My Trial Lawyer · Florida
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Florida
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After a car accident in Florida, check for injuries, call 911, document the scene, exchange information, and get medical care within 14 days to keep your PIP benefits. Avoid recorded statements to the other driver's insurer and talk to a car accident lawyer in Florida before signing anything. Drivers in Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade, and statewide can get a free evaluation from a Florida personal injury lawyer.
What Should You Do at the Scene of a Car Accident in Florida?
The first minutes after a crash affect both your health and your claim. Follow these steps if you are able:
- Check for injuries and call 911. Ask for police and medical help if anyone is hurt.
- Move to safety if you can. Florida law requires drivers to move vehicles out of travel lanes when the crash involves only property damage and the cars can be moved safely.
- Stay at the scene. Leaving a crash scene can lead to criminal charges, especially when someone is injured.
- Exchange information. Get the other driver's name, phone number, driver's license, plate number, and insurance details.
- Document everything. Photograph all vehicles, the road, traffic signals, skid marks, and your injuries. Record a short video of the scene if possible.
- Talk to witnesses. Write down names and phone numbers before they leave.
- Watch what you say. Do not apologize or guess about fault. Stick to the facts with the officer.
Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Florida?
Yes, in many cases. Florida Statute 316.065 requires drivers to report a crash to law enforcement when it causes injury, death, or apparent property damage of at least $500. Today, that covers almost any crash, because even minor repairs often exceed $500.
If no officer comes to the scene and writes a report, Florida Statute 316.066 requires you to file a written crash report with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within 10 days. Keep a copy of the report number for your insurance claim.
Why Must You See a Doctor Within 14 Days of a Florida Car Accident?
Florida's no-fault law requires initial medical treatment within 14 days of the crash to use your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. Miss that window, and PIP may deny coverage entirely.
Seeing a doctor quickly also protects your health. Whiplash, back injuries, internal injuries, and concussions often do not cause symptoms right away. Learn the warning signs of a traumatic brain injury after a car accident. Tell the doctor about every symptom, and follow the treatment plan. Gaps in care are one of the first things insurers use to lower a claim.
How Should You Handle Insurance Companies After a Florida Car Accident?
Report the crash to your own insurer promptly, as most policies require. Be more careful with the other driver's insurance company:
- You do not have to give the other driver's insurer a recorded statement.
- Do not sign medical authorizations or releases without legal advice.
- Do not accept a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
Under Florida's modified comparative negligence rule, any statement suggesting shared fault can reduce your recovery, or eliminate it if you are found more than 50% at fault. Read more about comparative negligence after a car accident in Florida.
What Mistakes Can Hurt a Car Accident Claim in Florida?
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Posting photos or comments about the crash or your activities on social media
- Waiting to see a doctor or skipping appointments
- Repairing the vehicle before it has been photographed and inspected
- Throwing away receipts, bills, or damaged items
- Missing the two-year deadline to file a lawsuit under Florida's personal injury statute of limitations
What If You Were in an Uber, Lyft, or Commercial Vehicle Crash in Florida?
Crashes involving rideshare vehicles, delivery vans, and trucks often involve several insurance policies and companies that move quickly to protect themselves. Screenshot the ride details in your app, and note company names on any commercial vehicle. See our pages on Uber and Lyft accident claims and trucking accident claims for more.
When Should You Call a Car Accident Lawyer in Florida?
Call as soon as possible if you were injured, missed work, or the insurer is disputing fault. Early help means evidence such as video footage and vehicle data can be preserved before it is lost. My Trial Lawyer, led by partners Stephen Engelman and Devin Locay, offers free case evaluations and works on a contingency fee basis. If you were in a crash in Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade, Broward, or anywhere in Florida, call (786) 855-1000 or contact the firm online.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida and Palm Beach County
Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911. If the vehicles can be moved safely and no one is hurt, move them out of traffic. Then document the scene, exchange information, and wait for police if they are coming.
Start a free evaluation →Florida requires drivers to report crashes involving injury, death, or at least $500 in apparent property damage. Because most repairs exceed $500, it is best to call the police for nearly every crash. A police report is also strong evidence for your insurance claim.
Start a free evaluation →Report the crash to law enforcement immediately from the scene when required. If no officer completed a report, Florida law requires you to file a written crash report with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within 10 days.
Start a free evaluation →Florida's 14-day rule requires you to get initial medical care within 14 days of a car accident to use your PIP benefits. Treatment from a hospital, urgent care, doctor, or other qualifying provider counts. Missing the deadline can cost you up to $10,000 in coverage.
Start a free evaluation →Yes. Many injuries, including whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries, do not cause symptoms right away. A prompt medical exam protects your health, creates a record that links injuries to the crash, and keeps you within Florida's 14-day PIP deadline.
Start a free evaluation →Your own PIP coverage pays first, regardless of fault, covering 80% of reasonable medical bills up to your policy limit. Health insurance, MedPay coverage, or a claim against the at-fault driver may cover remaining costs if your injuries meet Florida's threshold.
Start a free evaluation →You can provide basic information, but you are not required to give the other driver's insurer a recorded statement. Adjusters may use your words to assign you fault or minimize your injuries. Speak with a car accident lawyer before giving any detailed statement.
Start a free evaluation →Collect the other driver's name, phone number, license, plate number, and insurance company and policy number. Photograph the vehicles, the road, and any injuries. Get names and contact details for witnesses and note the officer's name and report number.
Start a free evaluation →If you left after exchanging information and no one needed help, you may still have a claim, but you should file a written crash report within 10 days if no officer made one. Leaving a crash that involves injuries without stopping can lead to criminal charges.
Start a free evaluation →For crashes on or after March 24, 2023, Florida generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a negligence lawsuit. Waiting can cost you evidence, so it is wise to speak with a lawyer well before the deadline.
Start a free evaluation →Passengers usually turn first to their own PIP coverage, or the PIP of a household family member. If neither exists, the vehicle's PIP may apply. Passengers can also bring claims against any at-fault driver, including the driver of the car they were riding in.
Start a free evaluation →No. Insurance companies review social media to find photos or comments that suggest you are not hurt or were at fault. Even harmless posts can be taken out of context. Keep your accounts private and avoid posting until your claim is resolved.
Start a free evaluation →Yes. My Trial Lawyer represents car accident victims in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, and throughout Palm Beach County, as well as Miami-Dade, Broward, and statewide. Call (786) 855-1000 for a free case evaluation.
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