There’s no such thing as a good car accident. While damage can vary significantly, from minor to catastrophic, even seemingly small accidents can have a negative impact. In many minor situations, you may feel tempted to continue your day as if nothing happened. But this is seldom advisable.
Even if you avoided injuries, you won’t truly know until you’ve been checked by a healthcare professional. Similarly, what seems like minor vehicle damage can lead to costly repairs if left unaddressed. If you have been in a collision and have questions, this guide will help you better understand what to do after a minor car accident in Florida and how a car accident attorney could potentially help.
8 Steps to Take After a Minor Car Accident in Florida
Even minor accidents require careful steps to protect yourself legally and financially. Whether you’re in the minutes, days, or weeks after the collision, understanding and following these actions can help you better understand what to do after a minor car accident in Florida. These steps can help you manage the situation smoothly, avoid common pitfalls, and set up any potential claims or defenses effectively.
1. Do Not Admit Fault
The first step in knowing what to do after a minor car accident in Florida is to not admit fault. You could’ve been changing the radio station, reading a billboard, or telling your kids in the back seat to stop fighting with each other. Maybe that contributed to the accident. Or maybe the driver in front of you slammed on the brakes.
No matter the circumstances, it can be tempting to apologize, especially if you feel partially responsible. Unfortunately, this could later be used against you as admitting fault. Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, which means fault is divided based on each driver’s contribution to the accident. By admitting fault, you might be accepting a higher portion of the blame, which could affect your claim or lawsuit.
2. Move Out of Traffic
Florida law requires individuals involved in minor accidents to move their vehicles out of traffic if possible. Even if it was just a fender bender, moving to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot can help avoid additional accidents and keep you safe. Failing to do so could also result in legal consequences.
3. Exchange Information With the Other Driver
Gathering details from the other driver protects both of you in case a claim needs to be filed. This should include exchanging driver’s license information, license plate numbers, and details about the make, model, and color of each vehicle.
4. Document the Scene With Photos
Photographs are invaluable after an accident. Take clear photos from various angles showing damage to both vehicles, road conditions, nearby intersections, potential surveillance cameras, and anything else that could serve as evidence if a claim or dispute arises.
5. Assess Whether You Need a Police Report
Florida law doesn’t always require a police report for minor accidents, but there are exceptions. You must call the police if anyone is experiencing pain if a commercial vehicle is involved, or if there’s suspicion of drug or alcohol use. Otherwise, exchanging information is sufficient.
6. Get Checked by a Doctor
Even if you feel fine, schedule a medical checkup as soon as possible. Injuries may not be immediately noticeable due to adrenaline, which can mask pain and cause symptoms to be delayed. Moreover, certain injuries, like soft tissue damage, may seem minor initially but can worsen without treatment. Florida law mandates that if you file a claim under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP), you must do so within 14 days.
7. Avoid Speaking With the Other Party’s Insurance Company
The other party’s insurance company may contact you even if no injuries or significant damage occurred. Limit any conversation, collect their contact details, and do not discuss specifics of the accident. Any statement you make could be used against you, so it’s best to consult with an attorney before speaking with them.
8. Consult an Attorney
Speaking with a car accident attorney can help you know what to do after a minor car accident in Florida, including understanding your rights, avoiding missteps, and receiving guidance on any claims, especially if there are delayed symptoms or cosmetic repairs involved.
What to Do After a Minor Car Accident in Florida — Frequently Asked Questions
After small accidents, certain questions often come up regarding police reports, insurance calls, and claims. These answers can help you know what to do after a minor car accident in Florida and what you need to know to make informed decisions, even if it seems like there was no injury or damage.
Do I Have to Call the Police After a Minor Car Accident?
In Florida, you aren’t always required to report accidents to the police unless specific conditions are met, such as someone experiencing pain, the involvement of a commercial vehicle, or suspected drug or alcohol use. But calling the police can be beneficial if you’re unsure about damage, fault, or future claims. An official report can help avoid potential disputes down the line.
Should I Call My Insurance Company After a Minor Accident?
Yes, you should notify your insurance company after any accident, even minor ones. Some policies require prompt reporting, and failing to do so could jeopardize your coverage if issues arise later. Your insurer can also provide guidance on handling minor damage and help protect your interests if the other driver files a claim.
Should I File a Claim for a Minor Accident?
Filing a claim depends on the extent of the damage and your deductible. If the damage is minimal, consider getting an estimate first to see if it’s worth filing a claim. But if there are injuries or if the other driver plans to file, it’s wise to file a claim to ensure you’re protected.
What If There’s No Damage After a Minor Accident?
If there’s no visible damage and both parties agree, it may not be necessary to file a claim. But taking photos, gathering information, and checking with a mechanic are still advisable. Some issues, like alignment or internal damage, may not be immediately visible but could lead to larger repair bills if ignored.
An Attorney Can Help You Know What to Do After a Minor Car Accident in Florida
While it may seem unnecessary to involve an attorney after a minor accident, doing so can provide several valuable advantages. An experienced car accident attorney can help you know what to do after a minor car accident in Florida, including navigating the complexities of insurance claims, assessing potential liabilities, and ensuring you’re treated fairly throughout the process. Here’s how working with an attorney can benefit you:
- Protection Against Unfair Claims: Even in minor accidents, the other party may attempt to place more blame on you than is warranted. An attorney can help protect you from being unfairly assigned fault. This is especially true in Florida’s comparative negligence system, where liability impacts the amount of compensation each party can recover.
- Expert Guidance on Insurance Claims: Filing an insurance claim can be confusing, particularly with the fine print in insurance policies. An attorney can advise whether filing a claim is in your best interest, assist with documentation, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
- Access to Medical Care and Documentation: If you’ve experienced any injuries, even minor ones, your attorney can recommend medical providers familiar with accident cases and help ensure you get the necessary treatment. Proper medical documentation can be crucial for your claim and help demonstrate any injuries that may have been delayed.
- Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Speaking with the other driver’s insurance company without representation can lead to unintentional statements or omissions that could reduce or invalidate your claim. An attorney acts as a buffer, communicating on your behalf to protect your rights and avoid missteps that may weaken your case.
- Assessing and Pursuing Compensation Options: Even minor accidents can lead to expenses, such as repairs or medical bills, that add up quickly. An attorney can help you identify and pursue all possible sources of compensation, from insurance coverage to potential legal claims, ensuring you don’t end up shouldering costs that aren’t your responsibility.
In addition to helping you better know what to do after a minor car accident in Florida, working with an attorney offers peace of mind, practical guidance, and protection from the complexities of insurance and liability issues. Even in smaller cases, an attorney’s support can make a significant difference in the outcome and help you move forward confidently.
Contact Clark Hartpence Law Today for a Free Consultation
If you have been involved or injured in a car accident, meet with an experienced car accident lawyer to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. Contact Clark Hartpence Law today for a free consultation on your case. We are an experienced and knowledgeable legal team ready to support you during a difficult time.
If you or someone you love was involved in an accident, call us at (855) 680-4911 or schedule a free consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney/client relationship.