Do You Have to Report a Florida Car Accident?
The state of Florida reports hundreds of thousands of car accidents every year, and these incidents produce death and injuries for those who are involved. Just in 2023 alone, there were just under 400,000 Florida car accidents. As many as 3,378 people died in these traffic accidents, and 252,282 people were injured.
Tens of thousands of crashes take place annually in Tampa, Florida. There are many reasons why accidents happen, and the severity of the injuries and damages that result after an accident can vary. Despite this, there are certain things that individuals who are involved in an accident should know so that they can ensure that they are following the laws and also taking the right steps to protect their legal rights.
A Tampa car accident attorney at Fulgencio Law can review your car accident experience and advise you on how to move forward with the claims process and get the total compensation you are owed.
Reporting a Florida Car Accident
If you are able, you should take certain actions after a car accident, such as checking to see if anyone needs medical attention, calling the police, taking pictures of the accident scene, exchanging information with others involved, and more. It can be confusing to know exactly what to do after a crash, and in the immediate aftermath, it may be hard to think logically or clearly.
However, when an accident results in any of the following, Florida car accident reporting laws say that an accident must be reported:
- Injuries to anyone involved
- Death
- A commercial vehicle was involved
- The property damages exceed $500
- When a vehicle must be towed
- The accident was a hit-and-run
- The accident involved a drunk driver
These conditions under which an accident must be reported cover many car accident situations. So, being in a crash where a report is required is very likely. There is a limited time to report under the law. Florida allows for only 10 days after your car accident to file a report with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, or if an officer comes to the scene, then a report can be filed with law enforcement.
A report will document the essential information about how a crash happened, who was involved, where it took place, and at what time. It is important to know that if you intend to file an injury claim for compensation, filing a Florida car accident report does not start that process. A Florida car accident report can be included in your personal injury claim to support it, but starting the claims process is a separate action from filing a report.
Call Fulgencio Law Today
Car accidents are distressing events, and in their aftermath, they create a lot of work for everyone involved. This is especially true when injuries are suffered, and the claims process is initiated. Understanding what must be done after a car accident is critically important to protect your legal interests and to stay in line with the laws.
If you would like help with a car accident claim in Florida, you may call a Florida car accident attorney at Fulgencio Law at (813) 463-0123 to schedule a free consultation.
