Can You File a Claim Without a Police Report in SC
Yes. You can file a claim without a police report in SC. While there’s no law that states you are required to have a police report if you want to file a personal injury claim, any reputable Charleston, SC, personal injury lawyer will advise you that having a police report to support your case can be invaluable to your claim.
If you are considering filing a claim against another party that injured you in an accident and have yet to meet with a Charleston, SC, personal injury attorney, here’s what you need to know about police reports and their importance in personal injury claims.
Why Police Reports Are Crucial in Personal Injury Claims
Police reports serve as official documents of accidents and are among the most credible pieces of evidence in legal claims. In many accidents, a police report provides an impartial account of the incident from a police officer, including these crucial details:
- The accident’s time, date, and location
- All the names, contact details, and addresses of the parties involved
- Witness accounts
- Any tickets or citations the officer issued
- The officer’s opinion on what and who caused the accident
You should also know that insurance providers normally question a claim’s validity if the claimant can’t provide a police or accident report. However, having a police report can help support your claim and reduce the risk of it being delayed or denied by the insurer. In addition, a police report will make it easier for lawyers, insurers, and courts to establish fault and liability for your injuries and losses.
What If I Don’t Have a Police Report Because The Police Didn’t Come to The Accident Scene?
If the police didn’t respond to the accident scene, you can and are legally obligated to file a report within 15 days of the accident. This is especially true if the accident involves injury, death, or property damage worth more than $1,000. You can download the Traffic Collision Report Form, complete the necessary information, and send it to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).
You should also consider reaching out to a Charleston, SC, personal injury lawyer because it can be challenging to navigate a claim without a police report. Your lawyer will guide you through the legal process and make sure you have the proper evidence to strengthen your claim. Your Charleston, SC, personal injury attorney will also look for other ways to establish fault and prove you deserve maximum compensation for the damages you incurred.
These can include your medical records to prove the severity and nature of your injuries and link them to the accident. There’s also witness testimony, photos, and videos of the accident, as well as surveillance footage from nearby properties.
Our Charleston Personal Injury Attorney is Ready to Help
At Wyndham Law Firm, our Charleston, SC, personal injury lawyer will know what to do even if you do not have a police report of the accident for your claim. Find out more about how our Charleston, SC, personal injury attorney can assist you by contacting us online or calling 843-376-1206.