Columbia Police Department Car Accident Report

After a car accident in Columbia, SC, you may feel overwhelmed or confused about what to do. Seeking medical care, taking time off work, getting your car fixed, and dealing with other issues can be expensive and time-consuming.

The next obvious step is to file a claim with the car insurance company to recoup your damages. However, it’s advisable to examine your car accident police report first for a variety of reasons.

Some people are unsure who was at fault, worry they might have been at fault, or wonder what the police report indicates about fault. These are valid concerns, and although a police report doesn’t specifically say who is responsible, it does provide evidence the insurance adjuster will use to answer this question.

If you need help with your police report or have questions or concerns about a car accident, the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm offers free consultations. We’re always happy to help answer your questions and detail your options for recovering compensation after a car collision.

How Can I Get My Columbia Police Department Car Accident Report?

Car accident police reports are available at the Columbia Police Department. They do not email or fax reports due to privacy concerns, so you will have to pick it up in person or arrange to have it mailed to you.

The address is:

Columbia Police Department

1 Justice Square

920 Hemlock Rd

Columbia, SC 29201

Business hours are 8:30 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.

The Columbia PD charges $3 for a report and accepts cash, checks, or credit/debit cards. You must show a federal or state-issued ID to pick up your report.

After verifying your ID, the officer will need information on where and when the accident occurred so they can find the report. If the responding officer handed you any paperwork at the accident scene, it might be helpful to bring this with you.

If you live out of town or need the report mailed to you for any other reason, please call the Columbia PD Records Unit at 803-545-3577 for assistance.

What Should I Do After Receiving My Car Accident Report?

We recommend that you review your South Carolina police report with an experienced car accident attorney. Car accident reports are sometimes confusing, and your lawyer can answer your questions and advise you on the next steps.

Frequently, the first question we hear concerns fault. The injured person may wonder if they were at fault or want advice on how to prove the other driver was responsible.

They might also question whether the report shows who is at fault.

The job of the responding officer is to gather as much information as possible about the collision, not to single-handedly decide fault. However, they are tasked with identifying all “contributing factors” in an accident.

Some contributing factors, such as weather or road issues, are not anyone’s fault, while others are caused by one or both drivers. Here are some examples of contributing factors an insurance adjuster will carefully consider when reviewing your claim:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving (often texting, but also eating, drinking, adjusting controls, or anything that takes the driver’s attention from the road)
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Ignoring speed limits or other street signs
• Road rage or aggressive driving
• Tired or drowsy driving
• Impaired driving
• Tailgating
• Failure to yield
• Driving the wrong way or in the wrong lane
• Improper turning

When we review the report, we’ll go over any contributing factors the officer has checked on the form. If you believe something is incorrect, please let us know.

Sometimes, the evidence at the scene and conflicting reports from drivers and witnesses can be confusing. Our investigative team will search for other evidence, such as security or doorbell camera footage, additional witnesses, or event data recorder (EDR) data from both vehicles.

If we can make a strong case that the police report is incorrect, we can challenge it in court.

What Else Should I Do After A Car Accident?

Here are several important actions to take following your car collision:

Report the Accident and Seek Medical Care for Your Injuries

South Carolina only requires you to report a car collision if someone was injured or killed, but it is usually much easier to make an insurance claim with a police report. Also, many people don’t realize they were injured, or the extent of their injuries, right away.

Following a car accident, you might be distracted by a number of concerns and fail to notice pain or other symptoms. Additionally, some injuries are also more painful the next day or even a few days later.

For this reason, we urge you to see a healthcare provider even if you think your injuries are minor. If you initially feel fine but later develop pain or other symptoms, see a doctor as soon as you notice them.

Save All Receipts Related to the Accident

This includes:

• Medical bills
• Copays
• Prescriptions
• Mobility aids or physical therapy equipment needed for your injuries
• Travel costs if you have to see a specialist
• Renting a car while yours is in the shop
• Estimates for needed car repairs

Get Legal Advice

You will want to make an insurance claim, but we advise you to speak with your lawyer before making a statement to the insurance company. Insurance adjusters are always looking for a reason to deny or reduce a claim, and they may misinterpret an innocent remark to suggest you were at fault for the accident.

Where Can You Get Help With Your Car Accident Claim?

The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm offers free consultations for anyone who has suffered a car accident or other personal injury. Founded by attorney Ali Awad, the firm has helped over a million injured people nationwide.

We’re happy to answer your questions and explain the possibilities for pursuing compensation. There is no obligation, but if we do take your case, you won’t pay anything until we win or settle it.

Call us today at (864) 664-3865.