General legal information · Reviewed by the team at De La Rosa Law, P.A. · Miami, Florida
The minutes and hours right after a crash are confusing, stressful, and often painful. What you do in that first day can shape both your recovery and any injury claim you file later. This guide walks through exactly what to do after a car accident, step by step, so you can protect your health, preserve evidence, and avoid the mistakes that quietly weaken a case. It is written for Florida drivers, but the safety and documentation principles apply anywhere.
Nothing here is legal advice for your specific situation. If you have been hurt, the fastest way to understand your options is to talk with a lawyer. You can reach our team anytime at (305) 787-3175 for a free, confidential case review.
At the scene: the first 10 minutes
Your only priorities in the first moments are safety and getting help on the way. Everything else can wait.
- Check for injuries. Look at yourself and your passengers before anything else. If anyone is hurt or unsure, call 911 immediately.
- Get to safety. If the vehicles are drivable and it is safe, move them out of traffic. If not, turn on your hazard lights and stay clear of moving cars.
- Call the police. In Florida you are generally required to report a crash involving injury, death, or apparent property damage of at least $500 (Fla. Stat. 316.065). A police report creates a neutral, official record of what happened.
- Do not admit fault. Stay calm and polite, but avoid saying "I'm sorry" or speculating about who caused the crash. Fault is a legal conclusion; let the investigation and the evidence speak.
Document everything while you wait
Evidence disappears fast. Skid marks fade, vehicles get towed, and memories blur. If you are physically able, use your phone to capture the scene before anything changes.
Photos and video
- All vehicles involved, from multiple angles, showing damage and license plates.
- The overall scene: traffic signals, road signs, lane markings, and skid marks.
- Weather and road conditions, debris, and anything that may have contributed.
- Visible injuries to you or your passengers.
Information to exchange
- Names, phone numbers, and addresses of every driver.
- Driver's license numbers, license plate numbers, and vehicle make and model.
- Insurance company names and policy numbers.
- Names and contact details of any witnesses — they may be hard to find later.
If law enforcement responds, ask how to obtain a copy of the crash report and write down the responding officer's name and badge number.
Hours 1–6: get medical attention
This is the step people skip most often, and it is one of the most important. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Whiplash, concussions, internal bleeding, and soft-tissue damage often produce no symptoms for hours or even days.
See a doctor, visit urgent care, or go to the emergency room the same day, even if you feel "fine." Prompt evaluation does two things: it protects your health, and it creates a medical record connecting your injuries to the crash. Gaps in treatment are one of the first things an insurance adjuster will use to argue that you were not really hurt.
Follow your provider's instructions, attend follow-up appointments, and keep every record, bill, and receipt. In Florida, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage generally requires you to receive initial medical treatment within 14 days of the crash to be eligible for those benefits (Fla. Stat. 627.736), so do not wait to be seen.
Hours 6–24: notify and protect your claim
Report the accident to your insurer
Most policies require "prompt" notice of a crash. Report it, but stick to the basic facts — who, what, when, and where. You are not obligated to give a detailed recorded statement on the spot, and it is reasonable to speak with a lawyer first.
Be careful with the other driver's insurance company
The other insurer may call quickly, sound friendly, and offer a fast settlement. Remember that their job is to limit what they pay. Do not sign anything, accept a check, or give a recorded statement before you understand the full extent of your injuries and your rights.
Start a simple file
- The crash report number and the other driver's information.
- Photos, witness contacts, and medical records.
- A short written timeline of what happened while it is fresh.
- Notes on missed work, pain levels, and how the injuries affect daily life.
What not to do in the first 24 hours
- Don't post about the crash on social media. Insurers and defense lawyers do look, and an innocent post can be twisted against you.
- Don't skip medical care to "tough it out." Delays hurt both your health and your claim.
- Don't accept a quick settlement before you know how serious your injuries are.
- Don't throw away damaged property, torn clothing, or receipts — they can be evidence.
When to call a car accident lawyer
You do not have to navigate this alone. If anyone was injured, if fault is disputed, or if an insurer is pressuring you, it is worth speaking with a car accident lawyer early. A lawyer can handle the insurance companies, preserve evidence, and help you understand deadlines before they pass.
Our firm helps injured people across Florida. Learn more about how we approach these cases on our personal injury page, and see our broader overview of what to do after a car accident for additional detail.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to call the police after a car accident in Florida?
Florida law requires reporting a crash that involves injury, death, or apparent property damage of at least $500 (Fla. Stat. 316.065). Even for minor collisions, calling law enforcement creates an official record that can matter for your claim.
Should I see a doctor if I feel fine?
Yes. Many crash injuries — whiplash, concussions, soft-tissue damage — do not show symptoms for hours or days. A prompt evaluation protects your health and documents the connection between the crash and your injuries.
How long do I have to file a claim?
For most crashes on or after March 24, 2023, Florida's statute of limitations for negligence claims is two years (Fla. Stat. 95.11, as amended by the 2023 tort-reform law). Your own insurer's notice deadlines can be far shorter, and the exact limit depends on your facts, so talk with a lawyer promptly.
Hurt in a crash? Get answers before you talk to the insurance company. Call (305) 787-3175 or request your free case review. Se Habla Español.
Every case is reviewed by our legal team. No cost, no obligation. Se Habla Español.
