After a crash in Florida
The moments after a crash are stressful, and Florida's no-fault rules make the aftermath confusing. This walks you through it, step by step. Toggle what happened and the guidance changes to fit your situation.
Tell us about the crash to personalize the steps
Move to safety and call 911 for any injury. Then get the essentials down before anyone leaves:
- Call the police to every crash, even a minor one, so there is an official report rather than a private handshake deal.
- Photograph all vehicles, damage, positions, license plates, and the other driver's insurance card.
- Exchange names, contacts, and insurance details. Do not admit fault at the scene.
- Watch for staged-crash red flags, like a stranger pushing you toward a specific clinic or shop.
A guide, not legal advice. Every crash is different, and the specifics of your claim, injury, and any lawsuit depend on your policy and the facts. Use this to know what to expect, then confirm with your insurer or a licensed Florida professional.
Why Florida's process is different
Florida is a no-fault state, so your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays your injury bills first, regardless of who caused the crash. That speeds up minor claims but comes with strict rules, most notably the 14-day deadline to seek care and the $2,500 cap without an emergency diagnosis. Property damage, meanwhile, is still handled on a fault basis.
The single most expensive mistake is waiting. Miss the 14-day window and you can lose PIP entirely; accept a first total-loss offer and you may leave money on the table. Knowing the path ahead of time is how you avoid both.
Informational only, not legal advice. Every crash and claim is different. Use this to know what to expect, then confirm the specifics with your insurer or a licensed Florida professional.
Related reading: Florida's no-fault system, the first 14 days after a crash, and how total loss is calculated.
