How long do you have to report a car accident in Florida?
Time is of the essence when you have to report a car accident in the State of Florida. It is important that you understand the law after getting involved in a car accident, especially when you have suffered bodily injury.
If you or someone you know were involved in a car accident, then you should meet the requirements of reporting the accident before it is too late. You could be entitled to compensation for injuries, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more by filing an insurance claim.
At The Law Place, we have over seventy-five years of combined experience and knowledge in helping clients who need to report a car accident in the State of Florida. Our law firm has an in-depth understanding of car accident cases, and we can help to guide you through the legal system.
If you are seeking legal counsel after a car accident, then you should reach out to a car accident lawyer now. Our phone lines are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week so that we can be there in your time of need.
Contact The Law Place on (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation today.
Seeking the assistance of a Florida car accident attorney is crucial for navigating the complexities of the legal system and ensuring your rights are protected after a car accident in Florida.
The Types of Accidents That You Have to Report
You have a responsibility to report a car accident when they meet one of the following requirements:
- $500 in property damage.
- Any injuries.
- Complaints of pain or discomfort.
- A death.
- A vehicle that needed to be towed from the scene of the accident.
- One of the drivers was operating a commercial vehicle.
- One of the drivers was drunk, in which case the accident must be reported to the local police department.
If you fail to report a car accident involving any of the above factors, then you will receive a ticket for a traffic violation in the State of Florida.
The Time That You Have to Report a Car Accident
The State of Florida gives you up to 10 days to report a car accident. It is always best to report the car accident while you are still at the scene. However, if you or anyone else was injured or taken to the hospital, then you should put your health and the health of other people first. Once you have received medical assistance, then you should report the accident as soon as possible.
The law also states that you have up to 14 days to seek medical assistance following a car accident under the personal injury protection (PIP) insurance rule in the State of Florida. If you wait longer than 14 days before you go to the hospital, then you will be denied by your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance.
We highly recommend that you seek medical care immediately after a car crash. It will also make it easier for you to obtain compensation from your own insurance coverage and possibly the other driver’s insurance company too.
You can find more about personal injury protection (PIP) insurance laws in Florida Statute 627.736. Additionally, the Florida Highway Patrol is one of the authorities to which the accident can be reported within the 10-day window.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day. What Is Included in a Long Form Traffic Crash Report?
The Florida Traffic Crash Report (Long Form) will inform you of the basic facts of a car accident, including:
- The detail of when and where the car accident occurred.
- The description of the motor vehicles involved in the car accident.
- The names and contact details of the drivers and passengers involved.
- The names and contact details of the people who witnessed the car accident.
- The names and badge numbers of the police officers who investigated the car accident.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience The Short Form Traffic Crash Report
If a car accident does not meet the criteria of a Long Form Traffic Crash Report, then you will have to fill out the short form version. In addition, the law enforcement officer at the scene of the car accident might also give each driver an exchange of information form to fill.
Information Included in the Short Form Report
- The detail of when and where the car accident occurred.
- The description of the motor vehicles involved in the car accident.
- The names and contact details of the drivers and passengers involved.
- The names and contact details of the people who witnessed the car accident.
- The names and badge numbers of the police officers who investigated the car accident.
- The insurance company information for each party involved in the car accident.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers. Crash Reports Are Available Immediately
The parties involved in the car accident can obtain the police report immediately in the State of Florida. The police report is also available to:
- The legal counsel.
- The insurance claim agents.
- The law enforcement agency.
- The Department of Transportation.
- The victim service program.
- A number of media outlets (newspapers, radio stations, and television stations).
If you wish to obtain the crash report, then a person has to provide a photo ID and write a statement that declares the information will not be used for solicitation in a commercial setting.
Hiring a Lawyer to Handle Your Car Accident
A car accident will probably result in dealing with a number of injuries and expenses which you will not be able to handle on your own. In this case, it is important to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer dedicated to car accident cases to support you during this difficult time. A personal injury lawyer from The Law Place will be prepared to:
- Investigate your car accident.
- Assign value to your losses.
- Negotiate with the insurance company for a high settlement.
- Answer all of your questions and explain the personal injury claims process to you.
- Explain your legal options.
- File your paperwork.
