After a car accident, one of the most important pieces of documentation you’ll need is the police report. This official document can play a major role in determining fault, supporting your insurance claim, and strengthening any legal case you may have especially if you’re filing for injuries or damages.

If your crash happened in Charleston, North Charleston, or anywhere in the Lowcountry, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a copy of your South Carolina car accident police report, and why it matters.

What Is a Police Accident Report and Why Is It Important?

A police accident report is the written summary prepared by the responding officer at the scene of a crash. It typically includes:

  • Date, time, and location of the accident
  • Names and contact info of drivers and passengers
  • Insurance and vehicle information
  • Witness statements
  • Road, weather, and traffic conditions
  • Officer’s opinion on fault or citations issued

If you plan to file an insurance claim, seek injury compensation, or prove the other driver was at fault, this document can be a crucial piece of evidence.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Police Report in South Carolina

There are a few ways to obtain your accident report, depending on where the crash occurred and which agency responded.

1. Know Which Law Enforcement Agency Responded

This could be:

  • Charleston Police Department (CPD)
  • North Charleston Police Department (NCPD)
  • Mount Pleasant Police
  • Charleston County Sheriff’s Office
  • South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP)

The agency listed in the report or the officer’s badge should help you identify the right department.

2. Request the Report Online or In Person

For South Carolina Highway Patrol Accidents:

  • Use the SCDMV Form FR-50 (Request for Collision Report)
  • Submit by mail to:
    SCDMV, Financial Responsibility, P.O. Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016-0038
  • Fee: $6.00 by check or money order

If the accident occurred on I-26, I-526, or Highway 17, it’s likely a Highway Patrol matter.

For Local Police Departments (Charleston, North Charleston, etc.):

  • Visit the police department in person or check their website for online request forms.
  • Be ready to provide:
    • Your name
    • Date of the accident
    • Report number (if available)
    • Location of the crash
  • Some departments charge a small fee ($5–$10)

Here are direct links to help:

3. Ask Your Lawyer to Obtain It For You

If you’re already working with a personal injury attorney, they can request the report on your behalf. At Ted Law Firm, we routinely obtain reports from local and state agencies to support our clients’ claims, and we cover any associated fees as part of the case.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Police Report?

  • Most reports are available within 3–10 business days after the crash.
  • For serious accidents or fatalities, it may take longer due to investigation.

Can You Still Get a Report If No Police Came?

Yes, but it’s more complicated.

If officers didn’t respond to your accident (for example, if the damage was minor and you exchanged info without calling 911), you can still file a self-reported collision report using Form FR-309 through the SCDMV.

This is important if:

  • You later develop injuries
  • The other driver turns out to be uninsured or at-fault
  • Insurance won’t pay without documentation

What If There Are Errors in the Report?

Police reports are not infallible. If you believe the report contains incorrect details like misstatements about fault, wrong vehicle info, or omitted witness names you have the right to request a correction or submit a supplemental statement. This is another reason why having a lawyer on your side can be extremely valuable.

Why Your Lawyer Wants the Police Report

At Ted Law Firm, we review every detail of your accident report to:

  • Confirm who was cited or blamed
  • Identify all vehicles and insurance policies involved
  • Track down witnesses listed in the report
  • Detect possible crash patterns or road hazards
  • Support your injury claim or challenge unfair liability claims

We’ve handled hundreds of car accident cases throughout Charleston, Goose Creek, Mount Pleasant, and Summerville, and we know how to leverage a police report to strengthen your case.

Final Tips

  • Always ask the responding officer for your report number before leaving the scene.
  • Keep a copy of the report for your records, even if you’re not sure you’ll pursue legal action.
  • If you’re injured, don’t try to handle the insurance process alone; the police report is just one part of the fight.

Need Help After a Car Accident? We’ve Got You Covered.

At Ted Law Firm, we help clients throughout the Charleston area file injury claims, deal with insurance companies, and get full compensation after serious crashes. We’ll obtain your police report, investigate fault, and build a claim that reflects what you’ve been through.

We proudly serve clients across all of South Carolina and Georgia including Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Atlanta. No matter where you are in either state, we’re here to help. And remember: you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case. There’s no risk just experienced support from a team you can trust. You’re in good hands with Ted Law Firm.

Attorney | Founder at  | Website |  + posts

Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.

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