If you are involved in a car accident in Florence, it can be overwhelming to know what steps to take to obtain a copy of the police report. Fortunately, there are several options available.
Police reports might not be admissible as evidence in court, but they can be incredibly helpful in insurance negotiations and gathering additional evidence. One option for obtaining a copy of your police report is to order it online, which is usually the quickest and most convenient option, as you can order it from the comfort of your own home and receive it via email or mail. Another option is to request the report in person or by mail. Regardless of which method you choose, this information will be invaluable in building a strong case and securing the compensation you deserve.
For a free case evaluation with our Florence car accident attorneys, contact Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers by calling (803) 451-4000.
How to Obtain a Police Report Following a Car Accident in Florence, SC
In the unfortunate event of a car accident in Florence, the police will typically carry out an investigation and prepare an accident report. If you need to obtain a copy of the police report, you will have several options available to you.
Usually, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) will have access to your report. However, regardless of the method you choose, our experienced Florence personal injury attorneys are always ready to assist you in obtaining your police report. We understand the importance of the report in your car accident claim and its use in collecting more evidence. The following methods can be used to get your police report in Florence:
Online Requests
The SCDMV offers an option to retrieve collision reports online. This is a convenient and efficient way to access necessary information from the comfort of your own home. To initiate an online request for a collision report, follow these steps.
Firstly, you must input your personal details, including your name, address, and driver’s license number. This step is important as it helps verify the identity of the individual seeking access to the report. Once your identity has been confirmed, you can proceed to provide specific details pertaining to the collision in question. This includes the date, time, location of the incident, and the names of the parties involved.
However, collision reports from incidents that occurred before March 22, 2012, are not available for online request. In such cases, individuals should contact the SCDMV at 803-896-5000 to verify if their report can be obtained online. Although an online request might not be possible in such cases, reports can still be obtained by visiting any SCDMV branch or by submitting a request via mail.
In-Person Requests
To get your report in person, you will need to visit the local police department in Florence. Specifically, you should head to the Records Division, which is located at 324 W Evans St, Florence, SC 29501. Once you arrive, you will need to provide a valid form of identification. This could include your driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued ID.
Before you visit the police department, it is advisable to call ahead to confirm that the report you need is available. Additionally, you should ask if there are any specific identification requirements or other prerequisites for obtaining a copy of the report. This will help ensure that you have everything you need when you arrive.
Finally, the town of Florence, SC encourages individuals to call the SCDMV at 843-665-3191 for guidance on obtaining a police report.
Mail-In Requests
If you are unable to visit a police department or the SCDMV in person to request a police report, there is another option available. You can request a copy of the report via mail. This process involves filling out a specific form, such as the “Request for Copy Collision Report,” which can be obtained from the police department or SCDMV website.
Keep in mind that there is a fee of $6 per report, which must be paid either in cash or using a credit or debit card, check, or money order, depending on the instructions provided by the agency. Once you have filled out the form and are ready to submit your request, you will need to include the payment along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. The envelope should be of an appropriate size to fit the report, which can vary in length depending on the nature of the incident.
The completed form, payment, and self-addressed stamped envelope should then be mailed to the address specified by the police department or SCDMV, depending on where the report is filed. It is important to ensure that all the required information is accurately and legibly filled out on the form, as any errors or omissions might result in delays or rejection of the request. Once the request is received and processed by the agency, the report will be mailed to the address provided in the self-addressed stamped envelope.
How Long Does It Take for a Police Report to Become Available in Florence, SC?
The process and timeline for a police report to become available can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the accident and the workload of the responding department. All cases filed using the “Citizens Online Police Reporting System” will be reviewed, and if further investigation of your case is needed, you might be contacted.
Further, South Carolina law mandates that the officer submit the report form within 24 hours after completing the investigation. However, while the report might be submitted within this timeframe, the availability of the official copy to parties involved in the accident can take longer, usually a few days to a few weeks. This delay allows time for the report to be processed, reviewed, and officially filed.
How Do I Request a Police Report in Florence County and Towns Around Florence, SC?
Obtaining a police report in Florence County or any of the surrounding towns in Florence can be a confusing process, but thankfully, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) makes it easier for those seeking these reports. The SCDMV has a centralized approach to the distribution of police reports for accidents that occur within the state. This means that individuals can obtain these reports regardless of the specific town or city where the incident occurred.
In addition to simplifying the process, the SCDMV also plays a pivotal role in ensuring that all reports are handled properly and contain accurate and complete information. If you need to obtain a police report for an accident in Florence County or any surrounding towns in Florence, the SCDMV is the agency to contact. Our team will be standing by to help you no matter where your injuries were caused.
Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help Get Your Police Report
Call Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers at (803) 451-4000 for a free case review with our Columbia, SC car accident lawyers.
