After a car accident, drivers should contact the police to report the crash. While some call 911 and have the police dispatched to the scene, others might contact the police later. Either way, you might need a copy of the police report about your accident to send to insurance companies or possibly use as part of a lawsuit. Your lawyer can help you get a copy of the report.
We need to know which police department handled the accident. You might already know if you spoke to police officers at the crash scene. If you did not, we can help you determine who to contact. Depending on the circumstances, the state or local authorities might be involved. Often, copies of reports may be requested online, in person, or through the mail. However, the police in charge of the case might have their own preferences. The report is important because insurance companies often require it before they pay compensation. It may also be used to find evidence to support your claims in a lawsuit.
Get a free, private evaluation of your case from our Mauldin, SC car accident lawyers when you call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (803) 219-4906.
Determining Which Police Department Has Your Mauldin, SC Car Accident Report
People often do not realize how difficult it can be to track down a copy of the police report for a car accident. Most accident victims have bigger things to worry about than reports, like getting emergency medical care and replacing their totaled vehicle. However, the report is still crucial, especially if you plan on taking legal action against the other driver. If you are unsure where to find a copy of the police report from your accident, our team can assist you.
Mauldin Police Department
One possibility is that the local police handled the accident and have the report. If your accident occurred within the city limits of Mauldin, SC, there is a strong chance that the Mauldin Police Department responded to the accident scene and drafted a report. While this might narrow down your search for a copy of the crash report, it is not the end of the line. We need to determine where the report is and whether it is ready. If you previously spoke to the police after the crash, they might have given you some information you can use to get a copy of the report, like a report ID number. If not, our Mauldin, SC car accident lawyers might have to contact the local authorities and inquire about how to find the officers in charge of the report.
South Carolina Highway Patrol
Another possibility is that the state authorities responded to your accident and are preparing the report. This usually happens when car accidents occur on major state highways that fall under the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Again, if you spoke to the police at the accident scene, they might have provided you with information about how to obtain a copy of the crash report later. If you did not, we need to reach out to the state authorities. Since the state police consist of a much larger police force, we need to find the right precinct. If you know the names of the officers on the case, this might be fairly simple. If not, we might have to do a bit more digging.
How to Request a Copy of Your Car Accident Report in Mauldin, SC
Requests for copies of crash reports might be submitted in several ways. Many state and local police departments prefer drivers submit requests online. However, different departments might have different preferences, and your attorney can help you figure out the best way to get a copy of the report.
Requests for reports from the South Carolina Highway Patrol may be submitted online through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). You can also fill out paper copies of the request forms and take them to a SCDMV branch or mail it in. There may be a small fee when submitting a request for an official copy of the accident report.
Local authorities do not always make reports available online, and you might be unable to submit a request using a digital portal. If you live in Mauldin, it might be simplest to contact the Mauldin Police Department and ask about the best way to get a copy of the report. Also, reports are only available when they are complete. If your accident is especially complex, it might take the police a bit longer to finish their investigation and draft a report.
Why a Police Report is Important After a Car Accident in Mauldin, SC
You might be wondering why a police report is worth all this trouble. The report often contains crucial details about your accident, including how the police believe it happened, injuries, damage, and more. Such details are often crucial when drivers pursue insurance claims or legal action. For example, if you submit an insurance claim after a car accident, the insurance company will likely want to see a copy of the report. The report lets the insurance company know that the accident is not fraudulent, and it might contain evidence you need to show that the other driver is at fault.
If you file an injury lawsuit, the police report is likely inadmissible as evidence because it violates the rule against hearsay evidence. However, that does not mean that the report is totally useless. It might still contain details and information we can use to track down admissible evidence. For example, we cannot admit the report into evidence to prove certain details. However, the report might contain names of witnesses the police spoke to, and we might use this information to find them and have them testify in court about what they saw.
Speak to Our Mauldin, SC Car Accident Attorneys About Your Case Now
Get a free, private evaluation of your case from our Mauldin, SC personal injury lawyers when you call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (803) 219-4906.