What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida

A car accident is overwhelming, but the steps you take in the first minutes and days can make a real difference to your recovery and any claim. Here is what to do.

1. Check for injuries and get to safety

Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. If the vehicles are drivable and it is safe, move them out of traffic to avoid a second collision.

2. Call the police

In Florida you must report crashes involving injury, death, or significant property damage. An official police report documents what happened and is valuable if you later pursue a claim.

3. Document everything

Use your phone to photograph the vehicles, license plates, the road, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Get the other driver's name, license, insurance, and the names and numbers of any witnesses.

4. Do not admit fault or give a recorded statement

Be polite but careful. Avoid saying the crash was your fault, and do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company — you are not required to, and it can be used to reduce your claim.

5. See a doctor the same day

Some serious injuries (like whiplash or concussions) do not show symptoms right away. Getting checked promptly protects your health and creates a medical record linking your injuries to the crash. Under Florida's no-fault system, your own PIP coverage typically pays initial medical bills.

6. Know your deadline

For most crashes on or after March 24, 2023, you have two years from the accident date to file a negligence claim in Florida. Evidence fades quickly, so it is best to act early.

7. Get a free case review before accepting any offer

Insurance companies often make low first offers. A free review helps you understand what your claim may really be worth before you sign anything.