Florida accident reporting requirements ensure law enforcement authorities and insurers get involved in the post-accident process when necessary. You must report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage that renders a vehicle inoperable. You generally have ten days to report such an accident.
Even if the law does not require you to report an accident, it is generally smart to do so. Reporting a Florida car accident lawyer sets the stage for any insurance claim or lawsuit you may pursue and protects you from any criminal penalties for failing to report the collision.
Accidents in Florida that You Must Report
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) explains that you must report an accident to law enforcement officers if:
- One or more bodily injuries result from the collision
- One or more deaths result from the collision
- A motorist leaves the accident scene in a manner that qualifies as a hit and run
- A motorist involved in the accident appears intoxicated or otherwise impaired
- The accident involves a commercial motor vehicle
- The crash causes more than $500 in vehicle damage
If you have any doubt about whether you need to report an accident, it may be wise to call law enforcement.
Why Is It Important to Report Car Accidents
Reporting an accident in Florida serves several purposes, as it:
- Provides concrete evidence that the accident happened
- Allows you to provide details of the accident while your recollection is fresh (though you should consider hiring a personal injury lawyer before giving any recorded statements)
- Allows the insurance companies to start the claims process immediately
- Allows law enforcement officers to make an official accident record about the collision
Reporting the accident is often just the first step in securing fair compensation for accident-related damages, but it is a crucial step.
You May Also Need to Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
If you want to receive fair compensation for accident-related losses, you may need to:
- Report the traffic accident to your insurance provider, so you can take advantage of your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage
- File a third-party claim with an at-fault motorist’s insurance provider if you suffered serious injuries that go beyond the limits of your PIP insurance
Insurance companies often have time limits for reporting property damage, medical expenses, and other covered losses. Just as you should not wait to report your accident to law enforcement, you should also not delay reporting your accident to insurance providers.
Take Steps to Protect Yourself Before, During, and After the Accident Reporting Process
Law enforcement agencies generally must submit a Florida Traffic Crash Report, while insurance providers must be aware of your accident to start the claims process. This means you should notify both law enforcement and insurers after your collision, but you should not make such reports without protecting yourself.
You can avoid potentially costly mistakes as you report your accident by:
- Recognizing others’ agendas: You must recognize that insurance adjusters, at-fault parties, and others involved in the post-accident process may have goals and agendas that differ from yours. They may aim to pay you as little compensation as possible to protect their interests.
- Waiting to give recorded statements: The insurance company may use a recorded statement against you during the claims process and any related lawsuit. If you give a statement while you are not in your right mind or without protection from a personal injury attorney, you could make a costly mistake.
- Hiring a lawyer as soon as possible: A Florida car accident attorney can lead your case for compensation. They will also protect you from any rights violations that might undermine your compensation claim. It may be in your best interest to hire a lawyer as soon as possible.
Your motor vehicle accident attorney will deal with insurers, help you make official statements, and assist in many other ways. Not only will they protect you, but they will also fight to secure all the financial compensation you are entitled to.
What Can Happen If I don’t Protect Myself When Reporting a Traffic Accident?
If you do not retain an auto accident attorney and exercise caution when reporting an accident (or dealing with the steps that occur after reporting), you may:
- Say or do something that negatively affects your case
- Fail to report injuries or take other time-sensitive steps necessary to secure a fair financial recovery
- Accept a lowball settlement offer without realizing the offer is unfair
- Fail to secure all the compensation you deserve, for one reason or another
Our legal team has decades of experience helping accident victims secure fair financial recoveries. We will immediately protect you and work to secure the settlement or judgment you are entitled to.
Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Traffic Accident in Florida?
You may benefit from hiring a Florida car accident lawyer from our personal injury law firm if:
- You have injuries that prevent you from handling the demands of your case.
- You recognize that a lawyer’s experience and legal knowledge can be valuable.
- You do not have the negotiating experience to calculate your damages confidently or secure fair compensation from insurance companies.
- You want someone to protect your rights and handle every step of your case.
Your legal counsel will handle every aspect of your case. From securing evidence to calculating a case value and negotiating a settlement, we will take your personal injury claim off your hands. We can also file a lawsuit if you choose to do so.
Recoverable Damages in Your Florida Auto Accident Case
Our motor vehicle crash attorneys will calculate and seek compensation for all your accident-related damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental health treatment costs
- Lost income
- Diminished earning power
- The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged property
- The cost of temporary transportation
Your damages are unique to you, and they may be expensive. Allow a personal injury attorney from our team to value your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call Ged Lawyers Today for Your Free Car Accident Case Consultation
Our legal professionals are always available to speak with car crash victims. We have several lawyers on staff and offices throughout Florida. Our law firm has a reputation for getting results, and we spare no expense or resource when seeking justice for victims of negligence.
Contact Ged Lawyers today for your free consultation about hiring a Florida car accident lawyer. There are no costs or risks when you call, so don’t wait.
