Steps to Take After an Auto Accident in Florida

Florida sees approximately 400,000 traffic crashes each year, making a car accident in Florida a common and often life-altering event. 

Knowing what to do after a car accident in Florida can protect your health, your rights, and your financial future. From reporting the crash to your insurer to exploring an auto accident lawsuit, each action you take in the aftermath can significantly impact your recovery. 

With the guidance of experienced Florida auto accident attorneys, you can navigate insurance claims, avoid critical missteps, and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. At The Morgan Law Group, our dedicated auto accident attorneys stand ready to help victims every step of the way.

1. Ensure Safety 

Immediately after an auto accident, prioritize safety:

• If it’s safe, pull your vehicles to the shoulder or a nearby parking area.
• Administer basic first aid if you’re trained, and call for medical help if anyone is seriously hurt.
• Turn on hazard lights to warn other drivers.

Taking these precautions helps prevent secondary collisions and ensures that any injuries (visible or hidden) are promptly identified and treated. Remember, symptoms of internal injuries or concussions can appear hours or even days later.

2. Call 911 and Report the Crash

Dial 911 to request police and, if necessary, emergency medical services. 

A police report is a critical piece of evidence for insurance claims and potential lawsuits:

• Officers will document the scene, note skid marks, road conditions, and vehicle damage.
• The police report includes witness statements and a diagram of the collision, strengthening your case if liability disputes arise.

Failing to report the car accident can jeopardize your insurance claim and obscure fault determination. Prompt reporting is one of the most important steps to take after a car accident in Florida.

3. Document the Accident Scene

Accurate documentation preserves the facts:

• Photograph all vehicles involved, focusing on damage, license plates, and surrounding road conditions.
• Capture your injuries, including bruises or cuts, with time stamped images.
• Note environmental factors, like weather, traffic signals, and signage.

These photographs and notes serve as crucial evidence later. The more comprehensive your documentation, the harder it is for an insurer or opposing party to dispute your account.

4. Exchange Information with Other Drivers

Under Florida law, you must exchange basic information with all involved parties:

• Names, addresses, and phone numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• Insurance company names and policy numbers
• Vehicle make, model, and license plate

Do not admit fault or speculate about how the accident happened. Even an innocent apology can be construed as an admission of liability and undermine your claim. Staying factual and concise protects your interests.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company 

One of the most critical mistakes to avoid after a car accident in Florida is delaying your insurer notification:

• Report the crash “as soon as practicable,” typically within 24 hours.
• Provide only basic facts, such as date, time, location, and a neutral description of what occurred.
• Avoid signing any waiver or release before you fully understand its impact.

Early notification triggers your PIP (Personal Injury Protection) benefits, which cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. A delay can result in denied benefits or reduced compensation.

6. Seek Medical Attention

Florida’s PIP coverage mandates up to $10,000 in immediate benefits, but you must seek medical care within 14 days of the accident to qualify. 

Even if you feel fine:

• Visit an urgent care or your primary physician for a full evaluation.
• Follow all prescribed treatment plans and attend follow-up appointments.
• Keep detailed records of all medical visits, diagnoses, and bills.

Prompt medical attention not only safeguards your health but also establishes a clear link between your accident and any injuries, bolstering your claim.

7. Preserve Evidence and Maintain Records

Building a strong auto accident claim requires meticulous record-keeping:

• Save medical bills, diagnostic reports, and receipts for related expenses.
• Retain vehicle repair estimates and towing invoices.
• Catalog correspondence with the insurance adjuster, including emails and letters.
• Protect any physical evidence, such as damaged clothing or car parts.

These records form the backbone of your claim and can make the difference between full compensation and a lowball settlement.

8. Consult a Florida Auto Accident Attorney

Even if your injuries seem minor, consulting experienced accident attorneys in Florida, like The Morgan Law Group, early can help protect your rights:

• We handle negotiations with insurers, preventing you from making unintentional concessions.
• We assess whether you may pursue a third-party liability claim or an auto accident lawsuit for damages beyond PIP limits.
• We advise you on how to protect your rights after an auto accident in Florida, ensuring that deadlines and procedural requirements, like the statute of limitations, are met.

Early legal guidance can streamline the claims process and maximize your recovery.

9. Evaluate Pursuing an Auto Accident Lawsuit

If your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs exceed your PIP and other insurance coverages, you may need to file a third-party claim or lawsuit:

• Florida law allows you to step outside the no-fault system if you suffer “serious injury,” such as permanent scarring, significant loss of bodily function, or death.
• A lawsuit can recover additional compensation for noneconomic damages like emotional distress and reduced quality of life.
• Your auto accident attorney will gather expert testimony, accident reconstruction data, and comprehensive medical records to build a persuasive case.

Knowing what to do after a car accident in Florida includes recognizing when to transition from an insurance claim to litigation.

Let an Auto Accident Attorney in Florida Guide You After the Accident

A Florida auto accident claim can be complex and overwhelming. From immediate safety steps to preserving critical evidence, each decision affects your financial recovery. 

The Morgan Law Group’s seasoned Florida auto accident attorneys understand the auto accident laws, insurance tactics, and litigation strategies needed to secure maximum compensation. 

Call us today or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation. Learn how we can protect your rights and guide you toward the justice you deserve.