In order to report a car accident in Florida, you should notify the appropriate law enforcement agency. If the crash occurred within a municipality, contact the local police department. If it occurred outside a municipality, contact the county sheriff’s office or the nearest FHP office.
Florida law requires you to report the crash immediately and by the fastest means of communication. When you report the accident, be prepared to provide basic information about what happened and identify the vehicles and people involved.
If you have been injured in the crash, reach out to our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers at GOLDLAW Personal Injury Lawyers. We’ve recovered more than $1 billion for our clients. Call for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help with a car accident case.
When Should You Report a Car Accident in Florida?
Florida law requires a driver to immediately notify the appropriate law enforcement agency when a crash causes an injury or death, or when property damage appears to be at least $500. Within a municipality, that generally means the local police department.
The safest approach after a significant collision is to contact law enforcement from the scene. An officer can investigate what happened and prepare an official crash report. That report can later become an important source of information about the circumstances of the collision.
Contact law enforcement if you are unsure whether your particular crash requires a report. Our team can also help you understand your rights and obligations. Get GOLDLAW and get the help you need and the compensation you deserve.
For a free legal consultation, call 561-222-2222
What Information Will You Need When You Report a Car Accident?
When you report a crash, give law enforcement the basic facts you know. Be ready to provide the date and approximate time of the collision, the exact location, and the names and contact information of the drivers involved. Witness information is helpful if you have it.
Your driver’s license and insurance information may also be requested. Explain what happened in your own words without guessing about details you cannot remember. If you are unsure about the other vehicle’s speed or the exact distance between the vehicles, say that.
You do not need to determine fault for the officer. Your job is to give an accurate account of what you observed. When speaking with an insurance adjuster, be equally careful. Speak with our team at GOLDLAW before giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer.
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To Whom Should You Report a Car Accident in Florida?
Where you report your car accident depends on the circumstances of your crash. GOLDLAW can help you understand how to report a car accident.
- If your collision occurred within a municipality, you should report it to the local police department.
- If your crash occurred outside a municipality, you can report it to the county sheriff’s office.
- If the Florida Highway Patrol has jurisdiction over the roadway where your crash occurred, you can contact the appropriate office or make a report online after the fact.
The investigating agency will document the collision and prepare the appropriate crash report. You can ask the department how to get a police report for a car accident in Florida once it becomes available.
Call or text 561-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
How Do You File a Florida Driver Self-Report After a Minor Crash?
If your crash did not require a law enforcement report, Florida law provides for a Driver Report of Traffic Crash to be submitted to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within 10 days. The state provides a form for this purpose.
The self-report is particularly important when you discover afterward that no law enforcement agency created a crash report. Keep a copy of everything you submit. The state form itself instructs drivers to retain a copy for their records and insurance purposes.
Do not confuse this self-report with a police report. A driver self-report documents the crash for the state’s records; it does not mean that an officer investigated the collision or made a finding about fault. Talk to GOLDLAW to better understand how to report a car accident in Florida.
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What Should You Do If You Never Called Police After a Crash?
If you never contacted police, the sheriff, or FHP, do not assume that it is too late to address the problem. Start by determining where the crash occurred and whether anyone actually reported it. Then find out whether the circumstances require a law enforcement report.
If you were physically unable to report the crash because of your injuries, Florida law provides specific rules for that situation. A driver who is physically incapable of making a required report is not required to do so during the period of incapacity.
The most important thing is to avoid letting uncertainty cause you to ignore the issue. If you were injured, it’s a good idea to consult with an attorney. Speak with our team at GOLDLAW if you need a lawyer after a car accident.
Get the Help You Need After a Car Accident in Florida
To report a car accident in Florida, you need to inform the relevant law enforcement agency. If the incident took place within city limits, reach out to the local police department. If it happened outside of a municipality, get in touch with the county sheriff’s office or the closest FHP office.
If you have been hurt in a car accident, GOLDLAW can help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Call today for your free consultation.
