If you were injured in a highway accident in South Carolina, it is essential to obtain a copy of your police report for any subsequent insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. This document provides a detailed account of the incident, including information about the vehicles involved, the cause of the accident, and any injuries sustained.
If the responding officer did not provide specific instructions on acquiring the report, you may wonder, “How do I get a highway accident report?” Typically, you can get a copy of a highway accident report from the local DMV.
Working with a North Charleston car accident lawyer can help you identify what you need to obtain for a successful claim. We have supported injury victims for over a decade. Contact us to learn more about how we can help maximize your claim for your best recovery.
How to Obtain a Highway Accident Report
To obtain collision reports from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), you must complete the Request for Copy of Collision Report. You can do this online at the SCDMV Public Services. You may also print a paper copy of the form and either take it to a SCDMV branch or mail it to the listed address.
If you wish to mail your form or submit it in person at the aSCDMV location, you will need to print two copies of the report. Be sure to complete both pages of the form accurately and sign it. Include a check or money order for the $6 processing fee, as they will not accept cash.
Submitting a completed form via mail is the standard procedure for requesting a police accident report in South Carolina. Your highway accident report will cost $6 per report as a processing fee, no matter what method you choose to request it. Be sure not to delay in requesting your report, as the DMV may take some time to process your request.
Information Included in a Highway Accident Report
The official highway accident report you receive is a comprehensive document, providing much more detail than the initial report you may have been given at the scene of your accident. This can help substantiate your insurance claim or back up any potential legal claims you may have. This in-depth report will include crucial information such as:
- Accident details: Precise date, time, and location of the collision, weather and road conditions, and a detailed diagram of the accident scene created by the investigating officer.
- Vehicle information: Registration and insurance details for all vehicles involved and a summary of the damage sustained.
- Driver and passenger information: Full names, contact information, and driver’s license numbers of all individuals involved.
- Statements: Any statements taken from drivers, passengers, and witnesses, if any were present.
- Incident circumstances: A description of the events leading up to the collision, any reckless actions or traffic violations committed by drivers involved, and the officer’s assessment of fault, if provided.
With all of these details, it is easy to see how a highway accident report can be a valuable tool in pursuing justice after an accident, providing crucial details for insurance and legal purposes. If you need further help to support your claim, contact a highway accident lawyer today. We will thoroughly examine the report to identify any evidence that bolsters your case and help you maximize the compensation you can receive.
How Your Attorney Can Use a Highway Accident Report to Support Your Case
Your car accident attorney can utilize the highway collision report to strengthen your injury claim in various ways. By examining the details provided, such as the accident details, statements, and incident circumstances, your attorney may be able to construct a more detailed timeline of the incident and uncover crucial information that corroborates your account of the accident. Proving fault from the other driver is the most important part of establishing your case.
Working with an experienced highway accident lawyer is crucial to protecting your rights. At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we have supported injured South Carolinians for over a decade. We work to support your recovery by optimizing your settlement to the maximum amount possible under the law.
The Importance of Proving Fault in an At-Fault State
South Carolina operates on an at-fault system for car accidents. This means that to receive compensation for damages like medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and emotional distress, you must prove that you were less than 50% responsible for the accident. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you will not be eligible for any compensation.
Furthermore, the percentage of fault assigned to you directly impacts the amount of compensation you can recover. For instance, if you are found 25% at fault, you will only receive 75% of the total damages awarded. Unfortunately, insurance companies often use this as a tactic to shift blame and minimize their payouts.
If you have further questions about how to get a highway accident report, contact our office to speak with one of our highway accident attorneys. If you are looking for more information about car accidents, be sure to check out the FAQs we often receive. You can also read about examples of car accident settlements we have received for clients like yourself.
Contact Our South Carolina Car Accident Attorneys For Support Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in South Carolina due to someone else’s negligence, the experienced car accident attorneys at Shelly Leeke Law Firm are ready to assist you.
As your legal advocates, we work to protect your rights and financial interests throughout the claims process and in court. If you have been unfairly harmed, you deserve full compensation for your injuries and the damage done to your vehicle.
If you are having difficulty getting a highway accident report, we can help you navigate the process. We hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions and work to make sure you get justice. Contact us for a free legal consultation today to discuss your accident and injuries.
