What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide

Car accidents can happen in an instant, but the effects can last a lifetime. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious crash, knowing what to do after a car accident in Florida can make a significant difference in your health, your rights, and your financial recovery.

Florida’s unique no-fault insurance laws, strict reporting deadlines, and complex liability rules mean that even a seemingly simple accident can turn into a legal headache. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know, step by step, to protect yourself and your legal options after a crash.

Ensure Safety First

​Before anything else, check for injuries. If you or anyone else is hurt, call 911 immediately. Florida law requires drivers involved in a crash that causes injury, death, or significant property damage to remain at the scene.
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If possible and safe, move your vehicle to a location that does not obstruct traffic. Turn on hazard lights, and use cones or flares if available. Remaining calm and focused during these critical first moments can prevent further harm and help law enforcement and medical professionals do their jobs.

Call 911 and Report the Accident

• Under Florida Statutes § 316.065, you must report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $500. Even if you think it’s minor, always report the accident. This creates an official record, which is crucial for any future insurance claim or legal case.
  

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When speaking with the police:

• Stick to the facts
• Do not admit fault
• Get the name and badge number of the responding officer
• Request a copy of the police report (you’ll need this later)

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Exchange Information With the Other Driver

​Get the following from the other driver:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Address
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Insurance company and policy number

Also, note the make, model, and color of their vehicle. If there are passengers or witnesses, gather their names and contact details too. This information will be essential if the accident results in a legal claim.

Document the Scene Thoroughly

Use your phone to take pictures and videos of:

• Vehicle damage (all angles)
• Your injuries
• Skid marks or debris
• Traffic signs and signals
• Road conditions and weather
• License plates of all involved vehicles

Visual evidence is powerful. It can prove fault, document injuries, and preserve details that may be forgotten later.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

 Even if you feel fine, see a doctor right away. Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law requires that you seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to be eligible for coverage.
Common delayed injuries include:

• Whiplash
• Concussions
• Internal bleeding
• Soft tissue damage

Let a medical professional evaluate you to ensure any injuries are documented and treated.

Notify Your Insurance CompanyContact your insurer as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of the accident. Be honest but cautious in what you say.

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Important tip:
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Avoid giving a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney first — especially if you may be filing a claim beyond PIP coverage.

Florida is a no-fault state, which means your own insurance will pay for medical bills and lost wages up to the limits of your PIP policy, regardless of who caused the accident. But serious injuries may allow you to step outside this system and file a lawsuit.

Understand Florida’s No-Fault Laws

​Florida’s no-fault laws require all drivers to carry at least:

• $10,000 in PIP (Personal Injury Protection)
• $10,000 in PDL (Property Damage Liability)

Your PIP insurance covers:

• 80% of medical expenses
• 60% of lost wages
• Up to $5,000 in death benefits

However, PIP doesn’t cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering. To sue the at-fault driver, your injuries must meet the state’s serious injury threshold, which includes:

• Significant/permanent loss of bodily function
• Permanent injury
• Significant scarring or disfigurement
• Death

W​hen to Hire a Florida Car Accident Lawyer

You should contact an attorney as soon as possible if:

• You were seriously injured
• Your medical bills exceed PIP limits
• The other driver is uninsured or underinsured
• Fault is disputed
• You’re being pressured by insurance adjusters

A qualified car accident lawyer in Florida can:

• Investigate your case
• Handle insurance negotiations
• File lawsuits if needed
• Maximize your compensation

The earlier a lawyer gets involved, the stronger your case may be.

What Not to Do After an Accident

​Avoid these common mistakes:

• Don’t admit fault — even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you
• Don’t delay medical treatment — it weakens your case
• Don’t post about the accident on social media — insurers watch for this
• Don’t sign anything from the other driver’s insurance company without legal review

Protecting your rights starts with staying quiet and smart.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Florida?

​As of 2023, Florida has shortened the statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims to two years from the date of the accident.
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Missing this deadline means losing your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case is. This is another reason to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Potential Compensation After a Car Accident

​If your case meets Florida’s serious injury threshold, you may be able to recover compensation beyond PIP. This includes:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life

An experienced Florida car accident lawyer will know how to assess the true value of your claim — and fight for every dollar you deserve.

Why Choose a Florida Car Accident Attorney?

​Florida’s insurance and liability laws are complex. A local attorney who understands the intricacies of state statutes, local courts, and insurance tactics can be a powerful ally.
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Benefits of hiring a Florida car accident attorney:

• No upfront costs (contingency-based fees)
• Legal advice tailored to Florida law
• Negotiation experience with insurers
• Trial readiness if needed

Your peace of mind — and your financial future — can depend on having the right legal support

Conclusion

​Being involved in a car accident in Florida can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps early on can make all the difference. From seeking medical care to understanding your insurance rights, each action you take helps protect your health and your future.
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And if you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed, don’t go it alone. A trusted Florida car accident lawyer can guide you through every step of the process — and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us for a free consultation

'After a car accident, everyone deserves representation no matter the size of your wallet. That's why Graves Law offers a free consultation with no obligation.  Your recovery is important to us, so you don't pay anything, not even costs, unless
​we win.

​Contact Attorney Andrew Graves so that we can discuss your accident at NO CHARGE. No matter the claim, I want you to be informed of your rights.

​Call Attorney Andrew Graves at (407) 308-0327 or fill out the free case consultation form ​so we can start working today.