Located in the Hilton Head metro area, Bluffton is home to numerous festivals, events, and artistic endeavors that make the town a popular tourist attraction. Unfortunately, a car accident can bring an enjoyable day to a halt, leaving you with medical bills, a damaged car, lost time at work, and more difficulties.
Trying to pick up the pieces after a car collision can be challenging and sometimes confusing. Many people struggle with what to do first. Here are a few basic things to remember following a car accident:
- Report the accident to the police immediately—even if the other driver promises to take care of your damages. Failing to document the collision can sometimes cause issues with an insurance claim, and the other driver might not keep their word about paying out of pocket.
- Get medical attention for yourself and anyone injured in the accident. This is true even if you don’t realize you’re injured right away. For instance, some people feel normal right after the collision but wake up in pain the following day. If you begin having any symptoms following a car accident, always see a healthcare provider as soon as possible and let them know about the accident.
- Take pictures of all vehicles involved in the collision. Be sure to photograph each vehicle from all angles. Additionally, it’s helpful to photograph the surrounding area, especially any tire marks or debris you notice.
- Document all expenses related to the accident, including out-of-pocket medical costs, car rental fees, etc.
- Obtain a copy of the police car accident report and discuss it with an attorney. We can answer your questions and explain the options for recovering your damages.
Where Can You Get a Bluffton Police Department Car Accident Report?
There are several options to obtain your car accident report from the Bluffton Police Department. We recommend you wait a few days after the accident so they have time to file the report, then contact the Bluffton PD in one of the following ways:
In Person
You can go to the Bluffton PD in person during business hours, Monday through Friday. The address is:
101 Progressive Street
Bluffton, SC 29910
Please bring your photo ID and as much information as possible about the accident, including the case number if the responding officer provided you with one. If not, or if you’ve misplaced the case number, the date, approximate time, and location of the accident are usually sufficient.
Once you’ve put in your request, the Bluffton PD will notify you they’ve received the request within ten business days. You can expect to receive your report within 30 calendar days after that notification.
If you’re in a hurry to get your report, your attorney can help you get a copy sooner. The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is always available to help if you need a police report or have questions or concerns about your report or accident.
By Fax
If you have access to a fax machine, you can fax your request to:
843-757-2269
Online
You can also email your request to [email protected].
Emailed or faxed requests should contain your name, an explanation of how you were involved in the accident, your case number if available, and the date, time, and location of the accident.
What if I’m Not Sure Who Was at Fault or Suspect I Caused the Accident?
Do not admit fault at the scene. You should answer the responding officer’s questions honestly, but you’re not obligated to speculate about fault or volunteer information they didn’t request.
There are several reasons you should not take the blame at the accident scene, even if you think you’re responsible:
- People who think they’re at fault are sometimes wrong. We frequently meet clients who tell us they are at fault, but after we review the events and evidence, we learn that this assumption is incorrect.
- More than one person can be at fault. South Carolina has modified comparative negligence laws, which state that multiple parties can share fault for an injury. Even if you made a mistake, the other driver might also have made driving errors.
- In shared fault situations, you may still be able to recover some of your damages. Under state law, an injured person can recover damages if they are less than 50 percent responsible. Your percentage of fault will be deducted from your final settlement. So, if you were 20 percent responsible for the collision, you could still receive 80 percent of your damages.
Should I File an Insurance Claim Right Away?
You should notify your insurance company of the accident within a few days, but you do not have to file an insurance claim immediately. Each insurance company has its own rules about when a claim must be filed, but most will give you at least 30 days after the accident.
We recommend securing a copy of your police report and discussing the accident with an attorney before you file a claim. Many people who file their claims aren’t aware of all the damages they’ve suffered and may not know if they’re offered a fair amount of compensation.
What Should I Do With My Bluffton Police Department Car Accident Report?
Police reports aren’t always easy for the layperson to understand, so you may be confused or have questions about what something on the report means. Please contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm any time for a free consultation about your SC police report and your accident.
There is no obligation, but if we take your case, you won’t pay us anything until we win or settle it.
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm was founded by attorney Ali Awad just a few short years ago. He’s quickly transformed it into one of the fastest-growing law firms in the country and has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injured people and their families
Mr. Awad also has over a million followers on social media, where he posts no-nonsense legal advice. Work with him on your car accident case when you call (864) 664-3865.
