What Is on a South Carolina Car Accident Police Report?
Car accidents are a common occurrence in South Carolina. Thousands of accidents happen in South Carolina every year. One of the most crucial steps to take after a car accident is to call the police. Police officers are trained to manage accident scenes and can ensure your safety and that of others. Law enforcement officers can coordinate medical help for injuries, divert traffic, and secure the scene to prevent further incidents. Apart from that, the police who respond to the accident scene can prepare an official record of the accident, documenting crucial details. If you file an insurance claim, this report can help support your claim. Police reports contain information that can be used to determine liability. This article discusses the contents of a South Carolina car accident police report.
What Details Are in a South Carolina Car Accident Police Report?
The primary purpose of a car accident police report is to provide factual information surrounding the accident. Below are some of the critical components of a South Carolina car accident police report;
Date, Time, and Location Information
In a South Carolina car accident police report, you can find details about the date, time and location of the accident. The police report will state whether the accident happened on an Interstate or another road.
Driver and Passenger Information
A police report will contain the names, addresses, and contact information of the drivers and passengers involved. It will also include driver’s license information.
Vehicle Information
In a police report, you can find various types of vehicle information, including the following;
- The make and model of each vehicle involved in the accident
- The color of each vehicle
- The license plate number of each vehicle
- A description of the damage sustained by each vehicle
Diagram of the Accident Scene
A South Carolina car accident police report may contain a visual representation of the accident scene. The police officer may draw a picture showing the location of the vehicles, roads, traffic signals, and other important details.
Witness Information
Police reports contain names, addresses, contact information, and statements from people who witnessed the accident.
Alcohol and Drug Test Information
The police will indicate in their report whether they conducted an alcohol or drug test on any of the drivers involved in the accident.
Citation Information
If the police issue a citation after a car accident, they record the violation code in their report.
The Officer’s Assessment
A South Carolina car accident police report may contain an officer’s preliminary assessment of fault or liability. However, this does not constitute a legal determination. Fault can only be determined by insurance companies, attorneys, or the court.
If you were involved in a South Carolina car accident, it is crucial that you obtain a copy of the official accident report. The information in the report may be helpful to build your compensation claim. After you get the report, review it for accuracy. A qualified car accident attorney can help you review the report pertaining to your accident for accuracy. If you disagree with anything in the report, you can challenge it with the help of your attorney.
Contact Our Charleston Car Accident Lawyer
If you need legal help with your South Carolina car accident case, contact our skilled Charleston car accident lawyer at the Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm.
