The police report is one of the most significant documents produced following a vehicle accident. This report is frequently a vital data source for insurance claims and, occasionally, court cases. 

However, what would happen if there were an error or a crucial piece of information was absent? Many people question whether a police report can ever be corrected once it has been filed. 

The type of error and the policies of the relevant police department will determine the answer.

Why Accuracy in a Police Report Matters in South Carolina

South Carolina is an at-fault state for car accidents, meaning the person who caused the crash is generally responsible for damages. 

That makes the police report especially important because it may influence how fault is determined and how insurance companies evaluate claims. 

Inaccuracies in the report, like the wrong time, a misstatement about your behavior, or a missing witness, can lead to claim delays, reduced settlements, or even denied coverage. Ensuring the report accurately reflects what happened is critical.

Types of Errors Commonly Found in South Carolina Police Reports

Police officers in South Carolina often work quickly at accident scenes, which can lead to errors such as:

• Wrong license plate numbers or driver’s license information

• Incorrect vehicle makes or models

• Misquoting what someone said at the scene

• Missing contact information for witnesses

• Misreporting road conditions, traffic signs, or time of day

• Assigning fault in a way that doesn’t match your version of events

While factual mistakes are typically easier to fix, officers are less likely to change opinions or conclusions without strong supporting evidence.

Is It Possible to Change a Police Report in South Carolina?

Yes, but with limits. South Carolina law does not give individuals the right to demand a change in a police report, but it does allow you to request one. 

Whether the report is amended depends largely on the nature of the error and the discretion of the reporting officer. 

Factual errors, like a wrong address or misspelled name, are more likely to be corrected than subjective conclusions, such as who caused the accident.

Some law enforcement agencies in South Carolina, like the South Carolina Highway Patrol or local sheriff’s departments, may also allow you to submit an addendum or written statement to be added to the original report.

Steps to Take to Request a Correction in South Carolina

There are various steps in taking a request a correction in South Carolina:

1. Obtain a Copy of the Report

You can request the collision report (TR-310 form) through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) or from the local police department that responded to the scene.

2. Identify the Error

Note exactly what is incorrect and whether it’s a factual mistake or a matter of interpretation.

3. Gather Evidence

Compile any documentation that supports your correction. This could include photos of the scene, medical records, dashcam footage, or witness statements.

4. Contact the Officer or Department

Reach out to the officer listed on the report or the traffic division of the department. Provide a written request and attach supporting documentation. Be polite and clear about what you are requesting and why.

5. Submit a Statement of Disagreement (if needed)

If the report is not changed, you may be allowed to file a statement that explains your version of events. 

In South Carolina, this may be attached to the police report on file, especially if your insurance company or attorney requests it.

6. Follow Up

Make sure the change has been made or that your statement has been added to the report. Keep a copy of all correspondence for your records.

What If the Officer Refuses to Make the Change?

In South Carolina, police officers are not required to revise reports unless they acknowledge an error. If your request is denied:

• You can ask to speak with a supervising officer or sergeant for further review.

• You may submit your own written version of events to your insurance company or attorney.

• If a legal dispute arises, your evidence and version of events can still be presented in court even if the police report remains unchanged.

Even without a formal amendment, your documentation can help challenge inaccuracies in the report and influence how your case is resolved.

Legal Considerations and When to Get Help?

If the police report is working against you, especially in a case involving significant injuries, contested fault, or insurance denial, you may want legal support. 

A South Carolina personal injury attorney can help you navigate communication with law enforcement, gather proper evidence, and advocate for you in insurance negotiations or court. 

This is especially important in South Carolina, where comparative negligence laws may reduce your compensation if you’re found partially at fault.
If you’ve been in a car accident in South Carolina and your police report contains errors or disputed information, you don’t have to handle it alone. Contact the Max Hyde Law Firm at (864) 804-6330 to schedule a free consultation. We can help you gather supporting evidence, communicate with law enforcement, and work to make sure your version of events is represented.