What to do after a car accident in Florida

GWR Insurance Group, a Gainesville, Florida insurance agency (License L136942), wrote this checklist so Florida drivers know their duties after a crash. It is general information, not legal advice.

Short answer: stop and stay at the scene, help anyone who is hurt, call police when the law requires it, exchange information, get medical care within 14 days to protect your PIP benefits, and notify your insurer promptly.

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What should I do at the scene?

Stop at or as close to the scene as possible and stay until you have exchanged information (section 316.061).
Give your name, address and vehicle registration number, and show your license if asked, to the other driver and to any officer (section 316.062).
Help anyone who is injured get medical treatment, including calling for help (section 316.062).
In a property-damage-only crash, make every reasonable effort to move a vehicle that is blocking traffic (section 316.061).
Give the officer proof of insurance (section 316.066).

When do I have to call the police?

Section 316.065, Florida Statutes, requires the driver to notify police immediately after certain crashes, including any crash where someone is hurt or killed. Call the police if anyone is hurt or there is real damage to a vehicle or other property. If you are unsure, call. Inside a city, call the local police department; otherwise call the county sheriff or the Florida Highway Patrol.

What is Florida's 14-day PIP rule?

Section 627.736 makes PIP medical benefits available only if the injured person gets initial services and care within 14 days after the crash. If a qualified provider finds an emergency medical condition, PIP can pay up to the $10,000 limit; if not, medical benefits are limited to $2,500. Get checked promptly, even if you feel fine.

Do I have to file a crash report myself?

If a crash damaged a vehicle or other property and law enforcement did not need to make a report, the driver must send a written report to FLHSMV within 10 days (section 316.066). FLHSMV offers a Driver Report of Traffic Crash (Self Report) on its crash reports page.

When should I contact my insurance agent?

As soon as you safely can. Florida law lets insurers require written notice as soon as practicable after a crash. FLHSMV also cautions that signing a release with the other driver after your insurer has paid you can make you liable for money the insurer paid, so talk to your insurer before you sign anything.

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Common questions

How long do I have to see a doctor after a car accident in Florida? To use PIP medical benefits, get initial treatment within 14 days after the crash, under section 627.736, Florida Statutes.

Do I have to report a minor fender bender in Florida? Call the police if anyone is hurt or there is real damage; if you are unsure, call. If law enforcement does not make a report for a crash with property damage, file a written report with FLHSMV within 10 days.

Can I move my car after an accident in Florida? In a property-damage-only crash, Florida law requires you to make every reasonable effort to move a vehicle that is blocking traffic. Stay at the scene until you have exchanged information.

Sources: Florida Statutes §316.061 (stopping at a crash) · Florida Statutes §316.062 (duty to give information and render aid) · Florida Statutes §316.065 (notifying police of a crash) · Florida Statutes §316.066 (written crash reports) · Florida Statutes §627.736 (PIP benefits) · FLHSMV: Involved in a Crash? · FLHSMV: Traffic Crash Reports