Picture two scenarios: In the first, you exchange information with a friendly driver who promises to pay for damages directly, and you both drive away without involving the police. In the second, you spend 15 minutes waiting for an officer who documents the scene, takes statements, and creates an official record. Fast forward two weeks—the other motorist ghosts you, your back hurts bad enough to keep you from working, and you have nothing but a phone number that goes to voicemail. That's when the answer becomes painfully clear.
At Alderson Law, we’ve seen countless cases where accident victims thought they could skip the paperwork after even a minor collision, only to face denied insurance claims and disputed liability later. Knowing when to report a car crash and getting a police report isn't just about following the law—it's about protecting yourself from the predictable ways these situations fall apart. Here’s what you need to know.
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When Does South Carolina Law Require a Police Report After a Car Accident?
Not every fender bender needs to be reported—but most do. State law outlines exactly when drivers must notify authorities or file a formal accident report. Here’s what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law and protect your claim.
Immediate Police Notification Is Required If Someone Is Hurt or Killed
Under South Carolina Code Section 56-5-1260, any driver involved in a crash that causes injury or death must immediately notify law enforcement. This includes even minor injuries that seem insignificant at the scene. The law requires that you contact the nearest:
- Local police department (if inside city limits)
- County sheriff’s office
- South Carolina Highway Patrol
When officers arrive on the scene, they'll investigate and file an official report. If you’re able, make sure to:
- Request the officer's name and badge number.
- Ask for the incident report number before leaving the scene.
- Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and the overall scene.
DMV Report Needed for Injuries or $1,000+ Damage
Even if the crash wasn’t investigated at the scene by a law enforcement officer, South Carolina law still requires you to act. According to South Carolina Code Section 56-5-1270, a written accident report must be submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 15 days if:
- Anyone was injured or killed, or
- The total property damage appears to be $1,000 or more.
This report is submitted using Form FR-309, available from the DMV.
What Counts as $1,000 in Damage?
At first glance, $1,000 might sound like a high threshold. However, in reality, modern car repairs are expensive—minor damage, such as a dented bumper, cracked headlight, or bent rim, can easily push your repair bill into four figures or more. Even if the car looks drivable, hidden structural damage could be substantial.
Why Report a Car Crash If the Law Doesn't Require It?
Protecting your interests often means going beyond what's technically required. Having a police report after any collision—no matter how minor—creates documentation that becomes invaluable if disputes arise later. Ryan P. Alderson, an experienced Greenville auto accident attorney, advises all his clients to get a police report to:
- Prevent "he said, she said" disputes. Without an official report, conflicting accounts of how the crash occurred are difficult to resolve. A police report documents the scene, vehicle positions, and initial statements while details remain fresh.
- Establish a timeline. Insurance companies scrutinize delayed reporting. When you wait days or weeks to report an accident, adjusters question whether the damage really occurred during the incident.
- Uncover hidden injuries. Adrenaline masks pain immediately after a crash. Symptoms of whiplash, concussion, or soft tissue injuries often don't appear until hours or days later. A police report links those delayed symptoms to the accident, preventing insurance companies from denying your claim based on timing.
How Do You Request a Copy of Your Police Report?
The procedure is straightforward but requires patience, as reports typically take several days to process and become available.
For Greenville Accidents
Request copies through the Greenville Public Records Division by calling (864) 467-5257. Expect to pay a small processing fee.
For Accidents in Other South Carolina Locations
Contact the law enforcement agency that responded to your crash. For accidents on state highways or rural roads, reach out to the South Carolina Highway Patrol to make an online collision report request or complete a form to take to a local office.
Keep multiple copies of your police report. Provide one to your insurance company, save one for your records, and have another available for our legal team at Alderson Law if you decide to pursue a claim.
Does Having a Police Report Guarantee a Successful Claim?
No, but it provides the factual foundation that insurance adjusters and our attorneys rely on when evaluating liability and damages—and often makes the difference between a resolved claim and months of frustrating back-and-forth over what really happened. Trust our team to use a police report and other critical evidence to your strategic advantage to secure the injury compensation you deserve.