What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Florida? A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Stop, stay safe, and check for injuries

Florida law requires drivers involved in a crash to stop at the scene or as close to it as safely possible. Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or property damage is a crime in Florida. Move your vehicle out of traffic if you can do so safely, turn on hazard lights, and check on everyone involved.

2. Call 911 and report the crash

Under Florida Statute § 316.065, a crash involving injury, death, or apparent property damage of at least $500 must be reported to law enforcement immediately. In practice, almost every real accident meets that threshold — so call 911. The responding officer's crash report becomes one of the most important documents in your case.

If police do not investigate your crash, Florida gives you 10 days to submit a self-report to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

3. Document everything at the scene

If you are physically able, gather as much evidence as possible before leaving:

• Photos of all vehicles, damage, skid marks, traffic signs, and the overall scene
• Names, phone numbers, and insurance details of every driver involved
• Names and contact information of witnesses
• The responding officer's name, agency, and the crash report number

4. See a doctor within 14 days — this one has a hard deadline

Florida is a no-fault state, and your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays your initial medical bills. But under Florida Statute § 627.736, you must receive initial medical care within 14 days of the accident or you can lose access to your PIP benefits entirely. Even if you feel fine, get evaluated — many injuries, like whiplash and soft-tissue damage, take days to show symptoms.

5. Be careful what you say — and get legal help early

Do not admit fault at the scene, and be cautious before giving recorded statements to the other driver's insurance company. Adjusters are trained to minimize what their company pays.

Since 2023, Florida gives most crash victims only two years to file a negligence lawsuit — half the time they used to have. Connecting with a vetted attorney early preserves evidence and keeps every option open. CrashAid can match you with the right Florida attorney for your case, free of charge.