What Happens if I Do Not Report a Car Accident in Florida?
Florida law requires motorists to report accidents to law enforcement, and the law applies even if the accident was not your fault. Failure to report a car accident in Florida can result in financial consequences. You could be fined if you don’t report an accident. Also, failing to report your accident could affect the value of your personal injury claim if you end up filing a claim. Read on to learn more.
Requirements for Reporting Car Accidents in Florida
According to Florida law, if a driver is involved in a car accident that causes an injury to someone, death, or property damage of $500 or more, they are required to report the accident to law enforcement. The law requires a motorist to report the accident regardless of whose fault the accident was. And they are required to do so immediately by the quickest means possible. Generally, calling 911 is the fastest way to report a car accident. Since the $500 property damage threshold applies to most car accidents, and sometimes it can be challenging to know whether someone has suffered an injury immediately after a crash, it is best that when you get into a car accident, you report the accident to the police.
Suppose an accident does not meet the requirements to report the crash to law enforcement. In such a case, you are required to file a Driver Report or Traffic Crash with the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
Consequences of Not Reporting a Car Accident in Florida
If you are required to report a car accident and fail to do so, you will not face criminal penalties, but you may be fined. However, leaving the scene of an accident could result in a driver being charged with a criminal offense. So you should never leave the scene of an accident.
If you are involved in a Florida car accident because of another driver’s negligence and file a personal injury claim, problems could arise if there is no accident or police report. Insurance companies almost always ask to see police or accident reports before agreeing to pay claims. If you did not report your accident, you will not have a report to show the insurance company. Being unable to produce a police or accident report may adversely affect the value of your claim, especially if you don’t have other strong pieces of evidence to help you prove your case.
What To Do If a Driver Asks You Not To Report an Accident?
After an accident, the other driver might tell you not to call the police for various reasons. The other driver may not want you to call the police because, for example;
- They don’t have insurance
- They have an outstanding arrest warrant
- They are intoxicated
- They don’t have a valid driver’s license.
You should not agree to such a request. If the other driver refuses to call the police, make sure you make that call.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you need help with a car accident case or more information, contact our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Ocala, Orlando, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, Tampa, Jacksonville, Naples, and Melbourne areas.