Reading Your South Carolina Accident Report
Nobody expects to be in a car accident in South Carolina. But when you or a loved one is in a serious car crash, you will need to take action to protect your rights. One important step involves reading and understanding your accident report. This is where you will find the police officer's comments about your accident. Insurance companies will use this report in deciding how to compensate victims. We urge you to carefully read your report.
Official South Carolina Traffic Collision Report forms are often required by insurance companies to file a claim after an accident. To obtain a copy of your accident report, visit the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website.
At Twenge + Twombley, we want to help you understand your report. As a service to you, we have included a sample report below with comments. You can compare this sample document to your actual report.
If you have questions about your report or you're looking for more information after a car accident, contact us today. We will be happy to help you interpret your report, free of charge. Call 866-452-6315 to schedule a free case consultation.
The Date, Time and Location of your accident are recorded by officers. In addition, officers record intersection information, vehicle direction of travel and the type of road in which the accident occurred.
Driver and vehicle information are documented for each party involved in the accident.
Driver information:
- Name, address and phone number
- Driver's license number
- Insurance company and policy number
Vehicle information:
- Make and model
- License plate number
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
In addition, police record each driver's Estimated Speed, Speed Limit, whether the driver Contributed to the Collision, and (if applicable) arrest information and alcohol test results.
Responding or investigating officers draw a pictorial diagram of the accident scene, offer a written narrative and document estimated property damage. Carefully review this information, as law enforcement may record information in this section not found elsewhere on your South Carolina Traffic Collision Report Form.
Contact information is recorded for all parties involved in the accident. In addition, law enforcement documents all injuries, fatalities, airbag deployment and vehicle ejection information.
Police document what they believe to be the sequence of events leading to the accident. This includes Non-Collision factors, collisions with both vehicles and Fixed Objects, the Manner of Collision, areas of specific vehicle damage and severity.
If drugs or alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor to the accident, all necessary information is recorded by officers. This includes whether a drug or alcohol test is administered, Test Type, and Test Results.
Contributing factors are recorded by law enforcement, including: driver error, road conditions, pedestrian actions and vehicle defects.
If a truck or other large commercial vehicle is involved in the accident, all necessary information about the truck, cargo and motor vehicle carrier is recorded.
Click here to download a printable version.