Not all accidents are major ones. If you were involved in a minor South Carolina collision and no one was injured, it’s possible you will decide not to call the police to the scene of the crash. If you don’t, here are the answers to a few common questions you’re likely to face afterward.
Do I have to call police to the scene of an auto accident in South Carolina?
If you have been second-guessing yourself after not calling authorities – don’t. You’re not required to call law enforcement to the scene of your South Carolina car crash if no one was injured and property damage is minor. However, if you are at the scene of the accident and aren’t sure what to do, error on the side of caution and call the authorities.
Do I have to file an accident report after the fact?
South Carolina law requires drivers involved in any accident that resulted in $1,000 or more in property damage to file an accident report. If you don’t file a report, the state could accuse you of failing to prove you have insurance. To download the online accident report form, click here: http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/forms/fr-309.pdf
Should I file an accident report in South Carolina?
If you’re not sure how much damage was caused in your South Carolina car accident or if it meets the threshold for requiring a report, you should file one. It’s always a good idea to get a record of what happened in your crash.
Having an official record on file won’t hurt anyone and it will protect you in the event the other party tries to accuse of a hit and run or the like later on. It’s also common that not all damage to the vehicle, you or your passengers is immediately available. If you want to address any issues later, it will be important to have a record.
Of course, it’s always best to call authorities to the scene when possible in order to get an unbiased third-party report of the events surrounding your crash.
I’m not sure what to do
If you have any questions about your South Carolina car crash, contact the knowledgeable and experience personal injury attorneys at George Sink Injury Lawyers. We offer free consultations and can answer your questions so you have a better understanding of your rights and how to proceed.