After an accident, you can get a crash report in Orangeburg, SC, by either contacting the local police department or making a request through the South Carolina DMV (SCDMV).
An official crash report is often required for insurance claims. Knowing ahead of time how to access the report can save you time and prevent delays when you are trying to recover compensation from insurance for your injuries and other damages.
If you run into problems with insurance, an Orangeburg car accident lawyer can help protect your rights, which includes building a strong case so you can recover the full amount of compensation you are owed under South Carolina law.
What Information Is Included in a Crash Report?
Crash or accident reports document the details of the collision as observed and recorded by law enforcement. While every report is a little different, most will include:
- The date, time, and location of the crash.
- Names and contact information for drivers and passengers.
- Vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers.
- Insurance information for the drivers involved.
- Road, weather, and lighting conditions.
- A diagram showing how the crash occurred.
- Any citations or violations issued.
- Notes about visible injuries or property damage.
Despite what many believe, police crash reports are not the only thing relied upon to determine fault. That said, they do play an important role in how insurance companies determine who is owed what after a car accident.
Even if you are concerned about what the report will say, you should still get the crash report after your Orangeburg, SC, accident. Having the report at least tells the insurance company that an accident did occur.
If there is no proof that the accident happened, then you will likely be unable to file a claim to recover any compensation.
How to Obtain a Crash Report in Orangeburg, SC
There are a couple of different ways to request a crash report in Orangeburg, SC.
Request Through the South Carolina DMV
Most collision reports in South Carolina are available through the SCDMV.
To request the report, you generally need to:
- Complete Form FR–50 (Request for Collision Report).
- Provide details such as the crash date, location, and names of those involved.
- Pay the standard fee (currently $6 for a certified copy).
You can make your request online, by mail, or in person, with online typically being the fastest option.
Request From the Local Police Department
Another way to get your Orangeburg crash report is by contacting the local police department, which is likely managed through the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety. You can contact this department and request the report directly from their records division.
Request From the South Carolina Highway Patrol
If the accident occurred on the highway, it was likely handled by the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP). If this is the case, the SCHP typically directs people to access reports through the DMV.
However, you can also contact the regional Highway Patrol office for assistance.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Crash Report in Orangeburg?
After the accident, most crash reports will become available within a few business days, but there are factors that can slow the release, such as:
- Accidents that involved serious injuries or fatalities.
- Accidents for which there is an ongoing investigation.
- Accidents involving criminal investigations.
If you make a request for the report online, it generally takes up to 10 business days, while requests by mail will take longer.
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What to Do After You Get Your Orangeburg Crash Report
After you get your crash report in Orangeburg, SC, you will want to review it carefully to make sure everything looks accurate. Look out for:
- Misspellings, especially in your name, or any incorrect contact information.
- Errors in the description of the vehicles involved, as well as insurance info errors.
- Any witness information that is missing or incorrect.
- Incorrect diagrams of the accident scene.
If something looks wrong, you should submit a supplemental statement or provide documentation to address the error. If you are having trouble with this or are unsure what to do, reach out to an attorney for assistance.
Why Crash Reports Matter for Insurance and Legal Claims
Crash reports are one of the primary pieces of evidence that insurance companies rely on when deciding who is at fault and how coverage applies. In general, the crash report can influence:
- Whether the insurance company accepts or disputes your claim of what happened and who is at fault.
- How insurance evaluates your injuries and other potential damages.
- How fast insurance processes your claim.
The crash report can also help your lawyer establish facts when building your case, such as timelines and what witnesses are available to give statements. Even the smallest details from the report can help your lawyer improve the outcome of your claim.
Contact Our Orangeburg Car Accident Lawyers for Help Getting Your Crash Report and Building a Strong Claim
If you were injured in a car accident and need help obtaining the crash report in Orangeburg, SC, the legal team at John Foy & Associates can assist. We help people across South Carolina understand their rights and take the right steps after a collision.
Our firm has recovered over $1 billion in results for clients and brings more than 350 years of combined experience to every case.
Contact us today for help. We’re available 24/7 and offer free consultations. You can also visit our Car Accident FAQs page for additional resources and information about collisions in South Carolina.
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