After a car collision, people often wonder what to do next or how to deal with the multiple challenges that may follow—painful injuries, expensive medical care, car repairs, lost time at work, and more. The thought of making an insurance claim often comes up.
Before making your claim, it’s helpful to secure a copy of the police car accident report and discuss it with a car accident lawyer. We’ll verify all the information on the report is correct, work to clarify anything that seems unclear, and answer your questions, then we’ll explore your options for seeking compensation.
If you or a loved one have experienced a car accident, please contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm anytime for a free consultation. We’re always available to assist you with addressing your damages.
How to Obtain a Simpsonville Police Department Car Accident Report
In Person
The Simpsonville Police Department is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, and is closed on holidays.
You can visit them at:
Simpsonville Police Department
Records Division
405 E. Curtis Street
Simpsonville, SC 29681
We recommend bringing your photo ID and any paperwork related to the accident. It will be easier to find your report if you have the case number, usually provided by the responding officer.
However, the days after an accident can be chaotic, and sometimes people misplace the case number. If this happens, the Records officer will search for your report by date, approximate time, and location, so it’s a good idea to have this information handy.
Car accident reports are only available from the Simpsonville PD for people whose names are listed in the report. This usually includes:
- Drivers
- Passengers
- Witnesses
- Owners of the vehicles involved
- Parents or legal guardians of minors listed in the report
In most cases, those named in the report can receive a copy for free. However, the Records officer can charge a $5 fee at their discretion, usually based on the time and effort involved in finding the report.
If the office is very busy and you don’t have time to wait, you can fill out a request form and leave it with the Records officer. Be sure to include your contact info so they can let you know when it’s ready, and you can pick it up later.
By Mail
You also have the option to mail your request to the address listed above. Please include all pertinent information mentioned in the previous section and your contact info.
The Simpsonville PD doesn’t send reports in the mail, so they will call you when your copy is available, and you can come to the station to pick it up.
Online
The Simpsonville PD does not maintain an online portal for requesting car accident reports. However, they place these reports on CrashDocs.org, where parties named in the report can get a free copy.
First, you’ll select the state of South Carolina, then the Simpsonville Police Department. Next, you’ll enter the reference or case number for your accident, your last name, and the accident date.
What Else Do I Need Before Filing an Insurance Claim?
Once you’ve acquired your accident report, it’s a good idea to focus on the following tasks:
Take Pictures
The insurance company will want to see pictures of the damage to your vehicle. Taking images of the other vehicle, the road, and the surrounding area is also recommended, as these photos are often crucial evidence.
However, if you couldn’t take pictures right after the collision due to injuries or other distractions, you can still photograph your vehicle from all angles and any visible injuries you have.
Document Your Injuries
An insurance adjuster will also need your medical records related to any bills you expect them to pay. If you did not see a healthcare provider after the collision but did experience pain or symptoms, we recommend getting medical attention as soon as possible for several reasons:
- Your injuries may be more severe than you realize.
- If you do have an injury, prompt treatment might reduce the risk of your condition worsening.
- It’s not unusual for a person to feel normal after a car accident and then experience considerable pain or other symptoms within the next few days. The delayed symptoms can be caused by the adrenaline rush of an accident or inflammation that occurs as the body tries to heal itself. Either way, you should address your injuries as soon as you notice them.
Be sure to save any receipts or invoices for out-of-pocket medical costs, as you may be able to recover these expenses from the insurance company.
Seek Legal Advice
Handling an insurance claim on your own can seem simple at first, but it can be very challenging. A number of issues could affect your claim, costing you money or even leading to a claim denial.
Here are just a few examples of common problems that injured people experience with insurance claims:
- The at-fault party and/or their insurance adjuster claim you were at fault. Even a small percentage of fault can reduce your claim, and if the insurance adjuster decides you’re at least 50 percent responsible, they can justify rejecting your claim entirely.
- The insurance adjuster undervalues your damages. They might overlook some of your losses, underestimate the value of those losses, or both.
- The insurance adjuster questions your injuries. Sometimes, this happens because the injured person didn’t experience symptoms and seek medical care right away. Or, the insurance adjuster needs to see more evidence of an injury.
In all these situations, an experienced car accident attorney will fight for you to get the best settlement possible. While the insurance adjuster worries about keeping their company’s costs down, your lawyer is focused on obtaining the help you need for your recovery.
Where Can I Get Assistance With My Car Accident Case?
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm team is always ready to assist you with your SC car accident report or other aspects of your case. We’ll help you get a copy of the report if you don’t have one, review it, and lay out the possibilities for pursuing compensation.
There are never any upfront fees, and you won’t owe us anything until we win or settle your case. Call us today at (864) 664-3865.
