|
|
Last Modified on Nov 21, 2025
When drivers in South Carolina are left wondering how do I report a car accident in South Carolina, the rules and requirements may seem just as confusing as the moment after the collision. It’s natural to feel dazed and have a hard time focusing on the steps.
The car accident reporting process is time sensitive, and certain details are contingent on the severity of the crash and the information that should be documented. Taking proper actions early on can prevent insurance delays, protect a driver’s ability to file a claim, and provide a clear understanding of what South Carolina requires.
Accidents That Must Be Reported to South Carolina Law Enforcement
Drivers in South Carolina must report an accident when injuries or fatalities occur or property damage to vehicles or other property appears to meet or exceed $1,000. Nearly every collision falls into one of these categories, which is why law enforcement should be contacted so an officer can document the crash.
The reporting threshold is relevant because failing to report a collision to law enforcement may create insurance issues or liability later. Drivers may initially believe the damage is below the threshold, but can discover at the scene that their estimate was inaccurate.
The safest course of action is to contact law enforcement. The official report can provide a more accurate record of what happened and eliminate guesswork regarding whether South Carolina’s reporting requirements apply.
Reporting the Accident in South Carolina
Most drivers file an FR-10 after a crash that’s completed by the law enforcement officer who responds. The FR-10 connects the collision to a driver’s insurance company and needs to be submitted within fifteen days.
An FR-309 must be completed by a driver when a law enforcement officer is not contacted about the crash. The FR-309 is filled out by the driver and sent to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. These forms function as evidence that a driver met reporting requirements and had insurance at the time of the accident.
Keeping copies, providing the right policy information, and submitting the form on time can help to avoid any additional DMV issues.
Timelines and Responsibilities After a Collision
Reporting timelines begin now, and a crash occurs. If law enforcement is on scene, an officer writes notes about the scene and what to do next. If an officer does not come, a driver has fifteen days to complete the FR-309 and meet state reporting requirements.
Insurers may impose their own deadlines, and as a result, drivers may need to contact their carrier long before the paperwork deadline to the state. Late reporting and paperwork can delay a claim, leave fault in question, and complicate repairs and medical treatment. Documentation, done right away and clearly, provides for the claim as it advances.
Insurance and Safety Requirements After Minor or Major Crashes
Drivers in South Carolina must have proof of insurance and present it at the time of the reporting process, whether the contact is with police or through a self-report. Even in minor collisions, drivers need to exchange information and complete scene documentation. Major accidents that involve injuries require immediate attention.
Drivers should decide on medical assistance, get to safety, and wait for law enforcement when it is safe. Insurers will assess a crash considering how it was handled, including the correctness of any reports and the filing of forms within deadlines. These steps help to secure the claim as well as the driver’s compliance with South Carolina law.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Drivers trust the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III for honest and practical advice on reporting requirements because our guidance is shaped by nearly thirty years of helping South Carolina residents after a collision.
Our experience handling cases inside local courtrooms and with personal injury claims gives us a real-world perspective on how the process works, the reporting rules, and steps that protect a driver’s rights from the beginning.
FAQs
Do I Have to File Certain Documents With the DMV After a Crash in South Carolina?
Yes, when law enforcement is not notified, drivers are required to fill out the FR-309 form and forward it to the South Carolina DMV. South Carolina accident reporting requirements are listed under S.C. Code § 56-5-1270. Completing and returning the form while the crash is fresh protects you against any DMV violations in the future.
Do Accident Statistics Impact My Claim Value in Camden?
Accident statistics are used to gauge the frequency of collisions statewide, not the value of a particular claim. The state of South Carolina had 1,198 motor vehicle accident-related deaths in 2021, according to NHTSA data. Camden courts and insurance companies take a closer look at your specific injuries, supporting documents, and treatment when assessing your claim value.
What Happens at the Scene of a Crash on Camden Roads?
Drivers should check for injuries, notify the police, and exchange information. Traffic moves regularly through Camden, South Carolina, along U.S. Highway 521, Dicey Ford Road, and Boykin Road. Injuries aside, an accident scene can clear quickly. Photographs, a weather report, and contact details for witnesses can help fill in any gaps after the vehicles are moved.
How Do Early Medical Exams Help With Claims in Camden?
Medical exams early on help establish a timeline of symptoms and leave little room for later dispute. Some injuries, like neck or back injuries, may develop over time. Insurance carriers count on this information to piece together the full extent of the crash. The more consistent the treatment is after an accident, the stronger the claim will be overall.
Do I Have to Provide a Statement to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
You do not have to give the other driver’s insurance company a recorded statement. Many clients prefer to keep communication with insurers going through their attorney to avoid confusion. Insurance adjusters can ask leading questions or otherwise limit the scope of the claim, so taking time to prepare is also beneficial.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Reporting an auto accident in South Carolina has several stages. Each phase shapes how the claim unfolds in the weeks to come. Forms, insurance deadlines, and documentation can be overwhelming when you’re still processing what happened.
Since 1996, we have guided clients through what the state requires, how insurance companies will review and process an accident report, and why the documentation from a crash matters well beyond the date of the accident.
The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III guides drivers through these requirements with clear answers and a realistic strategy. Every collision is different, but prompt and accurate reporting protects your rights and improves the claim. If you were in a crash in South Carolina, our office can explain your options and assist you in moving forward. Book a consultation today and hire a car accident attorney.
