If you’re involved in an accident in South Carolina that results in injury or death, you must report it to law enforcement immediately. In an emergency, call 911 and provide your location and information about the crash.
At Query Sautter & Uricchio LLC, we handle personal injury matters for people in Charleston, South Carolina, helping them understand their rights after an accident. The following explains how to report an accident to the police and what the law requires after you make that report.
When Are You Required to Report an Accident in South Carolina?
A crash must be reported right away when someone is hurt or killed. South Carolina law requires drivers involved in these accidents to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency without delay.
Under South Carolina Code § 56-5-1260, the agency depends on where the crash occurred. If you’re in Charleston and need emergency assistance, call 911. For a non-emergency, you can reach Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch at 843-743-7200. The dispatcher can direct your call to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
What Information Should You Give the Police?
When you report the accident, give law enforcement the information needed to locate the scene and send the appropriate assistance. Tell the dispatcher the address where the crash happened and whether anyone appears to be injured. You can then answer any additional questions about the vehicles or what occurred.
Keep your description of the crash factual. You don’t need to guess about what caused the accident or accept responsibility. Once the immediate situation is under control, a personal injury attorney can review the circumstances of the crash and help you understand how the police report fits into your claim.
The Police Report Creates a Record of the Accident
When an officer responds to the scene, the information gathered becomes part of the official accident record. The report can document details about the crash and statements from the people involved.
This record can become important if you later pursue an insurance claim or personal injury case. However, the police report doesn’t by itself determine who is legally responsible for the accident. Liability depends on the circumstances of the crash and the evidence available to establish what happened.
Some Accidents Must Also Be Reported to the DMV
You may need to file a separate report with the South Carolina DMV if law enforcement didn’t investigate the accident. This requirement applies when someone was injured or killed. It also applies when the crash caused at least $1,000 in apparent property damage.
South Carolina law gives you 15 days to submit the required written report. This is separate from reporting the accident to the police, so it’s important to confirm whether a DMV report is required in your situation.
Contact Our Team for Legal Guidance
Once you’ve reported the accident, your attention can turn to recovering from your injuries and protecting your personal injury claim. The police report provides an important record of what happened, but it is only one part of establishing your right to compensation.
Query Sautter & Uricchio LLC represents injured people in South Carolina. If you have questions about your accident or your rights after reporting it, leave us a message today or call 843-795-9500.