Do You Have To Call the Police After a Minor Car Accident in Florida?
Car accidents are a common occurrence in Florida. A car accident, even a minor one, can be incredibly stressful. A car accident can leave you confused and unsure of what to do next. After a seemingly minor accident, one common question people ask is, “Do I have to call the police?” Even if you believe the damage is minor or you feel okay, it is recommended that you call the police to the scene after a car accident. Often, the full impact of an accident may not be immediately apparent. Calling the police ensures there is an official record of the accident, which can be vital for insurance or legal claims.
Florida Law on Reporting Car Accidents
Florida law requires drivers to report certain types of accidents to law enforcement. According to Florida law, a driver must contact the police after a car accident if;
- There is property damage of at least $500
- There are injuries or death
- There is suspicion of drunk driving
- The accident involves a commercial vehicle.
- One of the drivers leaves the scene
In such cases, failing to notify law enforcement could result in legal consequences. For a minor accident that involves property damage of less than $500 and that does not involve any of the other things mentioned above, you are not legally required to call the police. However, there are practical reasons to consider calling the police, even if a car accident seems minor.
Should You Call the Police After a Minor Car Accident in Florida?
While you are not legally required to call the police after a minor car accident in Florida, it is recommended that you contact the police, even if you believe yours is a minor crash. On the surface, it might seem like the property damage is less than $500, but you might later discover that it is far more costly. It can be hard to estimate repair costs without professional evaluation. Reporting a seemingly minor car accident ensures you are protected if the damage turns out to be more extensive.
After a seemingly minor car crash, it may appear as though there are no injuries. However, some injuries like whiplash or soft tissue damage may not show symptoms immediately. Some injuries become apparent after days or weeks. If injuries are discovered later, a police report can be invaluable in supporting an insurance or legal claim.
Can You File a Report Days After the Accident?
According to Florida Statutes section 316.066, drivers have up to 10 days to file a written crash report through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). So, even if the police did not come to the scene after your accident, you may still have some days to report it. Filing your report can ensure there is an official record of the accident, which can be vital if you file an insurance or legal claim.
Seek Legal Guidance Following a Minor Car Accident
If you were involved in a seemingly minor accident, it is a good idea to seek legal counsel, especially if you start suffering pain or learn the damage to your car is far more costly than you anticipated. Our Orlando personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Bradenton, West Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.066.html
