What to Do After an Accident in Florida

Florida consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of car accidents – 3rd in 2024. According to recent data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there are hundreds of thousands of crashes reported annually. These incidents often lead to injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage.

Because a Florida car accident can result in extensive medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress, you must stay informed about the steps to take after a car accident and the follow-up tasks after a car accident that can protect your physical, legal, and financial well-being.

A couple in an accident-Neck injury-Whiplash

Florida’s car accident laws have specific requirements you must follow immediately after a collision. Adhering to these guidelines not only ensures everyone’s safety but also helps protect your rights.

Below are the essential steps to remember:

1. Check for Injuries

Before anything else, assess your own condition and ensure you are not seriously injured. If you are in pain or suspect any injury, try not to move until help arrives. Promptly identifying your injuries is critical to safeguarding both your health and any potential legal claims. 

2. Call 911

If anyone is severely injured or the damage to vehicles is significant, call 911 immediately. Even for less severe accidents, contacting first responders can be beneficial, as medical help may be needed, and a police report often proves vital when filing a Florida car accident insurance claim.

3. Check on Passengers in Your Vehicle

If your condition allows, check on the passengers in your vehicle. Make sure everyone is out of immediate danger. If there are injuries, provide basic first aid and wait for medical professionals to arrive.

4. Seek Medical Attention

Florida’s no-fault insurance laws require personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Never assume you are fine simply because you do not feel pain immediately – adrenaline can mask symptoms, which might surface days or even weeks later.

5. Call the Police

In Florida, state law requires filing an official crash report if injuries are involved or if property damage is $500 or more. A police officer can document the incident details in an official report, which will be crucial evidence when dealing with insurance companies or if you decide to contact an accident attorney in Florida.

6. Move Vehicles to Safety

If possible, move your car to the side of the road or to a safe location nearby to prevent further collisions. Keeping your hazard lights on can alert other drivers of the accident scene.

7. Exchange Contact Information

Exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information with the other driver(s). Florida is a no-fault state, but you may still need the other driver’s details for property damage claims and liability insurance inquiries, especially if the damages exceed policy limits or if serious injuries are involved.

8. Identify Witnesses

If there are witnesses nearby, gather their contact details. Independent witness statements can strengthen your claim by providing unbiased accounts of what happened.

9. Document Everything

Take photos of vehicle damage, license plates, and the overall accident scene. Be sure to photograph any visible injuries you sustain. These visual records can be invaluable as you work through the follow-up tasks after a car accident. If you notice any traffic signs, road hazards, or skid marks, document those as well.

10. Report the Accident to Insurance

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with the basic facts of the collision and any supporting evidence. Though Florida’s no-fault coverage usually takes precedence, keep in mind that there may be circumstances when you need to seek further compensation from the at-fault party. Make sure to handle this step carefully to preserve your coverage.

11. Contact a Car Accident Attorney

Even if you believe your collision was straightforward, there can be complexities in the insurance system – such as policy limitations, comparative negligence, and potential uninsured or underinsured motorists. Consulting a Miami car accident attorney early can help you navigate the legal landscape and ensure you follow every requirement to support your claim.

Take action as early as possible after an accident. Florida generally allows 2 years from the date of the accident to file a car accident lawsuit. Missing this window means you may lose the right to pursue compensation altogether.