In most cases, a car accident stays on your driving record in Florida for three to five years. Minor violations typically drop off after three years. However, incidents involving injury or death can remain for up to 15 years, and DUI-related accidents can stay on your record for 75 years.
Insurance companies check your driving record when deciding your rates, and a single accident where you are at fault can lead to much higher premiums. Florida’s No-Fault insurance system can make it difficult to understand how fault and claims work.
If you have been injured in a car wreck, our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers may be able to help. Our team has more than 200 years of combined legal experience advocating for injured Florida residents. Call today for your free consultation and tell us what happened.
Does a Car Accident Automatically Go on Your Record in Florida?
Not every accident automatically appears on your driving record. The crash must be reported to law enforcement or the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles before it is added to your file.
Florida law requires drivers to report any crash involving injury, death, or property damage over $500. If law enforcement responds to the scene, they file the report on your behalf.
If police do not respond, you are required to file a crash report yourself within 10 days using the Florida Driver Report of Traffic Crash form. Failing to report a qualifying accident can result in a license suspension.
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How Does a Florida Car Accident Affect Your Insurance Rates?
Florida uses a points-based system tied to traffic violations. If your accident came with a citation, points are added to your license, and your insurance company is notified.
In Florida, insurance companies can increase your premiums based on your claims history, even if you don’t get any points on your license. Just one at-fault claim can add hundreds of dollars to your annual premium.
Florida’s No-Fault insurance law requires drivers to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This means that after a crash, your PIP will pay for your medical expenses, no matter who caused the accident. However, your insurance company will still record the claim.
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What If the Other Driver Was at Fault?
If another driver caused the crash, the accident may still appear on your Florida driving record as a reported incident. The record reflects that a crash occurred, not necessarily who was responsible.
Florida is a comparative negligence state. Even if the other driver was primarily at fault, your own percentage of fault can affect your ability to recover compensation. If you are more than 50% responsible for the crash, you are barred from recovering compensation.
Documenting the scene is important. Take photos, gather witness statements, and get the official crash report. This information helps show what happened. It is especially useful if the other driver’s insurance company questions who is at fault.
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Can a Car Accident Be Removed from Your Driving Record?
Florida does not allow drivers to expunge or seal accident records the way criminal records can sometimes be addressed. Once a crash is reported and entered into the FLHSMV system, the car accident stays on your record in Florida for the designated period.
You can challenge errors on your driving record. If the crash report has incorrect information, like the wrong driver’s name or wrong damage amounts, you can ask the law enforcement agency that wrote the report to correct it.
If a citation was issued in connection with the accident, you may be eligible to attend a Basic Driver Improvement course. Completing the course can prevent points from being added to your license, which limits the impact on your insurance rates.
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Can a Car Accident on Your Record Affect a Personal Injury Claim?
Insurance companies and defense attorneys will carefully examine your driving history when you make a personal injury claim. In Florida, the rules generally prevent them from showing past tickets to a jury to prove you are a reckless driver.
However, insurance adjusters may still use a bad driving record to try to reduce your settlement offer during negotiations outside of court. Your attorney can push back and advocate for your compensation.
Your driving record is not the only factor in a claim, but it is one that opposing parties will review. Having an attorney who understands how Florida courts treat driving history can make a difference in how your case is presented.
Get Help With Your Car Accident Claim
A car accident can stay on your driving record in Florida for several years. The length of time depends on the circumstances of the accident. Less serious incidents often remain on a record for about three years.
If you have been in a car accident, your auto insurance may cover your damages. In some cases, you may be able to hold the other driver liable for your damages. Our attorneys can help you understand Florida’s No-Fault system and seek maximum compensation.
GOLDLAW has recovered more than $1 billion for injured accident victims. Call today for your free consultation. Get GOLDLAW and get the help you need and compensation you deserve.
