What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Florida

Stay Calm and Stay Safe

If you've been in a car accident in Florida, your actions in the immediate aftermath matter enormously. Here's a step-by-step guide to protect yourself legally and physically.

1. Check for Injuries

Before anything else, check yourself and all passengers for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Do not attempt to move an injured person unless there is an immediate danger.

2. Call the Police

In Florida, you are required by law to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $500. Always get a police report. The investigating officer will obtain insurance information, facts of loss, and document other evidence critical to your claim.

3. Document Everything

• If you can safely do so, photograph all vehicles, license plates, road conditions, and any visible injuries
• Get the names, contact information, and insurance details of all drivers
• Collect contact info from witnesses

4. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Florida's Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law requires you to seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident or you forfeit your access to valuable PIP insurance benefits. See a doctor even if you are uncertain about how you feel — many injuries present delayed symptoms. If you wait too long, that delay will impact your claim.

5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

Before speaking to any insurance adjuster, consult with an attorney. Insurance companies employ teams of adjusters whose job is to minimize your loss or deny your claim altogether. An experienced attorney levels the playing field and ensures your rights are protected from day one.

Contact Abraham Law

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Southwest Florida, contact Abraham Law for a free, no-obligation consultation. We serve Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, and all surrounding communities.