In South Carolina, an accident generally stays on your record for three years. When you are involved in a car accident, it may be noted by the authorities and will appear on your driving record as maintained by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). Your car insurance provider is also made aware, which may affect your insurance rates.
After a collision, your North Charleston car accident lawyer can help you demand justice and ensure the record reflects you were not the primary cause of the wreck. Your legal advocate with Shelly Leeke Law Firm has over a decade of trial experience and knows how to hold insurance companies and at-fault parties accountable. We can help you understand the profound impact that an accident on your record can have on your life.
Having an Accident on Your Record Can Affect Your Insurance Rates
Car accidents can dramatically affect your insurance rates, though these changes are not always permanent. If you have been in an accident, especially if you were at fault, your rates will likely rise. Some insurers may even choose not to renew your policy or refuse to continue offering coverage.
What your specific insurance provider chooses to do is at the insurance company’s discretion, but safe drivers have less to fear than those who have been involved in multiple accidents. Providers generally look at your record as a whole when deciding how to move forward. Some even offer accident forgiveness programs, as described by NerdWallet, which could help you keep your auto insurance rates low after a collision that was not your fault.
These programs may only be offered when there is only one accident on your record. If you are unsure whether you qualify, do not hesitate to contact your insurer to find out what options may be available to you. Your South Carolina personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the aftermath of the collision and minimize the fallout wherever possible.
An Accident on Your Record Can Impact Your Driving Privileges
Car accidents and traffic infractions carry consequences both with your insurance company and with the law, leading to traffic tickets or even criminal cases. South Carolina licensing works on a points system according to the SCDMV, meaning that every infraction adds points that build up over time. Once you accumulate too many points, you can lose certain privileges and even have your license suspended.
Infractions are relatively minor legal violations, such as speeding or disobeying traffic signals. However, if the driver who hit you is accused of a serious crime like a DUI under S.C. Code Ann. §56-5-2930, they will also face criminal consequences. If convicted of a DUI, they could be subject to serious legal penalties, including jail time, fines, and suspension of their driver’s license.
When you find yourself involved in a traffic accident that involves accusations like these, you can rely on a South Carolina catastrophic injury attorney at our firm to help prove you were not primarily culpable. Our team at Shelly Leeke Law Firm will do all we can to maximize your compensation. We will carefully investigate and gather the evidence we need to prove the defendant’s liability for the wreck and your resulting damages.
How to Obtain a Copy of Your Driving Record in SC
You can obtain a copy of your driving record for review at any time from the SCDMV in person or remotely. For an added charge of $6, you can obtain a more comprehensive report by filling out SCDMV Form MV-70. If you are unsure which report you need, do not hesitate to consult our legal team.
While having a copy of your driving record does not change it, you do have the opportunity to review it and plan accordingly. You can see how many points you have accrued over the years and any other accidents or infractions that may remain on your record. With this information, we can better understand your situation and how to approach your car accident insurance and civil claims.
While you can review your record with the state, your insurance provider may not offer the same service. Many insurers keep their own private records, which may be unavailable to the public. However, with your official driving record from the SCDMV, we can argue for reduced insurance rates with your auto insurance provider.
Certain South Carolina Accident Laws Could Affect Your Case
Whether you were at fault or a victim, you may face consequences following an accident. As explained by the South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI), South Carolina is a tort liability state. This means that if you or your property were damaged in an accident, you can pursue compensation from the liable party, but they can also pursue compensation if you were partly at fault for the crash.
Since the state operates under a modified comparative negligence system, your payout could also be affected if you share the blame. Under the South Carolina Contribution Among Tortfeasors Act, if you are partly at fault, your settlement could be reduced proportionally. If you were, say, 20% responsible, the courts would deduct 20% of your settlement.
You must also be prepared to act on your claim as soon as possible. The statute of limitations typically runs out three years after the collision, according to the South Carolina Code of Laws §15-3-530. Missing this deadline could limit your opportunities for financial relief.
Trust a Car Accident Law Firm to Help You Demand Justice
While it may seem like both the South Carolina authorities and your insurance provider are against you, you do have options. You have the right to advocate for your right to full compensation in court with the support of a reputable South Carolina car accident attorney from Shelly Leeke Law Firm on your side. Do not let the liable party’s negligence affect you any more than it already has.
Turn to Shelly Leeke Law Firm when you need a highly experienced personal injury firm on your side. We have helped numerous car accident victims and their families bring at-fault parties to justice. When you are ready to fight for the fair compensation you deserve, contact our legal team for a free consultation by phone or through our secure contact form.
