A depht of focus shot of a police car arriving at a safety barrier at an accident scene.A car accident can introduce a number of new challenges to your life, including pain from injuries, expensive medical care, surprisingly high estimates for car repairs, lost income from missing work, and more. Turning to the at-fault party’s car insurance policy seems like the right solution, but the insurance adjuster may be focused on saving their company money—at your expense.

Reviewing your police car accident report with an experienced attorney is the best way to protect your rights to a fair settlement. In this article, we’ll discuss how to obtain your report and what to do next.

If you need help locating a car accident report or learning about your options, please contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm for a free consultation. Our knowledgeable team will answer your questions and explain the possibilities for recovering compensation.

Where Can You Find a Copy of Your Charleston Car Accident Report?

First, it’s helpful to ensure you have the right law enforcement agency. The responding officer at the scene should have provided you with a case number for future reference.

This piece of paper will list the responding agency, but if you don’t have it, you can look up the address where the accident occurred. If you were in Charleston’s city limits, please see our page on How to Get Your Charleston Police Department Car Accident Report.

When an accident occurs on the interstate, it’s usually attended by the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP). Our page on how to obtain your SCHP car accident report is located here.

If you were outside Charleston but within Charleston County (and not on the interstate), please keep reading for information on how to get a copy of a Charleston County Sheriff’s Office car accident report.

How to Obtain a Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Car Accident Report

Charleston County’s Records Division maintains records on car accidents and other incidents. You can visit the department at:

3691 Leeds Avenue

North Charleston, SC 29405

It’s open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday (except on holidays), with a one-hour closing for lunch between 12 and 1 PM. A police car accident report is $5 per copy, and you can pay by cash, check, or money order.

You can also call ahead at (843) 554-2469. If the Records officer locates your report, they will let you know when you can pick it up. You can also request they mail it to you, but this will take a few days longer.

When calling or visiting in person, please have the following information handy so it will be easier to find your report:

  • The date, approximate time, and location of the accident. Try to be as specific as possible. If your accident occurred on a stretch of rural road, think of the nearest cross street or mile marker number, for example.
  • Your name and how you were involved in the accident.
  • Your case number.

Can You Get Your Charleston Sheriff’s Office Car Accident Report Online?

The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has no online portal for requesting car accident reports. However, your report will most likely be uploaded to the SCDMV’s website.

To begin, you must provide your driver’s license number, social security number, and date of birth for identification verification. If you hold an out-of-state license, the online portal might not be accessible, and you may want to use another method to secure your report.

Once you have entered your identification details, you will be prompted to provide the date and location of the accident so you can locate the report.

The fee for this service is $6, which can be paid online with a credit or debit card in most cases. In rare cases, you might be required to make the payment in person.

What Should You Do Next After Receiving Your Car Accident Report?

Your next steps should include:

  • Gathering other documentation of your accident. For instance, we recommend saving all medical bills or invoices, estimates for car repairs, and any other expenses related to your collision, like rental car fees or out-of-pocket costs.
  • Taking pictures. The best solution is to take photos at the accident scene, but sometimes, this isn’t possible for various reasons, such as severe injuries or other distractions. If you didn’t get pictures already, please photograph the damage to your vehicle, including all angles (even areas that don’t look damaged). Also, be sure to take images of any visible injuries you have, like bruises, stitches, etc.
  • Follow up with medical care needs. If the healthcare provider at the ER recommends you follow up with your primary care physician or another specialist, you should do so, even if you’re starting to feel better. This will help ensure you get the care you need to recover.
  • If you didn’t see a healthcare provider after your accident but have experienced pain and symptoms, please see one now. It’s not unusual to feel worse the day after an accident or within a few days, so many people don’t think a trip to the hospital or urgent care center is needed at first. Don’t ignore any new symptoms you have after a collision. Instead, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible and tell them about the accident.
  • Seek legal advice. Before filing a car insurance claim, it’s a good idea to speak with an attorney and learn more about the situation and your options.

Where Can I Get Help With My Car Accident Claim?

The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm has helped over a million people nationwide with car accidents and other personal injuries. We’re always available to provide a free consultation about your car accident or to go over your South Carolina police report.

Attorney Ali Awad founded the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm only a few years ago, and it’s now one of the fastest-growing law firms in the country. He and his team have over twenty years of combined experience in personal injury law and have recovered millions of dollars for injured people and their families.

In his spare time, he posts down-to-earth legal advice for over a million followers on social media.

There is no obligation, but if you want to move forward with our help, you won’t pay anything until we win or settle your case. Work with us today by calling (864) 664-3865.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Take a look at some of the most common personal injury law questions for general information, and then reach out to one of our seasoned attorneys for specific guidance on your case!

What Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?

The value of your case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact on your life. Each personal injury case is unique, and the combination of these factors varies from one case to another. An experienced personal injury lawyer can provide you with a more precise estimate of your case’s value by reviewing the specific details of your situation. They will analyze similar cases in your jurisdiction, consider the legal precedents, and use their knowledge of past settlements and verdicts to gauge a realistic potential outcome for your case. This estimate helps you understand what you might expect regarding compensation and guides the negotiation or litigation process to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident?

After an accident, seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine, to address any hidden injuries. Document everything, including photos of the scene and contact information for witnesses. Gathering witness statements is crucial because they provide an objective account of the accident, supporting your version of events and strengthening your personal injury claim. Report the incident to the proper authorities, such as the police or property owner. Finally, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options and protect your rights, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

How Much Will a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

Most personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t have to pay any upfront fees or hourly rates. Instead, the lawyer’s payment is contingent upon the outcome of your case. If you win your case, whether through a settlement or a court judgment, the lawyer will receive a percentage of the compensation awarded to you. If you don't win your case, you usually won’t owe the lawyer any fees for their services.

How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Personal Injury Case?

The timeline for resolving a personal injury case can vary significantly based on a variety of factors, making it difficult to predict exactly how long your case will take. The complexity of the case is a major determining factor. For instance, straightforward cases with clear liability and minimal disputes over damages can sometimes be resolved relatively quickly, often within a few months. These cases may involve negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company, which can happen promptly if all parties are cooperative and the evidence is strong.