What to Do After a Car Accident in Jacksonville, Florida
- April Karaffa
- Oct 10
- 6 min read
If you are still at the accident scene (these steps are the same, regardless of who is at fault):
If you need medical attention:
Step 1: Call 911 Immediately.
Inform the operator that there are injuries. They will dispatch both medical help and law enforcement to the scene. Do not attempt to move anyone who is seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger (e.g., fire).
Step 2: Stay as Still and Calm as Possible.
Wait for emergency medical services to arrive. If you are able, and it is safe to do so, turn on your vehicle's hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Step 3: If Possible, Ask Someone for Help.
If you are unable to, ask a witness or another party involved to exchange essential information and take photos of the scene on your behalf.
If you do not need medical attention:
Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask injuries. It is always recommended to see a doctor within 24 hours of an accident. In Florida, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days to be eligible for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.
Step 1: Secure the Scene.
Move to Safety: If your vehicle is drivable and it is safe to do so, move it to the shoulder or a nearby safe location to avoid further accidents.
Hazard Lights: Turn on your vehicle's hazard lights.
Step 2: Call the Police. Even for a minor accident, a police report is a crucial document for insurance claims. Florida law requires you to report any accident with injuries, death, or property damage of $500 or more. When the police arrive, state the facts of what happened clearly and concisely. Avoid guessing or speculating.
Step 3: Exchange Information. Gather the following from the other driver(s):
Name and contact information
Driver's license number
Insurance company and policy number
License plate number
Make and model of their vehicle
Step 4: Document the Scene. Use your phone to take pictures and videos of:
Damage to all vehicles from various angles
The overall accident scene, including any skid marks, debris, and traffic signals
The other driver's license plate, insurance card, and driver's license
Step 5: Identify Witnesses. If there are any witnesses, politely ask for their names and contact information. Their account of the events can be valuable.
Step 6: Contact The Moore Law Firm at (904) 257-3508.
Early legal involvement is crucial for protecting your rights and preserving evidence.
A Note on Fault: While the immediate actions at the scene are the same regardless of who is at fault, it is critical to never admit fault to the other driver or to law enforcement. Liability will be determined through an investigation of the evidence. Stick to the facts of what occurred.
After you have left the scene and sought any necessary medical attention, contact your insurance company to report the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the information you gathered at the scene.
If you are at home right now, unsure if you have followed the correct procedure to ensure the maximum insurance coverage, call us immediately at (904) 257-3508.
Insurance companies will do the best to pay you the LEAST. Get what you deserve. Call us now.
Note: Regardless of who is at fault, the immediate steps at the accident scene are the same. Florida is a "no-fault" insurance state, which means you will initially turn to your own insurance for injury coverage, no matter who caused the accident.
Here’s some more detail about the whole process:
We’re all aware that a car crash can flip your life upside down in seconds. But how you act right afterward can profoundly affect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover full compensation. In Florida, and especially in busy urban areas like Jacksonville, following the right steps after an auto accident helps protect both your wellbeing and your financial recovery.
Ensure Safety — Your Health Comes First
Your first priority is always safety. Check yourself and passengers for injuries, and if it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to a secure location away from traffic. Turn on hazard lights and place cones or triangles if available.
Why: Protecting yourself and others prevents further harm and shows you acted responsibly—important both for your wellbeing and for any future claim.
Call 911 — Let the Authorities Document the Scene
Immediately call 911 to report the crash. In Jacksonville, the responding officers—usually from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office or Florida Highway Patrol—will prepare an official crash report.
Why: The police report provides crucial documentation that supports your version of events and helps establish liability if disputes arise later.
Seek Medical Attention — Even If You Think You're Fine
Even after a minor collision, injuries like concussions or soft-tissue trauma can appear hours later. Visit an ER, urgent care, or your personal physician as soon as possible after the accident.
Why: Prompt medical evaluation not only safeguards your health but also ensures eligibility for coverage under Florida’s PIP system. More specifically, under Florida’s 14-Day Rule, you must seek initial medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.
Photograph and Record the Scene
Take clear photos and videos showing:
All vehicle positions and damage
Roadway conditions, traffic lights, and weather
License plates and identifying details
Visible injuries
Write down or voice-record your recollection while it’s still fresh.
Why: These records provide objective evidence that strengthens both insurance and legal claims tied to your auto accident.
Exchange Information — Wisely
Exchange names, contact details, license numbers, and insurance information with other drivers. Collect witness names and phone numbers. Avoid saying anything that could imply fault—simple phrases like “I’m sorry” can later be misconstrued.
Why: Fulfilling your legal duty to share information is essential, but staying neutral protects your ability to pursue fair compensation later.
Notify Your Insurance Company — With Caution
Report the crash promptly to your insurer, giving factual details such as time, location, and the police report number. Avoid recorded statements until you’ve consulted an attorney.
Why: Early notice prevents denial of benefits, but unsupervised statements may harm your case if interpreted against you.
Consult a Jacksonville Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured or sustained significant losses, seek guidance from a local car accident attorney familiar with Florida’s insurance and negligence laws. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, negotiate with insurers, and guide you through the claims process so you can focus on recovery.
Why: Insurance companies often move quickly to minimize payouts. Having professional representation ensures your case is handled thoroughly and fairly from start to finish.
Keep and Organize All Records
Preserve every piece of documentation related to the crash:
Medical reports and bills
Repair estimates and invoices
Proof of lost income
All correspondence with insurers
Why: Organized records create a consistent narrative of your injuries and losses, which becomes critical if you pursue legal action later.
Follow All Medical Advice and Continue Treatment
Don’t cut treatment short without your doctor’s approval. Attend follow-ups, therapy, and any recommended diagnostics.
Why: Consistent medical care reinforces the seriousness of your injuries and helps demonstrate compliance with medical advice—both vital for recovery and continued PIP eligibility.
Evaluate Settlement Offers Carefully
Insurers may propose quick settlements that sound appealing but undervalue your total damages. Review any offer carefully and, if possible, consult a lawyer before signing.
Why: Once accepted, a settlement typically ends your right to pursue additional compensation for new or worsening conditions.
Stay Alert to Time Limits and Legal Deadlines
Florida’s statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is now two years for accidents that occurred on or after March 24, 2023. For older accidents (before that date), the four-year limit may still apply.
Why: Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to file a claim, no matter how strong the case.
Summary
Taking the right steps after a crash helps protect your safety, finances, and future claims. From immediate medical attention under Florida’s 14-Day Rule to careful recordkeeping and understanding the statute of limitations, each action strengthens your position. Acting calmly and methodically ensures you meet every legal requirement while securing the best possible recovery after an auto accident in Jacksonville.
Were you or a family member in a car accident recently? Did the insurance company pay the maximum amount? Unsure?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Florida a “fault” or “no-fault” state?
Florida uses a “no-fault” system—your PIP coverage initially pays your medical bills regardless of who caused the crash. Severe or permanent injuries may allow claims against the at-fault driver.
Q: What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
If you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, it can help pay for damages when the other driver’s insurance is insufficient.
Q: How long do I have to seek medical care?
Under the Florida 14-Day Rule, initial medical treatment must occur within 14 days to qualify for PIP benefits.
Q: Should I accept an insurance settlement right away?
Not without legal advice. Early settlements often exclude ongoing medical costs or lost wages.
Q: Do I need a lawyer for minor accidents?
Even small crashes can create delayed medical issues or complex insurance disputes. Consulting a lawyer ensures your rights remain protected.
Q: How much does it cost to hire an attorney?
Most car accident cases operate on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless compensation is recovered for you.
