Being involved in a car accident can be incredibly traumatic. Even a minor accident can shake you up enough that you forget the steps you must take to safeguard your legal rights. While you may initially feel fine and the damage looks minor, you often will not truly know the full impact of the accident until later. As such, it’s always best to call the police so they can create an official report of what transpired. It’s important to note that under certain circumstances you are legally required to report an accident to law enforcement. Please continue reading to learn when you need to call the police after an accident in South Carolina and why connecting with a skilled Chesterfield County Car Accident Lawyer is in your best interest.
When Do I Have to Call the Police After a Car Accident in South Carolina?
Following a car accident, many injury victims make the mistake of failing to call the police because they believe they can handle the situation on their own. However, failing to contact law enforcement after an accident not only could result in criminal penalties but your potential insurance and personal injury claims could be impacted. In South Carolina, there are several scenarios in which you are legally required to call the police after being involved in a collision. They are as follows:
- Someone is injured or killed
- There is at least $1,000 in property damage
- One or more of the vehicles involved cannot be moved safely
- Public property is damaged
- The other driver doesn’t have a driver’s license
- The other driver appears to be under the influence
- The other driver refuses to exchange information or attempts to flee the accident scene
Why Should I Regardless of the Damage?
Even if you are not legally required to call the police, it’s still a good idea to do so as the police will investigate the circumstances of the crash and create an official report. A police report will provide critical information that can help determine fault and assess damages. This detailed report can be used as evidence to support your case. Without this evidence, it can be far more challenging to prove your claim.
As you can see, calling the police after a car accident is always in your best interest. If you have been involved in a collision, please don’t hesitate to connect with an experienced lawyer from the Cockrell Law Firm, P.C., who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve and need to heal. Connect with our dedicated legal team today to learn how our firm can assist you during these challenging times.
