In Bluffton, SC, you can get a crash report by requesting it through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Your request may be made online, in person, or by mail. It is important to follow the directions on the SCDMC website to avoid errors and delays.
Alternatively, you can make a records request with the Bluffton Police Department or the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office if either organization investigated your crash. If you are working with a car accident lawyer in Bluffton, follow their advice on the ideal method for your situation.
Why is a Crash Report Important?
A car crash report serves as documentation of the details of your accident. It is an official account that can be used to help establish fault and liability. Insurance companies rely on crash reports, and your attorney can use them as necessary evidence when your case is in dispute.
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Who Creates a Police Accident Report in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the law enforcement officer responding to the crash will create the police accident report. The officer completes a TR-310 Traffic Collision Report with details of the incident.
If no officer is present, drivers must submit Form FR-309 to the SCDMV within 15 days for accidents involving injury, death, or over $1,000 in damage.
What’s Included in a Car Accident Report?
A TR-310 Traffic Collision Report typically consists of the following information:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Information regarding the road and direction of travel
- Driver details, such as name, address, and license number
- Driver insurance information
- Vehicle details and VIN
- Seatbelt use
- Injuries
- Vehicle and property damage assessment
- Accident narrative and diagram
- Any contributing factors that the officer noticed, such as speeding or distracted driving
- Alcohol or drug testing, if administered
- Traffic violations issued
- Name, rank, and badge number of the officer investigating the accident
How to Obtain Your Accident Report through the SCDMV
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website provides complete instructions for requesting a collision report online, in person, or by mail.
Request Online
For many people, the most convenient option is to make a request online through the SCDMV website as part of its online services. You must complete the form and pay the $6 fee using your debit or credit card.
Online reports are only available for accidents that occurred on or after March 22, 2012. If your crash was earlier or involved an out-of-state plate, you may need to request it by mail or in person. Drivers with out-of-state plates may have trouble requesting online.
Request in Person
To request your crash report in person, you must complete SCDMV Form FR-50 as thoroughly as possible and bring it to any SCDMV branch office. Be prepared to pay the $6 fee.
Request by Mail
You can also request by mail by sending two completed copies of SCDMV Form FR-50 along with your $6 check or money order to the address listed on the form. If you are confused about how to get a crash report in Bluffton, SC, consult with your attorney or get assistance on the SCDMV website.
Who Can Request a Crash Report?
Crash reports are not available through general Freedom of Information Act requests in South Carolina and can only be accessed by eligible parties, such as:
- Drivers and passengers who are directly involved
- Vehicle owners
- Insurance companies
- Attorneys representing those involved in the crash
- Law enforcement agencies
- Family members, in cases of fatal accidents
If you are having trouble accessing your accident report, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Bluffton for help understanding your legal rights.
What Information Do I Need to Request a Crash Report?
To request your crash report, you will need some basic information, such as:
- The date and time of the crash
- The crash location
- The names of the parties involved
- Claim or file number
- Proof of relationship, in cases where you are requesting a report for another person
- FR-10 Number
Form FR–10 is the proof of insurance report issued by the investigating officer at the time of the accident. You are required to submit it to the SCDMV within 15 days of the crash.
What Should I Do if I Encounter Issues Obtaining My Report?
If you have trouble accessing your accident report for a legal case involving the crash, a skilled attorney may be able to help. You can also request assistance by calling the phone number listed on the SCDMV website.
Get Help with Your Crash Report in Bluffton, SC
You can get your crash report in Bluffton, SC, by following the directions on the SCDMV website and requesting it via mail, online, or in person. If you have been injured in an accident, your accident report can serve as vital evidence in your case.
The report will list important information that you and your lawyer can use to show who caused the crash and who is liable for your injuries. Our truck accident lawyers in Bluffton will use this and other evidence to get you the compensation you need.
At John Foy & Associates, our team has recovered over $1 billion in awards and settlements for injured accident victims. Contact us today and find out how we can help.
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