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Should I Call 911 After a Car Accident in Florida?

Home   /   Personal Injury Blog   /   Should I Call 911 After a Car Accident in Florida?

August 28, 2021 | By Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
Should I Call 911 After a Car Accident in Florida?

Yes. You should always call 911 after a car accident in Florida. First, it might be required by law. Second, it’s a step that can help to safeguard your right to seek much-needed compensation for your injuries.

What is The Duty To Report a Car Accident in Florida? 

Under Florida Statute Section 316.065, drivers have a legal obligation to report car accidents under certain circumstances. 

According to this statute, any driver must immediately report a car accident to the police if: 

  • There have been any injuries; 
  • Someone was killed; or
  • Property damage exceeds $500.

If you fail to report a crash to the police you can receive a traffic citation for the violation. An important thing to consider is that you also have a duty to render aid when you are involved in an accident. 

Calling 911 to report the accident can help you satisfy this duty to render aid as well. Failing to render aid can be a much more serious offense if someone is injured and you don’t help them. When in doubt, call 911 to report the accident to satisfy your duty to report and to help show you were seeking help for injured parties. 

It is also worth noting that nearly all car accidents involve damage over $500, and nearly all car accidents involve some injury. This means the mandatory reporting of accidents to police applies to almost every car accident in Florida!

What Are The Benefits of Reporting a Car Accident to the Police?

Calling 911 after a car accident has many benefits. Not only does it comply with your duty to report the accident under State law, but also helps show you stayed on scene to render aid.

It also has benefits such as:

  • Other drivers may be hostile 
  • The police investigation will help determine fault
  • The police will take witness statements and those can be helpful later

Getting a police report can help you support your claim for damages in an insurance claim or lawsuit down the line. The insurance company might read the police reports and agree that the insured was at fault, and pay up!

Additionally, some insurance policies might require a police report before they will pay on your claim. To avoid difficulties with this, it is best to just call 911 and let the police make their report. 

What is The Car Accident Report Privilege?

You might be nervous to call 911 after a car accident because you are scared what you say will be used against you later. However, under Florida law, there is a unique provision called the Car Accident Report Privilege. Legal privilege means the information is inadmissible in court.  

Statute 316.066(4) says that no statement you make to a police officer for the purpose of completing a car accident report can be used against you later in court in a civil or criminal trial. This law exists to encourage honesty in crash investigations so the police can figure out what happened. 

However, the Car Accident Report Privilege is construed very narrowly. Police are allowed to finish a car accident report, then inform you they are now conducting a criminal investigation, and read the Miranda rights. After that point, anything you say can be used against you. Additionally, any statements not made specifically to complete the mandatory accident report could be used against you later. 

Since you have a legal duty to report the accident and provide information for the accident report, it is still advisable to call 911 despite the narrow construction of the Car Accident Report Privilege. 

What Should I Do After Calling 911?

Once you have satisfied your duties to report the accident to the police, render aid, and exchange information, you are probably wondering what you should do next. Make sure you get medical attention for any injuries. 

Then, consider doing the following as well:

  • Take photos of the scene of the accident
  • Write down witness names
  • Report the accident to your insurance company
  • Contact a car accident attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.

The most important thing is fulfilling your legal duties and staying safe. 

Contact the Clearwater Car Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Clearwater. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.

We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765

(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763

(727) 591-5610

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615

(813) 686-7588

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655

(727) 815-8442

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695

(727) 787-2500

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I have worked closely with Miles Hickman of Roman Austin and he combines a rare blend of fierce trial capabilities with the kind of bedside manners that clients greatly appreciate. This is a standout office...
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I have worked closely with Miles Hickman of Roman Austin and he combines a rare blend of fierce trial capabilities with the kind of bedside manners that clients greatly appreciate. This is a standout office of trial attorneys that we feel confident referring clients to get a great resolution.

C Sanchez, Esq.

They did a great job and even advised what to do if there was no insurance for the at-fault driver and I had to self represent. Ended up being able to get me the fullest...
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They did a great job and even advised what to do if there was no insurance for the at-fault driver and I had to self represent. Ended up being able to get me the fullest payout possible, team was easy to keep in touch with, and Miles was clear in his explanations and helpful with his advice. I still use some of the doctors I connected with through their firm. Would recommend Roman Austin and would use them again.

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I cannot say enough incredible things about Roman Austin Law Firm. John Austin is a phenomenal lawyer. I was in a bad crash that involved a truck totaling my vehicle and sustaining neck and back...
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I cannot say enough incredible things about Roman Austin Law Firm. John Austin is a phenomenal lawyer. I was in a bad crash that involved a truck totaling my vehicle and sustaining neck and back injuries.Going into this process, I was honestly apprehensive about even hiring a lawyer. I was especially wary of those large, commercial firms that just want to move cases quickly. I had heard some great things about Roman Austin, but did my own extensive research and now know why they are a five star firm. What could have easily been a stressful and overwhelming experience turned into something completely different because of John Austin and his team. Choosing them was one of the best decisions I have ever made.John is truly exceptional. He is incredibly detailed, meticulous, and completely devoted to his work. He worked tirelessly on my case, going above and beyond anything I could have ever expected. He spent countless hours (even on weekends), and was always available whenever I needed him. His level of dedication, care, and precision is something you rarely find.Beyond that, he is patient, kind, and deeply compassionate. You never feel like just another case. He genuinely cares about you as a person and wants the absolute best for you. He made what could have been a difficult process feel manageable and supported every step of the way.His entire team was phenomenal. They were responsive, professional, and just as committed. Every interaction felt thoughtful and intentional.The outcome we achieved was fantastic, and I am beyond grateful. I couldn't be more pleased with my experience.If you are considering legal representation, I wholeheartedly recommend John at Roman Austin Law Firm. They are professional, dedicated, and truly invested in their clients.Choosing John Austin made all the difference. He fought tirelessly to ensure that everything I endured was recognized and fairly compensated, and that level of dedication is something I will never forget. I am profoundly grateful not only for the outcome, but for the care, integrity, and unwavering commitment shown every step of the way. Forever thankful I chose them, and truly forever grateful.

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After my accident, I didn't know where to start. Roman Austin made the whole process feel manageable and honestly took a huge weight off my shoulders. The team was kind, responsive, and truly cared about...
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After my accident, I didn't know where to start. Roman Austin made the whole process feel manageable and honestly took a huge weight off my shoulders. The team was kind, responsive, and truly cared about what I was going through. I always felt heard and supported. I'm so thankful I found them and would absolutely recommend them to anyone who needs help.

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Once again Roman & Austin and their team has been a helping hand through hard times after being rear ended by a driver not paying attention. The same day I was set up with community...
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Once again Roman & Austin and their team has been a helping hand through hard times after being rear ended by a driver not paying attention. The same day I was set up with community care to make sure I had to physical and emotional support I needed and they checked on me with updates every week. They got me the full compensation I deserved for my injuries and are the best at what they do.

J.K.

“They held our hand the entire time.” “Rebuilt our lives.“Helped with doctors and wage loss.” “Felt like family.” “Prompt resolutions.”
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Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

1811 N. Belcher Road Suite I-1,
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

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Clearwater, FL 33763
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Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

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Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

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(727) 335-1373

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

202 9th Avenue South, Suite A-2,
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 214-5001

At Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we practice across the entire state of Florida. We primarily serve the following localities: Clearwater, Countryside, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, East Lake, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Largo, Seminole, Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Holiday, Tarpon Springs, Trinity, Westchase, Tampa, Town N Country, Egypt Lake Leto, Citrus Park, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Starkey Ranch, and all surrounding communities in Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough Counties.

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