If you are involved in a car accident, one of the most important steps to take is to call the police to the scene of the crash and obtain a police report. However, the other party may be reluctant to get the authorities involved and attempt to try to resolve the matter himself/herself.
According to Florida Statutes § 316.065, you must report a car accident to Florida Police or Highway Patrol if any of the following circumstances are true:
The crash involved an injury
The crash involved a death
The crash involved a fleeing driver (i.e., hit-and-run accident)
The crash was caused by a drunk or drugged driver
The crash involved property damages worth at least $500
If any of those situations do not apply to your accident, you must still file a crash report with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within ten (10) days after the collision. The report must include the location and time of the accident, the descriptions of all vehicles involved, the name and contact information of all drivers and passengers involved, the insurance information of all drivers involved, the names and contact information of any witnesses, the police officer’s name and badge number.
However, obtaining a police report can help you prove your case. A police report contains an unbiased account by a reputable third party, statements made by all parties involved, photographs, a diagram of the accident scene, and even citations committed by any drivers.
Additionally, even if you believe the property damage is minor and no one suffered an injury, you may later discover that the damage is actually worth more than you estimated or you may start experiencing symptoms of an injury hours, days, or even weeks later. In such instances, it is too late to file a police report.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Miami, contact Hubbs Law P.A. today at (305) 570-4802 for a free initial consultation. Our legal team has successfully handled thousands of cases for satisfied clients.