Spiral SearchWhat to Do After a Car Accident in Florida: Reporting Rules
When to call the police, when you must file your own report, and what to exchange at the scene.
If anyone is hurt, call 911 first. Move vehicles out of traffic only if it is safe and the crash is minor.
Rules and fees change. Spiral Search is an independent directory and is not a government agency. Confirm current requirements with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) or your county tax collector before you go.
This is general information and not legal advice. For help with insurance or a lawsuit, talk to a licensed attorney.
At the scene
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt or if a vehicle cannot be moved.
- Turn on hazard lights and move to a safe place if you can.
- Call the police for any crash that involves injuries, a tow truck, an impaired driver, a hit-and-run, or damage that appears significant.
- Exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, driver license numbers, license plates and insurance information.
- Take photos of the vehicles, plates, damage, the scene and any visible injuries.
- Get names and numbers of witnesses.
- Do not admit fault. Stick to the facts.
When you must file your own report
If law enforcement does not file a report, Florida law requires drivers involved in the crash to submit their own written report to the Department (FLHSMV) within ten days of the crash. The online Driver Report of Traffic Crash form may be used only if:
- Damage is under $500.
- No one was injured.
- No tow truck was needed.
- No impaired driver was involved.
- It was not a hit-and-run (all vehicles were occupied).
More serious crashes involve law enforcement automatically.
Afterwards
- Notify your insurance company promptly.
- Seek medical care even if you feel fine, because some injuries show up later.
- Keep records: report number, photos, medical bills and repair estimates.
Helping at someone else's crash? See what to do when you assist victims.