Step 1
Address immediate safety and medical needs.
Move out of active traffic when it can be done safely, activate hazard lights, and call 911 for injury, danger, fire, suspected impairment, hit-and-run, or other urgent circumstances.
Do not delay emergency care to collect photographs or insurance information.
Step 2
Report the crash when Florida law requires it.
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles states that drivers must notify law enforcement for crashes involving injury, death, hit-and-run, suspected DUI, a commercial vehicle, a vehicle requiring a wrecker, or apparent damage of at least $500.
Minor qualifying crashes may sometimes be self-reported. Keep the report or exchange information provided at the scene.
Step 3
Exchange and verify identifying information.
Obtain the other driver’s name, contact information, driver license, license plate, vehicle owner, insurer, policy information, and vehicle description. Record witness names and contact information when possible.
Avoid arguing about fault at the scene. Provide accurate information to law enforcement and obtain the report number.
Step 4
Preserve the scene and vehicle evidence.
When safe, photograph vehicle positions, damage, debris, lane markings, signs, signals, skid marks, weather, lighting, roadway conditions, injuries, and the surrounding area.
Preserve dash-camera footage and identify nearby homes, businesses, intersections, or vehicles that may have video. Do not repair or dispose of important damaged property before it is documented.
Step 5
Seek appropriate medical evaluation.
Some symptoms become noticeable after the initial shock and stress of a crash. Seek care based on your health needs, accurately explain when symptoms began, and follow reasonable medical instructions.
Florida PIP medical benefits generally depend on receiving initial services and care within 14 days. Different benefit limits and requirements may apply depending on the medical findings and policy.
Step 6
Notify insurers, but be careful with detailed statements.
Policies may require timely notice and cooperation. Report the crash accurately, keep copies of communications, and ask what coverages and claim numbers apply.
A recorded statement, broad medical authorization, release, or settlement may affect legal rights. Consider obtaining advice before providing detailed recorded statements to another party’s insurer or signing documents.
Step 7
Track treatment, expenses, work loss, and daily effects.
Keep medical bills, prescription receipts, mileage, repair estimates, towing records, rental expenses, pay records, employer communications, and photographs of visible injuries.
A private daily record may help document symptoms, sleep, mobility, treatment, work restrictions, household tasks, and important activities affected by the injuries.
Step 8
Identify legal and insurance deadlines early.
Current Florida law generally provides a two-year limitations period for negligence actions and wrongful-death actions. Exceptions, government claims, insurance notice provisions, PIP requirements, and other circumstances can create different or earlier deadlines.
Do not use a general article to calculate the deadline for a specific claim.
Official Florida sources
Important legal notice
This guide provides general information based on sources available when published. It is not medical or legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and should not be used to calculate a deadline for a specific claim.