Information: Next, the police report typically lists names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details for every involved party. It also identifies vehicle makes, models, and registration numbers.
- A Diagram and/or a Narrative Summary: In South Carolina, officers often include a hand-drawn or computer-generated diagram showing vehicle positions, directions of travel, and impact points. The accompanying narrative explains how the collision likely happened as a preliminary assessment based on the evidence that is available at the scene.
- Contributing Factors and Any Traffic Citations Issued: The report identifies what the investigating officer believes caused or contributed to the crash. Among other things, this may include speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, or failure to yield. Any citations or charges issued will also be recorded. Of course, not every car accident has a citation issued.
- Witness Statements and Witness Contact Information: Neutral witnesses can make or break a case. The police report will often list their names and contact information, allowing your attorney to follow up for formal testimony. Independent witnesses often provide the most credible evidence in disputed liability cases.
- Officer Identification and Reporting Agency: Finally, a police report will include details about where it came from. You should expect to find the officer’s name, badge number, and department.
What Should I Do If There Is an Error in the Car Accident Police Report?
Ideally, this will not be an issue in your case. However, the reality is that mistakes do happen. Should you notice an error in your South Carolina car accident police report (such as the wrong vehicle information, misstated facts, or any other issues), it is imperative that you take a proactive approach. You should contact the law enforcement agency that prepared the report, such as the Anderson Police Department or South Carolina Highway Patrol, and request a correction or supplemental statement. You should also be prepared to provide documentation supporting your correction, including photos, insurance records, or witness statements. A top-rated Anderson, SC car accident attorney can help.
Why Victims Trust our Anderson Car Accident Lawyer
Hurt in a motor vehicle wreck in Anderson? You may be left feeling confused, stressed out, and overwhelmed. At McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie & Clardy Law Firm P.A., we are a law firm that puts victims and families first. With a proven record of case results and many client testimonials, we provide justice-focused car accident representation. We have a law office right here in the heart of Anderson. The city sits along Interstate 85 between Atlanta and Charlotte. That makes it a key stop for drivers and freight traffic moving through the Upstate. Anderson’s highway access supports its growing manufacturing and logistics sectors. Of course, crashes can and do happen. Our focus is on helping car accident victims in Anderson get justice and the maximum financial compensation.
Contact Our Anderson, SC Car Accident Attorney Today
At McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie & Clardy Law Firm P.A., our Anderson car accident attorney invests the time and resources needed to help you get justice. If you have any questions or concerns about the police report in a car accident case, we are here to help. Contact us now for a free, completely confidential initial consultation. We have a law office in Anderson, and we handle car crash claims in the 29625 and all across the wider region.