The instant a collision occurs, stop the vehicle immediately and stay at the scene. In every U.S. state, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense — and if injuries are involved, it escalates to a felony hit-and-run charge.

If the vehicles are drivable, move them to the shoulder or a nearby parking area to prevent secondary collisions. Activate your hazard lights immediately. If you have road flares or reflective triangles in your emergency kit, place them around the scene. If spilled fuel, downed power lines, or oncoming traffic make the area dangerous, stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on until emergency personnel arrive.

Call 911 immediately. If anyone is injured, this is not optional — it is a legal obligation. Even with no visible injuries, police documentation is essential. The official police report becomes the foundational document for your entire insurance claim.

When officers arrive, give accurate, factual accounts only. Do not speculate about fault, estimate speeds, or apologize in any form. Ask the responding officer for their full name, badge number, and the report number. Request instructions on how to obtain a copy of the report — typically available within a few business days.

One of the most dangerous mistakes after a collision is declining medical evaluation because you feel fine. Your body releases a powerful surge of adrenaline during traumatic events — a natural painkiller that can suppress pain entirely. Whiplash, concussions, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries frequently don’t produce symptoms until hours or days later.

Every driver and passenger involved in a crash should seek medical attention — either through EMS at the scene or by visiting an urgent care clinic or emergency room within 24 hours. In Florida, remember the 14-day PIP rule: you must see a qualified medical provider within 14 days to activate PIP benefits. You then have 30 days to file the actual PIP claim with your insurer. Miss the 14-day treatment window and your benefits are gone. Don’t gamble with your health or your claim.

Exchange information with every driver involved. Photograph the other driver’s insurance card and driver’s license rather than writing things down — it eliminates transcription errors. Collect witness contact information. Keep all conversation strictly professional and factual.

Your smartphone is your most powerful tool. Photograph every vehicle from multiple angles — close-up damage shots and wide-angle shots showing vehicle positions relative to road features. Capture skid marks, traffic signals, signage, weather conditions, and any debris. If parties have visible injuries, photograph those with consent.

Record a narrated video covering the time, date, location, and observable conditions. Write notes on the sequence of events while they’re still fresh. Memory fades fast under stress. In 2026, modern vehicles also carry Event Data Recorders (“black boxes”) that capture speed and braking data in the seconds before impact — securing legal assistance early ensures this data is preserved.

Never skip the police report, even in minor accidents. It is the official, third-party record that insurance companies and courts rely on to establish basic facts. In many states, failing to report an accident that meets injury or damage thresholds is itself a legal violation.

If police don’t respond to the scene, file a report yourself at your local police precinct or through your state’s DMV. Some states allow online accident reporting for minor incidents. Record the report number, officer name, and badge number before leaving.

Report the accident to your insurance company promptly — most policies require notification within 24 to 72 hours. Have your police report number, the other party’s information, and your photos ready when you call.

Keep all statements factual and concise. Insurance adjusters are trained to evaluate claims in ways that minimize payouts. Do not volunteer excessive detail about injuries, speculate about fault, or agree to a recorded statement without legal guidance — particularly when speaking with the other driver’s insurer.

Do not accept any settlement offer before the full extent of your injuries and vehicle damage is known. Once you sign a release, your right to seek further compensation is permanently waived.

Not every accident requires legal representation — but serious injuries, disputed liability, commercial or rideshare vehicles, uninsured drivers, or multi-vehicle collisions introduce legal nuances most people aren’t equipped to navigate alone. Most car accident attorneys work on contingency, meaning no upfront cost — their fee comes from any settlement secured on your behalf.

The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Florida is two years from the date of the accident. Missing that deadline permanently eliminates your right to pursue compensation through the courts.

Understanding what not to do is just as important as the steps above. These mistakes can damage your claim or legal case — sometimes irreparably.

Hit-and-run: Stay at the scene, call 911, and note every identifying detail about the fleeing vehicle — color, make, model, partial plate. File a police report and activate your uninsured motorist coverage immediately.

Rideshare and commercial vehicles: Gather the company name, vehicle markings, and driver employment information. Both the driver’s personal insurance and the company’s commercial policy may be implicated. Legal consultation is strongly advised.

Minor accidents: Even when damage appears minimal, exchange information and notify your insurance company. Injuries and damage that seem minor at the scene often reveal themselves to be more serious in the days that follow.