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What Happens if I Do Not Report a Car Accident in Florida?

Home   /   Personal Injury Blog   /   What Happens if I Do Not Report a Car Accident in Florida?

June 10, 2023 | By Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
What Happens if I Do Not Report a Car Accident in Florida?

Florida laws require that drivers report most car accidents to law enforcement. Failing to report a car accident in Florida could result in one or more penalties. Therefore, all drivers should know and understand their responsibilities and legal requirements after a car accident. 

Requirements for Reporting Car Accidents in Florida 

Florida Statute §316.065 requires drivers to report car accidents if the accident results in:

  • Bodily injury to someone
  • A traffic fatality 
  • Property damage of $500 or more

The statute requires drivers to report the accident immediately by the quickest means possible. Generally, calling 911 is the quickest way to report a car accident in Florida. 

Knowing which law enforcement agency has jurisdiction over a crash site can be difficult. Calling 911 from the accident scene avoids the problem. The emergency operator dispatches law enforcement officers from the agency that has jurisdiction based on the location you provide when you report the crash. 

The $500 property damage threshold is low enough to apply to most car accidents. Furthermore, knowing whether you are injured after a car crash can be tricky until you see your doctor. Therefore, it is wise to report a car accident to the police.

When Does the Police Officer Complete a Car Accident Report?

Police officers must complete a long-form Florida Traffic Crash Report and file it within ten days if they investigate an accident that involves:

  • Someone involved in the accident sustains an injury, or the accident results in a fatality
  • A commercial vehicle
  • A hit-and-run driver or a driver who leaves the scene without giving their information to the other party
  • A vehicle with damage that requires a wrecker to remove the vehicle
  • A driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs

The car accident report contains information you may need to file insurance claims. You can obtain a copy of the car accident report through the FLHSMV online portal. If you hire from our team of St. Petersburg car accident attorneys, your attorney will obtain a copy of the accident report when they investigate your accident claim.

When Does a Driver Need To File a Car Accident Report in Florida?

Some minor car accidents or fender benders might not meet the requirements to report the car crash to the police. If not, you must file a Driver Report or Traffic Crash. The report can be filed via email or mailed to the Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles. 

What Are the Penalties for Failing To Report a Car Accident in Florida?

If you are required to report a car accident, you face non-criminal penalties under Florida law. You will not face jail time for failing to file a car accident report, but you can be fined.

However, a driver could be charged with a criminal offense for leaving the scene of a car accident. Hit-and-run drivers may face felony or misdemeanor charges depending on the circumstances of the crash. They could face significant jail time, fines, or other penalties.

What Should You Do if the Other Driver Asks You Not To Report a Car Accident?

A driver might not want to call the police after a car accident. Reasons the driver might not want to report a car accident include, but are not limited to:

  • The driver does not have the required insurance coverage
  • A person does not have a valid driver’s license or is driving with a suspended license
  • The driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • The person is committing a crime or has outstanding arrest warrants
  • The driver has a history of car accidents

It is unwise to agree to the driver’s request not to report the car crash. First, you are obligated by law to report the accident. Second, failing to report a car accident could impact your ability to recover compensation for injuries and damages.

If the other driver refuses to report the car accident, call 911 from the accident scene. 

Seeking Compensation After a Car Accident 

You must report the car accident to your no-fault insurance company to recover compensation for medical bills and lost wages. However, Florida PIP laws require you to seek medical treatment within 14 days after the accident. If you do not receive medical treatment within 14 days, your PIP insurance company does not have to pay your claim.

Even though Florida is a no-fault car insurance state, some accident victims can pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. You must sustain serious injuries to receive compensation from the other driver. 

If the at-fault driver has liability insurance coverage, you can file a claim with the insurance company. However, you can also file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

You might be entitled to compensation for your economic and non-economic damages, including:

  • Medical bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages
  • Emotional distress
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Mental anguish
  • Disabilities and impairments

The facts of your case determine how much your personal injury case is worth. For example, severe injuries usually increase the value of damages. However, sharing the blame for the cause of the accident can reduce the amount of compensation you receive. 

The insurance company might make a quick settlement offer. However, it will require you to release any further claims for damages. Therefore, it is wise to consult an attorney before you accept a settlement offer to ensure the settlement amount is fair. 

What Is the Deadline To File a Car Accident Claim in Florida?

Florida’s statute of limitations sets deadlines for filing car accident claims. Changes to the law reduced the deadline for filing most negligence lawsuits from four years to two years. The change applies to cases that arise on or after March 24, 2023.

Exceptions to the statutes of limitations can alter deadlines. Therefore, it can be difficult to calculate the deadline for filing lawsuits after a car accident. You should contact a Clearwater car accident attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline. 

Contact the Florida 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. 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 of trial attorneys that we feel confident referring clients to get a great resolution.

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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...
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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.

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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

2360 Congress Ave STE 100,
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 725-7661

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

2515 Seven Springs Blvd,
New Port Richey , FL 34655
(727) 815-8442

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

401 E Jackson St Suite 3319,
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 422-7772

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

840 Beach Drive N.E. Suite 202,
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(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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