What To Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Florida
- Daniel Reinfeld
- Aug 27
- 4 min read
Last updated: August 28, 2026
The first hour after a Florida car accident shapes the rest of your case more than almost any other point in the process — which is exactly why it requires careful preparation, even though it's the moment you're least prepared to think clearly. Here's what actually needs to happen, in order.
1. Stop, and Stay at the Scene
Florida law requires every driver involved in a crash to stop and remain at (or immediately return to) the scene, under Fla. Stat. § 316.062, and to exchange license, registration, and insurance information with the other driver. Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a serious criminal offense under Fla. Stat. § 316.027 — this isn't optional, even if you believe the crash was minor or wasn't your fault.
2. Check for Injuries and Call 911
Check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries before doing anything else. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries aren't obvious, err on the side of requesting medical evaluation at the scene — adrenaline routinely masks pain from injuries that turn out to be serious once it wears off.
3. Know When You're Legally Required to Report the Crash
Under Fla. Stat. § 316.065, a crash must be reported to law enforcement immediately, by the quickest means available, when it results in injury, death, or apparent property damage of at least $500 — which, realistically, covers almost every car accident involving actual vehicle damage. Call it in and request an officer respond to the scene.
4. Move to Safety, If You Safely Can
If vehicles are drivable and blocking traffic, and it's safe to do so, move them out of the flow of traffic once information has been noted and it's clear no one needs to stay in place for the investigation. If a vehicle can't be safely moved, or if there's any doubt, leave it and wait for law enforcement — safety comes before scene preservation.
5. Document Everything You Can
This step matters enormously for your case later, and evidence at the scene is often the best evidence you'll ever have — it degrades or disappears quickly.
Photograph all vehicles involved, from multiple angles, including license plates and vehicle damage
Photograph the accident scene broadly — road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, debris, weather conditions
Photograph any visible injuries
Get the names and contact information of any witnesses — they often leave before police finish their investigation, and there's no other way to reach them later
Note the exact time and location, including nearby cross streets or landmarks
6. Exchange Information — Not Opinions
Exchange the required information — name, contact information, driver's license number, license plate, and insurance information — with the other driver. What you should avoid: discussing who was at fault, apologizing (which can be misread as an admission), or speculating about details you're not certain of. A simple, factual exchange is all that's required.
7. Get the Officer's Information and Report Number
When police respond, get the responding officer's name and badge number, and ask how to obtain a copy of the crash report once it's completed — most Florida agencies process these within several business days to a couple of weeks. You'll need this report for your insurance claim regardless of fault.
8. Get Medical Attention — Within 14 Days, No Exceptions
Even if you decline transport at the scene, see a doctor as soon as possible, and no later than 14 days after the accident. Under Florida's PIP "14-day rule" (Fla. Stat. § 627.736(1)(a)), waiting longer than that can cost you no-fault insurance coverage for the treatment entirely — a purely administrative deadline that has nothing to do with how you actually feel.
9. Notify Your Own Insurance Company
Report the accident to your own insurer promptly — this is generally required under your policy's cooperation clause and is necessary to open your PIP claim, regardless of who caused the crash.
10. Be Careful About What You Say — To Anyone
Avoid discussing fault, injuries, or details of the accident on social media, and be cautious about recorded statements to any insurance company, including your own, until you understand your rights. Adjusters — even from your own insurer — are trained to ask questions designed to minimize a claim, often within days of the crash.
11. Talk to an Attorney Before You Sign Anything or Accept Any Offer
You don't need to wait until you're fully recovered to have this conversation, and in fact you shouldn't. An attorney can start preserving evidence immediately, help you avoid early missteps, and make sure critical deadlines — starting with that 14-day treatment window — don't slip by while you're focused on healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the other driver doesn't want to call the police?
Call anyway if the damage appears to meet the $500 threshold, or if anyone is injured — you're required to report it regardless of what the other driver prefers, and having an official report protects you either way.
What if I feel fine at the scene — do I still need to see a doctor?
Yes. Many serious injuries, especially soft-tissue and spinal injuries, don't show symptoms for hours or days. Waiting past 14 days risks losing PIP coverage even if it turns out you needed treatment.
Should I give a statement to the other driver's insurance company right away?
No — you're not obligated to, and it's generally better to speak with an attorney first. Their adjuster's questions are designed to protect their bottom line, not to help your claim.
Call Today. Discuss Directly With Dan.
Getting the first hours and days after a Florida car accident right requires careful preparation, even when you're the one least prepared to think about it. When you call Reinfeld Law, you speak directly with Dan Reinfeld, an attorney with more than 25 years of experience who can start protecting your case immediately, no matter what stage you're at.
Dan offers flexible consultation options, including phone, Zoom, hospital, and home visits. Consultations are free, and you pay nothing unless he recovers money for you. Evening and weekend appointments are available. Call (954) 923-6110 today to discuss your Florida car accident directly with Dan.
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