What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida
A car accident can leave you dealing with much more than vehicle damage. You may be injured, unsure what to tell the insurance company, worried about medical bills, or simply trying to figure out what you are supposed to do next. The decisions you make in the hours and days after a crash can be important. Taking the right steps can help protect your health, preserve evidence, and give you a clearer picture of your options. I’m Andrew Calandro, founder of Calandro Law. I represent people injured in accidents throughout Florida, and I believe that knowing what to do after a crash can make an already difficult situation easier to navigate. Here’s what you should know.
Key Takeaways
- Make safety your first priority after a crash.
- Call 911 when appropriate and document the accident scene if it is safe to do so.
- Seek medical attention if you are injured or develop symptoms after the accident.
- Notify your insurance company, but be thoughtful about what you say.
- Keep records of medical treatment, expenses, lost income, and other accident-related losses.
- If you were injured or the circumstances of the accident are disputed, consider speaking with a Florida personal injury attorney.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
Your first priority should be making sure everyone is safe.
If you can safely move your vehicle out of the roadway, do so. Turn on your hazard lights and check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
If anyone is seriously injured or the scene presents a safety concern, call 911.
Try to remain calm and avoid arguing with the other driver about who caused the accident. Even when fault seems obvious, the circumstances of a crash can be more complicated than they initially appear.
Once everyone is safe, you can begin documenting what happened.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
Depending on the circumstances of the crash, contacting law enforcement may be appropriate or necessary.
A crash report can provide important information about the collision, including the location, vehicles involved, drivers, witnesses, and observations made at the scene.
If an officer responds, ask how you can obtain a copy of the report once it becomes available.
Do not assume that the police report alone will determine who is legally responsible for the accident. A personal injury claim may involve additional evidence and legal issues.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
If you are able to do so safely, exchange information with the other driver.
This may include:
- Name
- Phone number
- Driver’s license information
- Insurance information
- License plate number
- Vehicle make and model
If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information as well.
You do not need to discuss who was at fault. Keep the conversation focused on exchanging information and making sure everyone is safe.
Document the Accident Scene
Photos and videos can become valuable evidence later.
If it is safe to do so, photograph:
- Damage to your vehicle
- Damage to the other vehicles
- The positions of the vehicles
- Road conditions
- Traffic signs and signals
- Debris or skid marks
- Visible injuries
- The surrounding area
- Nearby businesses or other potential sources of surveillance footage
If you have a dashcam recording, preserve the original footage.
The more quickly you document the scene, the less you have to rely on memory later.
Seek Medical Attention
Some injuries are obvious immediately. Others may not become apparent until later.
If you are injured or develop symptoms after the accident, seek appropriate medical attention and tell your healthcare provider that you were involved in a car accident.
Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system also makes timely medical care particularly important. Florida law generally requires initial services and care to be received within 14 days after a motor vehicle accident for PIP benefits to apply.
Do not ignore pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, numbness, or other changes simply because you initially felt fine.
Notify Your Insurance Company
You should notify your insurance company about the accident in accordance with the requirements of your policy.
Florida’s PIP system generally provides coverage for certain medical expenses and lost income regardless of who caused the accident. The Florida Department of Financial Services explains that PIP generally covers 80% of necessary and reasonable medical expenses and 60% of work loss, subject to applicable requirements and limits.
Your PIP coverage is only one part of the insurance picture, however. Depending on the circumstances, other coverage may become relevant as well.
Be Careful When Speaking With Insurance Companies
After a crash, you may receive calls from one or more insurance adjusters.
Be truthful when answering questions, but don’t guess about things you don’t know. You also don’t need to minimize your injuries or make predictions about how quickly you will recover.
For example, saying that you are “fine” immediately after a crash may not accurately describe how you feel several days later.
If an insurance company asks you to provide a recorded statement about an injury claim or asks you to sign documents relating to a settlement, consider speaking with an attorney first.
Keep Records of Your Recovery and Expenses
Create a folder for your accident and keep relevant information together.
| Keep This | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical records | Doctor visits, imaging, therapy |
| Medical bills | Hospital and treatment expenses |
| Prescription records | Medications related to your injuries |
| Employment records | Missed work or reduced hours |
| Vehicle records | Repair estimates and invoices |
| Insurance correspondence | Emails, letters, claim information |
| Photos and videos | Accident scene and injuries |
| Witness information | Names and contact information |
You may also want to keep a simple record of how your injuries affect your normal activities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Florida Car Accident
Some mistakes can make an already difficult situation more complicated.
Common examples include:
- Waiting too long to seek medical care
- Failing to document the accident
- Posting about the accident or your injuries on social media
- Guessing about how the accident happened
- Giving a recorded statement without understanding what you are being asked
- Accepting a settlement before understanding the extent of your injuries
- Failing to keep records of expenses and treatment
- Assuming the other driver’s insurance company is looking out for your interests
You do not need to make every decision immediately. Take the time to understand what happened and what options may be available.
Why You May Need Legal Representation
Not every car accident requires an attorney.
However, legal representation may be worth considering when an accident involves significant injuries, disputed fault, multiple insurance policies, or a disagreement about the value of your claim.
An attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, evaluate available coverage, and help you understand your legal options.
Florida also has deadlines for bringing personal injury claims. Under the current statute, an action founded on negligence generally must be commenced within two years, although exceptions and different deadlines can apply depending on the circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I go to the doctor after a car accident if I feel okay?
If you develop symptoms or have concerns about an injury, seek appropriate medical attention. Timely treatment can also be important under Florida’s PIP requirements.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
You may be contacted by the other driver’s insurer. Be truthful, but avoid guessing about the accident or minimizing injuries. If you are pursuing an injury claim, consider speaking with an attorney before providing a recorded statement.
What if I don’t feel injured immediately after the accident?
Continue paying attention to how you feel in the hours and days following the crash. If symptoms develop, seek medical attention and explain that you were involved in an accident.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Florida?
Florida’s current statute generally provides a two-year limitations period for negligence actions, but exceptions can apply. The applicable deadline should be evaluated based on the specific circumstances of the claim.
Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?
Not necessarily. If you suffered significant injuries, liability is disputed, insurance coverage is complicated, or the insurer is disputing your claim, however, speaking with an attorney may help you understand your options.
Riverview resource: If the crash happened in Riverview, see our Riverview car accident lawyer page for local information and next steps.
Conclusion
The moments and days after a car accident can be overwhelming. Focus first on safety and medical care, then document what happened and keep organized records.
If you were injured in a Florida car accident and aren’t sure what to do next, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options.
At Calandro Law, we help people throughout Florida navigate the aftermath of serious accidents.
