What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida
A step-by-step guide to protecting your health, your PIP benefits, and your legal rights after a Florida car accident. The decisions you make in the first 14 days are critical.
Florida PIP Law — 14-Day Deadline: You must see a doctor within 14 days of your accident to preserve up to $10,000 in PIP insurance benefits. Call 407-486-6147 now — our referral service is free and available 24/7.
6 Critical Steps After a Florida Car Accident
Check for Injuries & Call 911
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and all passengers for injuries. Call 911 immediately — Florida law requires reporting accidents involving injury or significant property damage. Do not move injured persons unless there is immediate danger.
Move to Safety & Document the Scene
If the vehicles are drivable and it is safe to do so, move them out of traffic. Turn on hazard lights. Take photos of all vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Get the other driver's name, insurance, and license plate.
Get the Police Report
Wait for law enforcement to arrive and file an official accident report. Get the report number before leaving the scene. This document is critical for your insurance claim and any future legal action.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Florida is a no-fault state — your own PIP insurance covers your initial medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. Do not admit fault to anyone at the scene.
Seek Medical Care Within 14 Days
This is the most critical step. Florida's PIP law requires you to see a doctor within 14 days of the accident to preserve up to $10,000 in medical benefits. Call PIP Pain Injury at 407-486-6147 — we connect you with a PIP-accepting provider immediately, free of charge.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
If you suffered injuries, consulting a personal injury attorney is strongly recommended. An attorney can help you understand your rights, deal with insurance adjusters, and pursue compensation beyond your PIP benefits. Many Florida personal injury attorneys offer free consultations.
Florida Car Accident FAQs
What is the 14-day rule in Florida?
Florida law requires accident victims to seek a medical evaluation within 14 days of the accident to preserve up to $10,000 in PIP benefits. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to PIP coverage entirely.
Do I need a police report after a minor accident?
Yes. Florida law requires reporting any accident involving injury or property damage over $500. Even in minor accidents, a police report protects you if the other driver later claims injuries or disputes fault.
What kind of doctor should I see after a car accident?
See a doctor who accepts PIP insurance — a chiropractor, orthopedic specialist, pain management doctor, or general practitioner. PIP Pain Injury connects you with PIP-accepting providers at no cost. Call 407-486-6147.
Should I contact a personal injury attorney?
If you suffered injuries, consulting a personal injury attorney is strongly recommended. An attorney can help you navigate insurance claims and pursue compensation beyond your PIP benefits. Many Florida personal injury attorneys offer free consultations.
Need a Doctor After Your Accident?
PIP Pain Injury connects Florida accident victims with PIP-accepting doctors, chiropractors, and orthopedic specialists — free, 24/7. Don't miss the 14-day deadline.