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

Nobody plans to need this article. But if you're reading it in a parking lot with your hazards on, here is exactly what to do, in order, and why each step matters under Florida law.

1. Get Safe, Then Call 911

Move out of traffic if you can do so safely. Call 911 even for a "minor" crash. A police crash report creates an official record of the date, location, parties, insurance, and initial statements. Cases without one start at a disadvantage that never fully goes away.

2. Say Less Than You Think You Should

Be polite, exchange information, cooperate with the officer. But don't apologize, don't speculate about fault, and don't announce that you're fine. Florida reduces recoveries by your percentage of fault under section 768.81, Florida Statutes, and casual roadside comments have a way of reappearing in claim files with new meaning.

3. Photograph Like It's Evidence, Because It Is

Vehicles from multiple angles before they're moved if it's safe. The whole scene: skid marks, debris, traffic signals, sight lines, weather. The other driver's license, tag, and insurance card. Witnesses' names and phone numbers. Two minutes of photos routinely outweigh two hours of dueling testimony a year later.

4. See a Doctor Within 14 Days. This One Is Not Optional.

Florida's no-fault law, section 627.736, Florida Statutes, pays PIP medical benefits only if you receive initial services within 14 days of the accident. Miss the window and the coverage you've been paying premiums for simply doesn't apply. There's more: unless a qualifying medical professional determines you had an emergency medical condition, benefits are capped at $2,500 rather than $10,000. Soreness that "will probably go away" is exactly how people end up outside both the 14 days and the emergency-condition determination. Get evaluated.

5. Notify Your Own Insurer, Carefully

Your policy requires prompt notice, and PIP is your own coverage, so report the crash to your insurer. But when the other driver's insurance company calls asking for a recorded statement, you are under no obligation to give one, and you shouldn't before getting legal advice. Their adjuster's job is to minimize what their company pays. That is the whole job.

6. Know Your Real Deadlines

Under section 95.11(5)(a), Florida Statutes, negligence lawsuits generally must be filed within two years of the accident. That's the courthouse deadline. The practical deadlines are earlier: vehicles get repaired, event data gets overwritten, camera footage cycles out, witnesses scatter. The strongest cases are built in the first weeks, not the last ones.

7. Don't Sign, Don't Settle, Until You Understand the Claim

Early settlement offers are priced on the hope that you don't yet know the extent of your injuries or your coverage. Once you sign a release, the claim is done. Before you take anything, understand your medical picture, your PIP status, the at-fault driver's coverage, and whether your own UM/UIM coverage applies. That's one conversation with an attorney, and in our office that conversation is free.

If you were hurt in a crash anywhere in South Florida, our car accident practice page explains how we handle these cases, or reach out directly. Consultations are free, in English or Spanish, and injury cases are contingency fee: no attorney's fee unless we recover for you.

This article is general legal information, not legal advice about your specific situation. Statutory references are to the Florida Statutes as published at the time of writing.