December 9, 2024 | Car Accidents
After a car accident in South Carolina, drivers often have more to worry about than the damage to their vehicle and injuries sustained. The long-term effects of an accident can be just as costly in some cases, with consequences for driving records and insurance rates. Whether you caused the accident or someone else was at fault, your driving record will reflect what happened and can impact your insurance rates for years in South Carolina.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, a car accident lawyer can help. An experienced car accident attorney can review the facts of the accident and help you recover costs for your losses suffered. They can also help explain the impacts on your driving record and how to minimize the damage whenever possible.
When Does an Accident Go On Your Record in South Carolina?
Your driving record in South Carolina is a set of public records documenting your history as a driver – beginning with the day you are licensed. Traffic tickets, driving infractions, license suspensions, and accidents can all be included in your driving record.
South Carolina uses a point system to determine your license status. Points will be assessed against your driving record based on traffic violations. If you reach certain levels of points, your driver’s license can be suspended or revoked.
In South Carolina, an accident itself will not be assigned points against your license. Traffic violations themselves are what can add up and put your license status in jeopardy. For example, reckless driving will earn you a 6-point violation against your license. An accident caused by reckless driving does not, in itself, result in points.
Unless you are guilty of a traffic violation, the South Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles will not add points to your driving record. So, while an accident itself does not go on your record, any driving infraction connected to your accident would be reported and go on your record as soon as you are found responsible for the violation.
Will My Accident Affect My Insurance Rates?
While the South Carolina DMV might not immediately take note of your accident, your insurance company likely will. Your South Carolina driving record is public, meaning an insurance company can check on your driving record at any point. Insurers will check your record when you apply for your insurance and when you renew, and they can check at any point in between – including after an accident.
Insurance companies do this to see if you are a high risk for insurance purposes and whether they should charge you a higher premium based on your record. Unfortunately for drivers, accidents can affect insurance premiums quickly. Traffic violations and accidents indicate to insurers that you are at higher risk to insure, and they can re-evaluate your policy.
Some drivers can see their insurance rates rise – or even be dropped from coverage – based on an accident or driving infraction. For example, a drunk driving accident can lead to the nonrenewal of an insurance policy, while a speeding violation might simply result in a premium increase.
In South Carolina, insurance rates increase based on traffic violations, which may last up to three years. The amounts and percentages of insurance increases can vary depending on the driver, the policy, and the nature of the infractions.
Some insurance policies offer accident forgiveness if an accident was not your fault and you had a clean driving record. A car accident lawyer can work with you to make sure your insurance company treats you fairly after an accident.
A Car Crash Can Impact Your Driving Record in South Carolina
After a car accident, you can face serious injuries, emotional distress, and unexpected bills and costs. Unfortunately, your driving record and insurance rates can also be affected, depending on the nature of the accident.
A car accident lawyer knows how to help if you have questions about your driving record after a car accident. In addition to pursuing the compensation you deserve after an accident, they will negotiate with insurance companies and work to minimize the impact on your driving record.
ontact a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer at Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers Today
For more information, contact the car accidemt law firm of Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation. We have five convenient locations in South Carolina: Columbia, Lexington, Orangeburg, and Blythewood.
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Columbia, SC
1333 Main St #510,
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 573-0869
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Columbia, SC.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 34.0036663,-81.0346429
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Lexington, SC
5465 Sunset Blvd Suite B,
Lexington, SC 29072
(803) 721-4241
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Lexington, SC.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 33.9981412,-81.2202483
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Orangeburg, SC
161 Elliott St SE Suite B,
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 884-2053
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Orangeburg, SC.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 33.4913915,-80.8608485
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Blythewood, SC
749-2 University Village Dr,
Blythewood, SC 29016
(803) 866-5190
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Blythewood, SC.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 34.2165616,-80.9866654
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Columbiana Dr
380 Columbiana Dr
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 866-5522
Our firm is located near you. We have a secondary office in Columbia, SC.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 34.0857948,-81.1613165
