While you can file an accident report after the fact, it is recommended that you file as soon as possible. A North Charleston car accident lawyer can guide you through the process of submitting your report. Once it is filed, the report may be used as evidence if you move forward with a personal injury lawsuit against anyone liable for your accident.
Criteria for Filing a Crash Report
In South Carolina, there are times when you must file an accident report after the fact, and you could be penalized if you do not. You must submit a traffic collision report if anyone involved in an accident suffers injuries or is killed. Also, a report must be filed if there is property damage exceeding $1,000. In these situations, you must report your accident within 15 days.
With an accident report you file after the fact, you must share this documentation with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). In a situation where a police report is not filed after a car accident when one is required, you could face a misdemeanor or felony charge, a suspension of your driver’s license, and other penalties.
When in doubt about whether you must submit an accident report after the fact, get in touch with the legal team at Shelly Leeke Law Firm. We bring more than a decade of experience to your personal injury case. We can connect you with an auto accident lawyer who gives your case the attention it deserves. Schedule a free case consultation with us.
The Information You Need to Provide to File a Crash Report After the Fact
A South Carolina personal injury lawyer with auto collision case experience helps you submit your collision report after the fact. The information you will have to share as part of the reporting process includes:
- The date, time, and location of your accident
- The names, contact information, and driver‘s license numbers of the motorists involved
- The make, model, and license plate number of each vehicle involved
- The contact information of any witnesses
- An explanation of the accident, along with details about weather conditions or other factors that may have contributed to the incident
- Whether anyone received medical attention, and, if so, any relevant documentation
A collision report should be available to you within 10 business days of submitting this information. You can request this report online, through the mail, or in person at an SCDMV branch office. The report may help you prove that someone else is at fault for your accident and should cover the losses you incurred during the incident.
Filing an Accident Report Can Help You Get the Money You Need to Recover
Err on the side of caution if you are weighing the pros and cons of submitting an accident report after the fact. Generally, it does not take long to file this report. Meanwhile, the report can make a world of difference if you proceed with an insurance claim or injury lawsuit.
An insurance company may use your accident report to determine liability. If your report indicates that someone else is to blame for your accident, the liable party’s insurer may be inclined to offer you fair compensation for your losses.
Comparatively, if you submit a lawsuit, your report can strengthen your case against a liable party. The report may boost your chances of achieving the case results you want. Or it may prompt an at-fault party to offer a reasonable settlement before your case goes to trial.
An Accident Report Filed Can Be Used to Prove Negligence
Just because you say a party is responsible for an auto accident does not mean you will get compensation from them. It is your responsibility to prove negligence. With an accident report obtained after the fact, you are well-equipped to show that a party acted negligently and should have to compensate you for the harm they have caused.
An auto accident attorney can provide a breakdown of negligence laws in South Carolina and how they apply to your case. If you have a crash report, your lawyer can argue that you are not liable for your accident. A liable party and their insurer may struggle to dispute your case. Thus, you may get maximum compensation for your losses through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Of course, a crash report is one piece of evidence that you can use in your case. In addition to this report, your lawyer may collect accident scene photos, traffic camera footage, and other proof. Their body of evidence could compel a judge or jury to order a liable party to pay damages or help you settle your case outside of the courtroom.
Trust a Car Accident Lawyer to Help You File Your Report After the Fact
Meet with an auto collision lawyer within days of your car accident. You can explain what happened during your accident and share any legal concerns or questions you have with your attorney. Next, your lawyer can advise you on what to do to get money from any responsible parties.
Your attorney can discuss the process of filing a collision report after the fact and offer guidance at each stage. From here, they can gather evidence, calculate your losses, and submit your claim in alignment with South Carolina law.
Per the South Carolina Code of Laws Section 15-3-540, you have three years from the date you suffer an injury to file a claim for compensation. Your lawyer submits your compensation request promptly. They may utilize your collision report in conjunction with myriad evidence to help you secure compensation that allows you to recover financially from your accident.
Partner with a Car Crash Lawyer Who Helps with Every Aspect of Your Case
Shelly Leeke Law Firm has handled many car accident cases in South Carolina. Our team eliminates the guesswork from the legal process. We can assist you as you file an accident report. If you want to submit a car accident insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, we have you covered.
Request a free case consultation with us to learn more about our no win, no fee. Guarantee.
