Quick answer: After a car wreck in South Carolina, you should write your own personal accident report documenting the other driver’s identity, insurance details, vehicle information, witness information, and a chronological account of how the crash occurred. If police did not respond to your scene, you may also be required to file Form FR-309 with the SCDMV within 15 days.
The Thumbs Up Guys know how stressful the aftermath of a collision can be. This guide walks you through exactly what to include in your car wreck report, what SC law requires, and what steps to take next to protect your right to compensation.
Do You Have to File a Car Accident Report in South Carolina?
South Carolina law requires that accidents involving injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more be reported to law enforcement. If police respond to your scene, the investigating officer will handle filing the official report (Form TR-310) with the state and will give you an FR-10 form, which your insurance company must return to the SCDMV within 15 days.
If police did not respond to your accident and the crash involved injury, death, or damage of $1,000 or more, you are required by law to file a Traffic Collision Report (Form FR-309) yourself. You must mail the completed form to:
S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles
Financial Responsibility
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0040
You have 15 days from the date of the accident to submit it. Failing to do so can result in suspension of your driver’s license or vehicle registration, and the DMV may treat the absence of a report as evidence that your vehicle was uninsured.
Even when the police do respond, writing your own personal accident report is strongly recommended. The at-fault driver may accept responsibility at the scene and then change their story when it comes time to file an insurance claim. Your own written record, created immediately after the crash, is powerful evidence if a dispute arises.
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What Information to Include When Writing a Car Wreck Report
Getting the facts right in your accident report is critical, as it may directly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here is everything you should document:
The Other Driver’s Identity
Include the full name of every driver involved in the crash. At the scene, take a photo of their driver’s license so you have their license number, address, and date of birth accurately recorded. Do the same for all passengers if relevant.
The Time and Location of the Collision
Record the exact date and time of the crash, along with the precise location, including the street name, nearest intersection, highway mile marker if applicable, and the city or county. Note whether the accident occurred within a municipality or outside city limits, as this affects which law enforcement agency has jurisdiction.
Vehicle Information
Document the make, model, year, color, and license plate number of every vehicle involved. Describe the damage each vehicle sustained in detail, including where on the vehicle the damage occurred and what it looks like. Also note any pre-existing damage your vehicle had before the crash, so it cannot later be attributed to this accident.
Insurance Details
Record the name of each driver’s insurance company, their policy number, and the insurer’s contact information. This is one of the most important steps; without it, filing a claim becomes significantly more complicated. Take a photo of each driver’s insurance card at the scene.
Eye-Witness Information
If anyone witnessed the crash and agrees to provide a statement, write down their full name and phone number. If possible, take a brief video recording of them describing what they saw. Eyewitness accounts can be critical in disputed liability cases, where one driver tries to shift blame to the other.
A Chronological Account of How the Collision Occurred
Describe the sequence of events that led to the crash in the order they happened. Be specific and factual. Include:
- The speed you were traveling at
- Road and weather conditions at the time of the crash
- Traffic signals, signage, or road conditions that may have been a factor
- What each vehicle was doing immediately before impact
- Whether the vehicles were moved after the crash or left in place
- Any statements made by the other driver at the scene
- The injuries you suffered and any immediate symptoms you noticed
- Any financial losses you incurred as a direct result of the crash
Important: Stick to the facts. Do not admit fault, speculate about who caused the accident, or make statements that could be used against you later by an insurance company. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning any percentage of fault assigned to you can reduce your compensation, or eliminate it entirely if you are found more than 50% at fault.
Photos and Visual Documentation
A written report alone is not enough. Take photographs at the scene of:
- All vehicles involved, including close-up shots of every area of damage
- The overall accident scene, including road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and signage
- Your injuries
- Dashcam footage if available; preserve this immediately, as it can be overwritten
How to Get a Copy of Your South Carolina Accident Report
Once a police report has been filed, you can request a copy through the SCDMV. As of January 2026, the fee for a copy of a collision report is $10.00. You can request a copy:
- Online at dmv.sc.gov/Vehicle-Owners/Collision-Reports
- By mail using Form FR-50 (revised January 2026), sent with a check payable to SCDMV
Your attorney can also obtain the report on your behalf and use it as evidence in your claim or lawsuit.
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What To Do After Filing Your Car Wreck Report
Filing a report is just one step. To protect your health and your legal rights, take these additional steps after a crash:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible. The shock and adrenaline from a crash can mask the pain from serious injuries, including whiplash, concussion, herniated discs, and internal trauma, for hours or even days. Prompt medical care creates a documented record linking your injuries to the accident, which is essential for any insurance claim or lawsuit.
Document Everything Going Forward
- Keep all medical bills, treatment records, and prescription receipts
- Save all vehicle repair estimates and bills
- Keep a daily journal documenting your pain levels, symptoms, and emotional impact
- Note any missed work days and lost income
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company Without an Attorney
The other driver’s insurance company may contact you quickly after the crash asking for a recorded statement. You are not required to give one, and doing so without legal guidance can seriously harm your claim. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that can be used to reduce or deny your compensation.
Hire a Car Accident Attorney
Once you have sought medical attention and documented the accident, contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible. Under South Carolina Code of Laws § 15-3-530, you have three years from the date of the crash to file a civil lawsuit, but the earlier you involve an attorney, the better. Evidence disappears, witnesses become harder to reach, and dashcam or traffic camera footage can be lost within days.
Important exceptions to the three-year deadline:
- If a government vehicle or employee caused your accident, the South Carolina Tort Claims Act may require you to file as soon as one to two years after the crash
- If your injuries were not immediately apparent, the discovery rule may affect when your clock starts. Speak with an attorney right away
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Frequently Asked Questions About Car Wreck Reports in South Carolina
Do I need a police report to file an insurance claim in South Carolina? No, but having one significantly strengthens your claim. Without a police report, the insurance company has only your word against the other driver’s, which can lead to delays or disputes over fault.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance? If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. South Carolina requires all drivers to carry UM coverage at the same minimum limits as their liability insurance. Your accident report and documentation will be just as important in this scenario.
What if I was partly at fault for the crash? South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rule allows you to recover compensation as long as you are 50% or less at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault and your damages total $50,000, you can recover $40,000. An attorney can help minimize the fault attributed to you.
Can I still file a report after leaving the scene? Yes. If police did not respond and you need to file an FR-309, you have 15 days. However, the sooner you document everything, the more accurate and useful your report will be.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Skilled Lawyer Today
The Thumbs Up Guys are committed to obtaining the results you need to cover your losses, treat your injuries, and move forward with your life after a collision. Once you’ve written a report for your car wreck, an attorney from our team can help you build a strong claim or civil suit and fight for the outcome you deserve.
Contact our firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review the details of your accident, explain your options, and begin working on your case right away.
Call or text (843) 885-8000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form.
Last reviewed and updated: July 2026. The information on this page reflects current South Carolina law and SCDMV requirements as of the date of review, including FR-50 form updates effective January 2026. Laws and deadlines are subject to change. Please contact our office for the most up-to-date guidance on your specific situation.
Call or text (843) 380-8350 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
