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How and When to Report a Car Accident to the Police in Florida

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person reporting a car accident to their insurance

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. 

Read Our Reviews

Schrier Law Group is rated 5 out of 5.0 stars based on 22 review(s).

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My name is David and I’ve been represented by mr. Schrier law firm twice in my life and I got nothing more then good things to say about them they are very professional and they really Take their clients I really recommend them every time I called them they were always there for me especially the attorney he’s very professional and he got me the money did I deserve by representing me and fighting for me I will use their services again them no questions asked if I ever need them to me they are the best God bless them all

David Cuello

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The firm is super professional and handled my husbands vas amazingly. I should refer them to some in need of an attitude.

Isabel Sabrina De Ramirez

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The Schrier Law Group are hands down the best and should be your go to for all your legal troubles. They are such professionals; efficient, persistent and don’t take no for an answer. Thank you so much Chatriece, Geissie, Paul & everyone at Schrier Law Group for your patience and making my win possible!

Marika Ford

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Shrier Law Group extremely thorough. A really caring Law Firm. My previous lawyer sat on my case for 2 years did nothing with it by chance came across Mr Paul schreier firm and explaining my case he noticed I was not hopeful but he was able to encoirage me and was able to resolve my case within a year I'm so grateful for Mr Paul Schrier and Mrs Chatrice. They go above and beyond. 20⭐

West Jean

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I must say that Mr. Schrier was there when we needed immediate advice after my wife got rear-ended by an unlicensed speeding lunatic. We called a handful of attorneys in our area, but after waiting 2- 5 days they would drop her case. We found Mr Schrier online and he explained the pros/cons and he took the case. We waited patiently, and in time he was able to tracked down the actual owners of the car and get their auto insurance info!

Gerard Avalos

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The firm pays close attention to locating every possible insurer liable for my injuries. They return my calls in 24-48 hours. Friendly staff who care.

Mr K

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Attention to detail with the different insurance coverages. Returned my phone calls, which is very important.

David Kuczenski

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Mr. Paul Schrier is by far the best attorney for the job! He is very responsive, knowledgeable, and very efficient. Despite my very busy schedule, he kept me informed throughout the process. I am very please with the outcome of my case. The customer service I received from the entire team has been amazing! Thank you all so much!

Ms. Jean

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Not only did I get a phenomenal attorney to represent me in my case, but I also got a step by step education on how the legal process actually worked. I was encouraged to ask questions and be an informed client. I was never treated like a case. I truly felt like the advice and recommendations he gave to me would have been the same he would have pursued if he were the client. That was important to me. I needed to work with an attorney I could trust with my best interest in mind...and that is what I got with Paul Schrier.

Juan Rodriquez

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I was involved in an auto accident in January 2016. We decided to contact Paul K. Schrier, PLLC for legal advice. He never got annoyed with me calling to ask questions, which was quite often. We have finally reached the final stages of this case, which they handled very well, and have come to a settlement. I highly recommend the Florida personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Paul K. Schrier, PLLC, especially Paul K. Schrier to any one who needs a personal injury attorney. Thank you very much Paul for everything you have done do me.

Martin Tyler

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I called to ask some question about a car accident I was in. I spoke to Paul who was very helpful, honest and professional. It seems that he really care about clients. I appreciate all that Paul did and would certainly recommend to anyone who needs an attorney.

Mark Anderson

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Best attorney around , I went through a lot of different ones before finding his law firm very professional and they make sure you get paid what you deserve, highly recommend.

Braulio Duran

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Thank Paul for everything your personal injury law firm has done for my case as well as my daughter. Thanks for all the hard work and attention. Thanks again!

Maria Jaz

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This is one of the best law office in Miami come in and check them out great people

Rowdy Martinez

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Best attorney in South Florida

Fefe Alex

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Was a wonderful experience getting through a tough process!

Edward Pawley

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Both my wife and I feel grateful for the treatment and the professionalism of the staff. Maritza is great doing her job. It is the second time that I request your services and we are pleased and grateful. Many blessings to this Law Firm

Reynier Perez

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Awesome wonderful patient Intelligent thoughtful Paul is the best

Theresa Caprice Caprioli

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Thank you so much for going above and beyond what I had ever anticipated. It was truly a pleasure to work with you all, especially Chatrice. I will most definitely refer The Schrier Law Group to my family and friends.

Cat Breen

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The Schrier LG is an excellent firm! They accepted my case, provided me with all the procedural information, maintained a high level of professionalism while showing kindness and care. The doctor's office that they suggested is another group of kind and considerate individuals, dedicated to my full recovery. I would recommend the Schrier Group to friends, just as they were recommended to me. I am happy with my settlement and very pleased with the attention and diligence of the group as a whole. Thank you again!

Michaela Davis

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Schrier Law Group is the best.

Chatrice Telfort

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Great job! I loved working with Paul.

Paige