South Carolina Car Accident Reports

Get a Car Accident Report in the State of South Carolina

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How to Report?

Car Accident in the State of South Carolina

If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident in South Carolina, obtaining a copy of the official accident report is a critical step toward resolving insurance claims, pursuing legal action, or maintaining accurate personal records. In South Carolina, crash reports are primarily maintained by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) and local law enforcement agencies such as the South Carolina Highway Patrol, county sheriff’s offices, and city police departments.

This guide outlines who is eligible to request an accident report, how to obtain it, and what kind of information the report contains.

Who Can Access a South Carolina Collision Report?

In South Carolina, crash reports are public records. However, certain identifying or sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with state and federal privacy laws. In most cases, individuals directly involved in the crash and those with a vested interest—such as insurance companies and legal representatives—are the primary requesters of these reports.

Eligible parties typically include:

Drivers involved in the accident
Vehicle owners
Passengers and their legal guardians (if minors)
Attorneys or law firms representing a party
Insurance companies handling a related claim

Law enforcement agencies or investigators

What Agency Prepares the Report?

The law enforcement agency that responds to the scene is responsible for completing and filing the collision report. Depending on where the accident occurred, this may be:

The South Carolina Highway Patrol (especially for interstate and rural roadway accidents)
A municipal police department (for accidents inside city limits)
A county sheriff’s office

Once completed, most reports are sent to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) for centralized access.

Guide To Report

How to Report Accident in South Carolina

There are three official ways to request your South Carolina car accident report:

1. Online Through the SCDMV

South Carolina offers an easy-to-use online portal for ordering crash reports. This is the fastest method for accessing your report.

To order online:

Visit the SCDMV collision report request page:
https://www.scdmvonline.com/Vehicle-Owners/Collision-Reports
Complete the Request for Collision Report (Form FR-50)
Enter details such as:
- Date of the accident
- Location (city/county)
- Driver’s name or vehicle plate number
Pay the $6.00 fee by credit or debit card
Download the report in PDF format

Reports are typically available online within 5–10 business days after the accident is investigated and closed by the officer.

2. By Mail

You may also request a copy of the accident report by mailing Form FR-50 and the appropriate payment to the SCDMV.

Mail your request to:

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Financial Responsibility
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0040

Be sure to include:

A completed and signed Form FR-50 (Request for Collision Report)
A $6.00 check or money order payable to SCDMV
Your contact information
A return address

Allow 7–14 business days for processing and delivery.

3. In Person at a Local SCDMV Office

Some SCDMV field offices may offer in-person assistance with collision report requests. However, it’s recommended that you call ahead or use the online portal for the most efficient service.

4. From the Responding Law Enforcement Agency

If you prefer, you can also contact the police department or sheriff’s office that responded to the accident. In many cases, they will provide a copy of the report directly to involved parties. Some agencies may charge a nominal fee and may require you to fill out a request form.

For example:

South Carolina Highway Patrol reports can be requested through the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) if you need additional documentation or investigative materials.
City police departments may offer their own request forms or online portals.

What Information is in a South Carolina Accident Report?

A South Carolina crash report (also known as a collision report) typically includes:

Names and contact details of all involved drivers
Vehicle registration and insurance information
Time, date, and exact location of the crash
Diagrams and written narratives from the investigating officer
Road and weather conditions at the time of the incident
Witness names and statements (if available)
Any citations or charges filed
Injury details (if applicable)

This information is often used to support insurance claims and legal proceedings, making it important to obtain and review the report as soon as it becomes available.

Don’t Waste time!

Start Your Report Search Now with Wreck Reports

If you need assistance requesting your crash report or interpreting its contents, a personal injury attorney or Wreck Reports accident claims specialist can help. These professionals are familiar with the report’s structure and can use it to support your case or settlement process.