Are you required to report every car accident in Florida to the Police? If so, when and how do you report a collision? In this article, you will learn the answers to both of these questions and more. Generally, Florida car accident laws set strict standards for when and how drivers are required to report accidents.
Neglecting to follow legally obligated reporting requirements can result in criminal charges (depending on the circumstances) and a significantly weakened personal injury case.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident involving significant injuries or damages, it’s in your best interest to report the collision as soon as possible. Your next step should be to contact the best Florida car accident lawyer for your circumstances.
At Schrier Law Group, our car accident lawyers are experienced, skilled, and aggressive. If you’ve suffered injuries due to the negligence or recklessness of another driver, we’re here to help you recover maximum compensation for your damages.
Contact us today at 1-800-831-2407 for your free case evaluation. Continue reading to learn more about how and when to report a car accident to the police in Florida.
How Long Do You Have to Report An Accident To The Police in Florida?
Under most circumstances, you have up to 10 days to file a car accident report in Florida. However, if the police are called to the scene of the accident, they will file the report for you. Generally, you are required to file a police report under the following circumstances:
- Serious bodily injury occurs to passengers, drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, etc.
- Death occurs due to the accident
- The accident causes property damage in excess of $500
While these are the minimum requirements for mandatory police reporting, your car accident lawyer may still advise you to file a report even if there are little to no initially apparent injuries or damages.
It can sometimes be difficult to immediately assess the effect of certain injuries like whiplash, back injuries, head trauma, etc. Filing a police report protects you in case you need to file a personal injury claim days, weeks, or months after the accident.
How to Report a Car Accident in Florida
There are two ways to report a car accident in Florida. You can call the police to the scene or go to the nearest police station or highway patrol station to file the claim in person. If you are too injured to file a report, you can wait until you have the ability to do so.
However, Florida car accident laws stipulate that you file a report as soon as you’re physically able. Additionally, it’s always good to report the accident to your insurance company, even if it was a minor fender bender. Failure to report your accident to your insurer within the timeframe stipulated in your policy could lead to them denying future claims resulting from the accident.
Do You Have to Call The Police After a Minor Car Accident?
Technically, no. You are not required to call the police after a minor car accident that doesn’t cause injury, death, or property damage above $500.
However, it’s recommended to file a police report regardless of whether it was a minor or major accident in most cases. Doing so will help to protect against criminal liability and strengthen potential personal injury cases.
What Happens if You Don’t Report An Accident in Florida?
Generally, if you don’t report a car accident in Florida, you may face fines. However, if you leave the scene of an accident that causes injury, death, or property damage above the threshold, you can be held criminally liable. Criminal hit-and-run charges can result in jail time, fines, probation, lost driving privileges, and more.
Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident caused by the recklessness or negligence of another driver, reporting the accident to the police is one of the first steps you should take. Another critical step is to contact an experienced car accident lawyer in Florida.
Our car accident attorneys at Schrier Law Group can help you:
- Investigate your case and determine liability
- Negotiate with insurance providers
- Identify and interview eyewitnesses
- Connect with expert witnesses
- Seek maximum compensation for your damages
Don’t wait until it’s too late to file a Florida car accident personal injury claim. Contact Schrier Law Group today for your free case evaluation with a top car accident lawyer in Florida.
