Self-Reporting Auto Accidents in Florida
If you were in a car accident, you may be wondering if you have a legal obligation to report it. Depending on the circumstances of your collision, you may be required to notify law enforcement that an accident has occurred. When a police officer arrives to investigate your accident, they will complete a crash report.
However, even when calling the police is not required, you are required to self-report your car accident. Keep reading to learn about what car accidents must be reported directly to the police, how to self-report your car accident, and the consequences of failing to report your car accident.
What Kinds of Car Accidents Must Be Reported in Florida?
In Florida, not all car accidents have to be reported to the police. A minor car accident, for instance, may not have to be reported.
Under Florida law, you have a legal duty to report your car accident as soon as possible if any of the following conditions apply:
- Someone was injured or died.
- The accident involved an intoxicated driver.
- There is at least $500 in property damage.
- The damaged vehicle is inoperable.
- The accident involved a commercial motor vehicle.
If you are unsure whether any of these conditions apply to your accident, it’s best to report it so that you don’t run the risk of being charged. Once you have reported your accident to the police, you do not have to take any further action.
How to Self-Report Your Car Accident
If none of the above conditions apply, you are required to self-report the crash within ten days of the accident. After gathering the pertinent information, you can complete a Driver Report of a Traffic Crash form.
When completing this form, you will need to provide specific details, including:
- The date, time, and location of the crash
- The contact information of the drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- Information about the vehicles involved in the collision
- Information about your insurance company
Once you have completed and signed this form, you can send it to the Department of Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles. This form can be submitted online or mailed. You should also keep a submitted report for your own records and insurance purposes. Your insurer may request it before approving your insurance claim.
This form can be submitted in lieu of an accident report submitted by a police officer. After you have submitted this form, you do not have to take any other steps.
Consequences for Failing to Report a Car Accident
A driver who fails to report their car accident may be subject to a fine, points on their driver’s license, and other penalties.
If, however, an individual were to leave the scene of an accident that they had a legal duty to report, they will likely be charged with a criminal offense and face the penalties associated with a hit-and-run, which could include jail time.
Besides the legal consequences of failing to report an accident, a person’s insurance claim could be denied. Insurers typically rely on crash reports to determine whether drivers have a legitimate insurance claim. Without a report, an insurance company could accuse drivers of failing to uphold their obligations according to the insurance policy and deny their claim.
Contact a Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer Today For Help
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra car accidents law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and its surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W Forsyth St Suite 1000,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167