Injured in a Florida Car Accident? Here’s What to Do in the First 24 Hours
The moments following a car accident can be disorienting, painful, and stressful. But the actions you take in the first 24 hours are critical—not only for your health and safety, but also for any legal claim you may later pursue.
At Aronberg & Aronberg, we help Florida residents navigate the aftermath of car accidents every day. Based on decades of experience, here is a clear, step-by-step guide to what you should do in the first 24 hours after a collision.
The very first concern after any crash—no matter how minor or severe—is personal safety. If you or anyone else involved is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries do not seem serious at first, request emergency services to conduct a proper assessment.
Many accident-related injuries—such as whiplash, internal trauma, or concussions—do not present symptoms right away. Delaying medical care can worsen your condition and make it more difficult to link the injury directly to the accident later.
If you are not transported to a hospital from the scene, visit a doctor or urgent care clinic as soon as possible. In Florida, under the state’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) laws, injured parties must seek medical treatment within 14 days to be eligible for coverage.
If you are physically able and it is safe to do so, take the time to document the accident scene:
These pieces of evidence can be vital if your case moves forward.
Exchange names, insurance details, and license plate numbers with the other driver(s). Be polite, but do not admit fault or speculate about what happened. Even offhand comments can be misinterpreted or used against you in a claim.
When speaking with law enforcement, be clear and truthful, but stick to the facts. Let the investigation determine fault.
In Florida, a crash must be reported to law enforcement if it involves:
If police respond to the scene, they will file a report. Otherwise, you are responsible for reporting the crash to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles ( FloridaHSMV) within 10 days.
This report serves as a key piece of documentation for your insurance company and any legal proceedings.
You are required to notify your insurance company about the accident, even if you believe the other driver was at fault. Provide the basic facts, but do not offer recorded statements or discuss fault until you have spoken with an attorney.
In many cases, insurance adjusters will try to minimize payouts or steer you toward quick settlements. Be cautious, and protect your rights.
One of the most important steps you can take within the first 24 hours is to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. An attorney can:
Even if you believe the accident was minor, having legal guidance early can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
In Florida, car accident cases are governed by specific legal timelines and insurance structures. Delays in medical care, reporting, or documentation can all weaken a case. The first 24 hours are not the time to wait and see.
At Aronberg & Aronberg, we offer clear, straightforward legal advice rooted in decades of experience representing car accident victims across Florida. If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle collision, contact us promptly. The sooner we get involved, the better positioned you are to secure the compensation you deserve.
