Unlike fire safety drills and hurricane evacuations, you can never truly plan for what to do in the event of a car accident. While you may have a general idea of your next steps, the emotional and sometimes physical toll can make processing the aftermath of a crash overwhelming.
Whether you’re pursuing an injury claim involving minor damage or life-changing injuries, your car accident report—also commonly referred to as an SCDMV collision report—will be one of the most important pieces of evidence in your case.
In South Carolina, this official report is typically completed using the South Carolina Traffic Collision Report (Form FR-309), which documents the officer’s findings at the scene. This report is then used to support insurance claims, legal filings, and fault determinations. Your case may also involve requesting a copy of your report from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), often through a separate request form process.
Auto accident reports include crucial information vital to your case, but they can be overwhelming at first glance. To help you understand how to read (and use) your accident report, our team of top-rated car accident lawyers has broken it down page by page.
Keep reading to learn more.
Do You Have to Call the Police After an Accident?
While it may seem obvious to call the police after a severe accident, many drivers still wonder whether they are legally required to report a minor fender-bender.
Under the South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56, Section 56-5-1260, a driver is obligated to report any traffic accident as quickly as possible that results in injuries, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more.
Because the responding officer will complete a South Carolina Traffic Collision Report (Form FR-309)—your official SCDMV collision report—it is almost always recommended to call law enforcement after any crash. This ensures there is an accurate, documented record of events that can later support an insurance claim or legal case, even if injuries are not immediately apparent.
How to Read a South Carolina Car Accident Report: Page-by-Page Breakdown
Car Accident Report: Page One
The first page of your car accident report is mainly comprised of personal information on all parties involved and details of the accident itself.
The police report incident number is located in the upper left corner of the first page. This is a special identifier to reference your case when speaking to your car accident attorney or other official personnel.
Along with the incident number, the top portion of the page will include the location information of the accident. This will include the specific lanes, location, intersections, and travel directions where the accident occurred.
Below the location information, the middle section of the page is comprised of the personal information of you and the other parties involved. This will include the contact information of drivers, passengers, insurance information, drivers’ license numbers, and so on.
The personal information section will also include vehicle information, including make and model, license plate numbers, and vehicle identification numbers (VINs).
The bottom section of the page will allow the officer on the scene to describe, in detail, the events of the accident. This space includes estimated speeds of all parties, speed limits, and arrest information if applicable. The officer will also have a section to draw a diagram of the accident scene and provide a written narrative of events.
Car Accident Report: Page Two
Page two of the car accident report will dissect specific details of the accident, from seat belt use to injuries.
The top portion of this page is dedicated to injury information and safety features. This will range from “not injured” to “fatal” and will cite seat belt use, airbag deployment, whether a person was taken to the hospital or ejected from the vehicle, etc.
It’s important to note this section serves as an observation rather than an official medical diagnosis. Even if you have no obvious injuries, the best car accident attorney will recommend seeking treatment from a medical professional following a car accident.
The small section in the middle will allow the officer to document the sequence of events. The officer will assemble an accident timeline based on evidence and witness reports as they understand it.
The middle section on the right-hand side is a special section for drugs and alcohol. If either is believed to be a contributing factor to the incident, all information will be recorded here.
Toward the bottom of the page lies one of the most important sections: contributing factors. This section could be important when determining fault and seeking compensation in your case. It will include possible driver negligence, road hazards, environmental factors, and other causes that could have led to the accident.
How Do You Get an Accident Report for Your Attorney?
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles does not automatically send you a copy of your SCDMV collision report (Form FR-309). If you need one for your case, there are several ways to obtain it.
Request a Copy Online
The easiest way to obtain a copy of your accident report is by requesting a copy of the collision report online. You will be asked to enter your personal information and information identifying the accident itself.
Request a Copy by Mail
To request a copy by mail, you will need to complete SCDMV Form FR-50 (Request for Copy of Collision Report), include as much information as possible, and mail two copies along with a $6 check made payable to the SCDMV.
Mail to:
SCDMV
Titles Mail-in Unit FR-50
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0050
Request a Copy In-Person
The final route to obtaining a copy of your accident report will be to complete Form FR-50 and take it into any SCDMV branch.
If you have concerns or questions on how to get a copy of your accident report, talk to our car accident lawyers near you today.
Let Hoffman Law Firm Help You Read Your Accident Report with Confidence!
It’s normal for your accident report to make you feel overwhelmed and with no hope of filing a claim – we understand it’s a lot to process.
Don’t let a piece of paper dictate your right to compensation.
Our team at Hoffman Law Firm is here to guide you through every step of the claims process and fight for the recovery you deserve for medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.
Plus, you only pay us if we win your case.
Located in Charleston, South Carolina, we proudly advocate for accident victims throughout the Palmetto State. As the locals’ trusted personal injury law firm, we have extensive experience handling a wide variety of cases. We have established a reputation for success, securing much-needed compensation for medical expenses, property damage, pain, and suffering, and more.
We have established a reputation for success and great service! To meet with a member of our team, schedule your free consultation today. We are here to help!
Sources
- S.C. Code § 56-5-1260 – Immediate Report of Accidents: The formal South Carolina traffic statute outlining a driver’s immediate legal obligation to report any motor vehicle collision resulting in injury, death, or significant property damage to law enforcement.
- S.C. Code § 56-5-1270 – Written Report Requirements: The state law governing mandatory written collision documentation, defining the strict threshold rules for property damage and insurance validation timelines.
- SCDMV Official Collision Reports Portal: The official regulatory framework and procurement guidelines hosted by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles for pulling digital or physical verification copies of an official crash file using Form FR-50.
Learn More About Car Accident Claims in Charleston
- Want a deeper look at how traffic citations impact your record? Review our detailed breakdown of penalties and suspensions in Understanding the South Carolina Driver License Point System.
- Wondering how fault is assigned under state law? Discover how insurance adjusters use crash reports to calculate liability margins in our guide to South Carolina At-Fault Rules and Modified Comparative Negligence.
- Need help evaluating the specific codes on your accident report? Speak with an experienced local injury law & trial lawyers at Hoffman Law Firm. We offer a client-first approach, so learn how our Contingency Fee Structure ($0 Upfront Fee) works—meaning you pay absolutely nothing unless we successfully win your case. Free consultation available.
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