- Be ready to take your case to court if necessary.
- Help you to file your claim within the statute of limitations.
- Collect evidence that supports your case.
What to Do After a Car Accident in the State of Florida
It is important that you know what to do after a car accident in the State of Florida. Our law firm suggests that you follow these steps:
- Move to Safety – If you are facing danger, then quickly step to the side of the road.
- Check For Injuries – If you or someone else sustained an injury, then you should use your phone to call an ambulance.
- Call the Police – You should call the police immediately to the scene of the accident under Florida Statute 316.062. When a police officer arrives at the scene, they will make a police report.
- Collect Evidence – If you are feeling stable, then you should use your phone to take photographs and videos of the car accident, location, road marks, property damage, injuries, and more.
- Go to the Hospital – You should get a check-up at the hospital after a car accident immediately, even if you feel like you did not suffer an injury. A medical report will also benefit your claim and help to prove fault later.
- Insurance Company – You only have a limited amount of time to inform your insurance company of a car accident. If you do not feel like speaking to your insurance company, then you can always ask your car accident lawyer to speak to them instead. Remember not to share the intimate details of the car accident because insurance companies will use the information against you as a way to pay you less compensation.
- Hire a Car Accident Lawyer – A car accident lawyer from The Law Place will offer you a free consultation and discuss the facts of your case in the State of Florida. They will be your strongest advocate when it comes to pursuing compensation following a car accident.
Understanding and adhering to Florida law is crucial in guiding the steps one should take immediately following a car accident.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident? FAQ
How soon should I report an auto accident to my insurance provider?
It’s recommended to report accidents to your insurance agent or auto insurance company as soon as possible, typically within 24 to 72 hours. Prompt reporting is crucial for the car insurance claim process and ensures that your insurance provider has all the necessary information to begin the claims process.
What information is needed when reporting a car accident?
When you report an accident, be prepared to provide your insurance carrier with details about the incident, including the date, time, location, a description of what happened, the other driver’s information, and any personal injuries or medical expenses incurred. This information will be used to file a car accident insurance claim and initiate the claim process.
Is there a legal requirement to file an accident report?
Yes, in many jurisdictions, you are required to file a police report or an accident report, especially if the auto accident involves bodily injury, significant property damage, or if the at-fault driver leaves the scene. Police reports are an essential part of the car accident report and can be crucial in the claims process and any legal proceedings.
What if the other driver was at fault?
Even if the other driver is at fault, you should still report the accident to your own insurance provider. However, the at-fault driver’s insurance company should also be notified of the incident. This is part of the car insurance claims process and is important for ensuring that all parties involved are aware of the accident and can begin their respective claims processes.
When should I contact a car accident attorney?
It’s advisable to contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide guidance on the claims process, help you understand your auto insurance policy, and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
What are the consequences of not reporting an auto accident?
Failing to report an auto accident to your insurance provider or the proper authorities can result in complications with your car insurance claim, potential legal penalties, and could jeopardize your ability to receive compensation for personal injuries and medical expenses.
How do I handle communication with my insurance company?
After reporting the accident to your insurance provider, they will likely assign an insurance agent to handle your case. It’s important to communicate openly with your agent but be mindful of the information you provide. Your personal injury attorney can offer advice on how to interact with your insurance company and help manage communications to protect your interests.
What should I do if I have already incurred medical expenses?
If you have already incurred medical expenses due to the accident, make sure to keep all receipts and records of your expenses. These documents should be submitted as part of your car accident claim to ensure that you are compensated for your costs. Your personal injury attorney can assist in compiling and presenting this information to your insurance provider.
Contact The Law Place Today
In the aftermath of a Florida car accident, securing legal representation is crucial to navigate the complexities of your case. If you were involved in a car accident and you are wondering how long you have to report it, then you should get in touch with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. It is important that you understand your rights following a crash so that you can make the right moves to protect yourself.
At The Law Place, we have over seventy-five years of collective experience when it comes to working under traffic law in the State of Florida. Our law firm has successfully managed hundreds of car accident cases over the years, and we want to help you to pursue compensation.
If you have questions or concerns regarding a car accident, then you are free to call us now. Our phone lines are open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Contact The Law Place on (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation today.
