What To Do After a Car Accident in Florida

Best practice guide for what you need to do in case you are in an auto accident in FL

If you are involved in an accident or collision in Florida, you must be prepared to act responsibly and in accordance with State law. Following are some general guidelines and more specific requirements to follow in case of an accident.


FIRST AND FOREMOST

As a responsible driver, you must never leave the scene of an accident. Not only is it essential that you provide any necessary help immediately following an accident, but leaving an accident scene can result in having your driving privileges revoked, your license suspended or being charged with a third or second degree felony.

After stopping your vehicle, you should pull up as close to the accident as safely possible, without obstructing traffic. Take a moment to assess the situation, and do not panic. Be aware of the traffic situation, and any other potential dangers, such as fire.

You should do your best to provide immediate assistance to other motorists, passengers or pedestrians that may have been injured in the accident.

Take extra care when attempting to move an injured person; if possible, wait for an ambulance to arrive. Notify 911 to report any injuries and call for medical assistance. If the accident did not result in any injuries, inform the local Florida police.

If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to stay calm. If possible, ensure that you are out of danger and not blocking any oncoming traffic. Call or wait for help, and do not attempt to move if you are unable to do so. See Auto Accident Injuries for more information.

EXCHANGE INFORMATION

If you are involved in an accident in Florida, you are required to provide certain information to the other parties involved. Likewise, fellow motorists, passengers or pedestrians involved in the accident must share similar information with you.

Also, it is often wise to ask for the information of witnesses to the accident just in case you need to have them testify at a later date. The key information to exchange in the aftermath of an accident includes:

  1. Name, address and contact details.
  2. Official Florida Driver license number.
  3. License plate number of the vehicles involved.
  4. Auto insurance information for the motorists involved.

It may also be useful to take photographs at the scene of the accident.
If you hit an unattended vehicle, you must make an effort to find the owner or driver, and follow these same procedures.

If you are unable to locate the owner of an unattended vehicle, you are required to leave a note indicating your name and contact information, and a brief description of the accident.

REPORTING AN ACCIDENT TO THE FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL

  1. You are required to report immediately to the Florida Highway Patrol or Police when an accident involves any of the following:
  2. Death or injury.
  3. A hit and run accident.
  4. An accident caused due to an intoxicated driver.
  5. Property damage of over $500.
  6. You are not required to file a Crash Report if the investigating officer had done so. However if this has been overlooked by the law enforcement officials, you are required to file a Crash Report within ten days of the accident.
  7. Your report must include detailed and current information regarding your insurance coverage. The DMV will cross-check this information with the insurance company shown on the report. If you did not have liability insurance when the accident occurred, your driving privileges will be suspended. Anyone who knowingly provides an invalid proof of insurance is guilty of a first degree misdemeanor.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Last updated on Thursday, October 15 2020.