When Are You Required to Report an Auto Accident in Florida?
The state of Florida requires that you report an auto accident within 10 days from the date of the accident.
When the Driver is Responsible for Reporting an Auto Accident in Florida
If a car accident occurs and causes damage to a vehicle (or other property) but does not require a police report (see criteria below), the driver of any vehicle involved in the collision must report the accident within 10 days following the crash. This written report must be provided via a law-enforcement-approved form.
When an Auto Accident Report Needs to Be Filed by Law Enforcement
In certain instances, a written reportcalled the Florida Traffic Crash Report, Long Form is completed by the police officer who is investigating the collision. This report is required for any accident that meets the following criteria:
- The collision caused the death of or injury to individuals who were involved in the collision.
- The crash involved a party leaving the scene of the accident without giving his/her information (name, vehicles registration, etc.) and rendering aid to the other party, if needed, and ensuring that the accident is reported to the authorities; or a party was driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or chemical substances.
- A vehicle involved in the collision was damaged to the extent that it was inoperable and had to be removed from the scene of the accident by a wrecker.
- A commercial motor vehicle was involved in the crash.
What is Included in a Florida Traffic Crash Report
You can look to the Florida Traffic Crash Report, Long Form, for all the basic facts of an auto accident in Florida, including:
- Where and when the accident happened
- Descriptions of all vehicles involved in the collision
- Names and contact information for all drivers and passengers, as well as information on the vehicles each was driving or riding in
- Names and contact information for individuals who witnessed the accident
- Name and badge number for the police officer investigating the collision
Crash Reports Are Available Immediately to All Parties Involved in the Crash
Any party involved in the accident has immediate access to filed Crash Reports. These reports are also available to legal counsel, insurance agents, law enforcement agencies, the Department of Transportation, victim services programs, and various forms of media, including newspapers and radio and television stations.
To receive the crash report, an individual must provide a photo ID and sign a sworn statement that the information will not be used for commercial solicitation.
When a Long Form Report is Not Required, a Short Form is Completed
If a collision does not meet the criteria that requirea Florida Traffic Crash Report, Long Form to be completed, a short form version of this report is filed. Alternatively, the law enforcement officer on the scene may give each driver involved in the collision a driver exchange-of-information form.
Items Included in the Short Form Report
- Where and when the collision occurred
- Descriptions of vehicles involved in the crash
- Names and contact details for drivers and passengers involved in the accident, including descriptions of the vehicles each was driving or riding in
- Witness’ names and contact information
- Police officer’s name and badge number
- Insurance companies for the parties involved in the accident
Everyone Involved Must Provide Proof of Insurance
The parties involved in the accident must provide proof of insurance to the police officer who arrives on the scene to investigate the crash. The officer, in turn, documents this proof in his or her crash report. Failing to provide such evidence can result in the issuance of a nonmoving violationunless the law enforcement officer deems that the circumstances of the accident made the provision of this information not immediately possible. In this case, the party has 24 hours to provide proof of insurance, in which case the citation might be voided.
The Florida Statutes that describe the reporting requirements following an auto accident in Florida are detailed in the Motor Vehicles Title XXIII, Chapter 316.
If You Were Involved in an Auto Accident in Florida and Need a Car Accident Lawyer
Chalik&Chalik Injury Lawyers’ auto accident legal team in Florida are ready to get started on your case. We will pursue legal action against the driver whose negligent behavior caused your injuries.
You deserve to be compensated, and we will provide the compassionate, professional services to see that your case is heard. Call today for a free case review: 855-529-0269.
