October 5th, 2026
Posted By
Joseph Saka, Esq.
What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Car Accident in FL.

What you do in the first 24 hours after a car accident is crucial and sets the tone for everything that follows. Florida laws impose important deadlines that injured people must follow to protect their rights. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Florida (and what not to say in the immediate aftermath of a crash) can help protect the injured person’s health and affect the success of their claim for compensation.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida law requires that drivers involved in a car accident involving injury, death, or property damage of at least $500 report the crash to the police. That threshold increased to $2,000 for crashes that occur on or after October 1, 2026.
  • Florida’s no-fault insurance law requires that an injured person seek medical treatment from a qualifying provider within 14 days of a car accident; otherwise, they forfeit their claim for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.
  • PIP benefits are capped at $2,500 unless a qualified medical provider certifies a person’s injuries as more than an emergency medical condition, in which case coverage limits increase to $10,000.
  • Florida applies a modified comparative negligence standard, meaning a person found to be more than 50% at fault for causing the crash cannot recover damages.
  • If the at-fault driver’s insurer will not provide full and fair compensation after a car accident, the injured person can file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations for most car accident claims in Florida is two years from the date of the accident.

Check for Injuries and Call 9-1-1

Knowing what to do after a car accident in Florida can be overwhelming. Immediately after a collision, be sure to:

  1. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
  2. Turn on your hazard lights.
  3. If the vehicle is drivable and it is safe to do so, move it to the side of the road.
  4. Call 9-1-1.

Under Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 316.065), drivers involved in a crash that results in injury, death, or property damage of at least $500 must immediately notify the police (the monetary threshold increased to $2,000 effective October 1, 2026). The moments after a car crash can be chaotic and confusing, and accurately estimating its severity can be challenging. Don’t try to judge the severity of the accident. If there is any doubt, call 9-1-1.

If the police do not respond and the accident is below the threshold, a driver must make a police report within 10 days.

Exchange Information and Document the Scene

One of the most important things to do after a car accident in Florida is exchange information and document the scene. Request the other driver’s information, including their name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance information. If any witnesses saw the crash, ask for their contact information.

If possible and safe, use your phone to take photographs of the vehicles, road and weather conditions, any traffic control devices, and any visible injuries.

Be Careful What You Say

Florida applies modified comparative negligence, meaning a driver’s financial recovery will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them, up to 50%. Drivers found to be more than 50% at fault are barred from recovering financial compensation in a negligence claim.

Because Florida’s comparative negligence statute can reduce your financial recovery, be careful what you say after a crash. A casual “I’m sorry” can be misconstrued as an admission of fault and could reduce or completely bar your financial recovery.

Try to stick to the facts rather than speculate about who was at fault, and be cautious about giving a recorded statement to an insurance company, even your own, until you have discussed your situation with an attorney.

Get Medical Attention Immediately

When considering what to do after a car accident in Florida, seek medical attention from a qualified medical professional as soon as possible. Even if you have no obvious injuries or think they are minor, they might not appear until later. A traumatic event like a car crash can trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response, and the release of adrenaline and endorphins can mask pain symptoms in the immediate aftermath of an accident. A medical professional’s examination can protect your health and well-being and create a record of your injuries that helps support your claim for damages.

Fla. Stat. § 627.736(1)(a) mandates that an injured person receive initial medical treatment within 14 days after an accident to qualify for PIP benefits. Otherwise, the injured person forfeits their right to PIP compensation.

Under Fla. Stat. § 627.736(1)(a), benefits under PIP are generally capped at $2,500 unless a qualified medical provider certifies the injuries as more than an emergency medical condition, in which case the available PIP coverage increases to $10,000.

Know Your Options If the Insurance Company Won’t Pay

PIP benefits cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault. They do not cover compensation for non-economic losses like pain and suffering. Often, PIP limits are insufficient to cover the cost of treatment for serious injuries. In these situations, determining fault and seeking compensation from the other driver’s insurance carrier is paramount.

Unfortunately, some insurance companies delay, undervalue, or deny legitimate claims. Filing a lawsuit may be your only option to recover the compensation you deserve. The statute of limitations for most car accident injury claims in Florida is two years from the date of the accident. If you do not file a lawsuit within two years, your claim may be forever barred, and you will forfeit your right to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses.

How a Florida Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

The 24 hours immediately after a car accident can shape your physical recovery and your right to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses. If you’re wondering what to do after a car accident in Florida, the Florida car accident injury attorneys at Saka Bryant, P.C., can provide the guidance you need to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation appointment to discuss your situation and how we can assist you.