What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

The moments following a car accident are chaotic and stressful. Adrenaline is pumping, you may be injured, and clear thinking is difficult. But the decisions you make in those first minutes—and the days that follow—can significantly impact your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation.

This step-by-step guide walks you through exactly what to do after a car accident in Florida, from the moment of impact through filing your claim.

At the Scene: Immediate Steps

1. Stop and Stay at the Scene

Florida law requires you to stop immediately after any accident. Leaving the scene—even briefly—can result in hit-and-run charges, which carry serious criminal penalties. Remain at the scene until police release you or emergency responders clear you to leave.

2. Check for Injuries

Assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, unconscious, or complaining of pain, call 911 immediately. Don’t attempt to move seriously injured people unless there’s an immediate danger like fire.

Keep in mind that adrenaline can mask pain. Many injuries—including whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and even broken bones—may not cause noticeable symptoms until hours or days later.

3. Move to Safety

If your vehicle is operable and it’s safe to do so, move it out of traffic to prevent additional collisions. Turn on your hazard lights. If you cannot move your vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives—getting out on a busy roadway can be more dangerous than staying put.

4. Call the Police

Always call 911 after an accident. Florida law requires you to report any crash that causes injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. With the cost of modern car repairs, even a minor fender-bender can easily exceed this threshold.

A police report creates an official record of the accident that becomes crucial evidence for your insurance claim and any legal action. The responding officer will document the scene, collect statements, note road and weather conditions, and sometimes make a preliminary determination of fault.

5. Exchange Information

Florida law requires you to exchange certain information with the other driver(s). Collect:

• Full name and contact information
• Driver’s license number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Vehicle make, model, and license plate number

Taking photos of the other driver’s license and insurance card ensures accuracy. Be polite but limit conversation—and never admit fault or apologize, as this can be used against you later.

6. Document Everything

Your smartphone is a powerful evidence-gathering tool. Photograph:

• All vehicles involved from multiple angles
• Damage to each vehicle
• The accident scene, including traffic signals, signs, and road conditions
• Skid marks, debris, or other physical evidence
• Your visible injuries
• Weather and lighting conditions

If there are witnesses, politely ask for their names and contact information. Their statements may prove valuable if liability is disputed.

7. Talk to Police—Carefully

When speaking with the responding officer, stick to the facts. Describe what happened without speculating about fault or making statements like “I didn’t see them” or “I should have been paying more attention.” Report all symptoms you’re experiencing, even if they seem minor.

After Leaving the Scene

8. Seek Medical Attention Within 14 Days

This is critical. Under Florida’s no-fault insurance law, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to access your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. Miss this deadline and your PIP coverage—up to $10,000 for medical expenses—may be denied entirely.

Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Many serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and internal injuries, don’t produce immediate symptoms. A medical evaluation creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident.

9. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible—most policies require notification within 24 hours. Provide basic facts: the date, time, location, and other driver’s information.

However, be cautious:

• Don’t provide a detailed recorded statement without consulting an attorney
• Don’t speculate about fault
• Don’t discuss your injuries in detail until you’ve been fully evaluated
• Don’t accept any settlement offers immediately

Your goal at this stage is simply to open a claim and begin the process of accessing your PIP benefits.

10. Obtain the Police Report

You can typically obtain a copy of your Florida Traffic Crash Report a few days after the accident through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Review it carefully for accuracy. If you find errors, contact the law enforcement agency that filed the report to request a supplement.

11. Keep Detailed Records

Start a file to organize all accident-related documents:

• Police report
• Medical records and bills
• Prescription receipts
• Repair estimates and invoices
• Correspondence with insurance companies
• Lost wage documentation from your employer

Consider keeping a journal documenting your daily pain levels, physical limitations, and how your injuries affect your daily life. This documentation helps calculate pain and suffering damages.

What NOT to Do After an Accident

Don’t Leave the Scene

Leaving before police release you can result in hit-and-run charges.

Don’t Admit Fault

Even saying “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Let investigators determine fault based on evidence.

Don’t Give Recorded Statements Without Legal Advice

Insurance adjusters—including your own—may ask for recorded statements. These can be used to minimize your claim. Consult an attorney before providing detailed statements.

Don’t Post on Social Media

Insurance companies monitor social media for evidence to use against claimants. A photo of you smiling at a family event could be used to argue your injuries aren’t serious. Avoid posting about the accident, your injuries, or your activities until your claim is resolved.

Don’t Accept Quick Settlement Offers

Insurance companies often make fast, low offers hoping you’ll accept before understanding the full extent of your injuries. Never sign a release or accept a settlement without knowing your complete medical prognosis and consulting with an attorney.

Don’t Wait Too Long to Take Action

Florida’s statute of limitations gives you only two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Evidence disappears, witnesses become harder to locate, and memories fade. Acting promptly protects your rights.

When to Contact an Attorney

Consider consulting a personal injury lawyer if:

• You suffered significant injuries
• Your medical bills exceed your PIP coverage
• Liability is disputed
• The insurance company denies your claim or offers an inadequate settlement
• Multiple parties were involved

Talk to a Florida Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the experienced attorneys at Jacobson Injury Firm can help protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

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