Getting into a car accident is a very stressful experience, and unfortunately the accident is only the beginning. There are 3 specific deadlines you must be aware of when it comes to making sure proper procedures are being followed after you’ve been in an accident. The first of these items is making sure that an accurate car accident police report is filed as soon as possible. In Florida you are required by law to file a written car crash police report within 10 days of your car accident according to Florida Statutes § 316.066. The easiest way to file your crash report is through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Neglecting to report your car accident within this timeframe can lead to possible fines from law enforcement as well as significantly impacting the claims process for your insurance company and their ability to conduct a timely investigation. Waiting to report your accident can also negatively impact a personal injury lawyer’s ability to submit a car accident claim on your behalf.
If you aren’t sure of how to file a car accident report, or how to get a copy of your car accident in Largo, or Florida in general, our attorneys and the staff here at the Cloud Law Firm can help. Contact our office online or call 855-408-5100 to set up a free case consultation where we can answer any questions you have about your police report or about a potential car accident settlement. We can also help you get a copy of your Sebring car accident report as well.
Can You File A Police Report Days After An Accident In Florida?
After you’ve been in a collision, you are encouraged to report your accident to the local authorities as soon as possible. Most of the time this will mean calling 911 or your local police department and having them come to the scene of the accident, where they will then prepare a comprehensive accident report. For accidents where the police did not attend for whatever reason it is still very important to report your accident within 10 days of it occurring but within 24-48 hours is best. Timely reporting helps to ensure the accuracy of information being recorded, and improves the collection of any evidence related to the crash and assists with any necessary investigations.
Seeking Medical Attention After A Car Accident
The second important deadline to be aware of when it comes to dealing with the aftermath of your car accident is seeking medical attention. According to Florida Statutes § 627.736, anyone filing an insurance claim or PIP (personal injury protection) claim must be seen by a qualified medical professional within 14 days of their accident if they want to be able to claim medical damages and have those costs covered in future. It might not be necessary to have submitted your claim to your insurance within 14 days but you must see a doctor inside that timeframe for the ability to have those expenses covered.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Florida
The third deadline to be aware of is the statute of limitations related to personal injury claims in Florida. The law states that you must report your car accident in Florida within 10 days of the accident, and likewise there is a timeframe with which you must be inside of when it comes to filing a claim for damages resulting from a car accident. This is known as a statute of limitations. In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims and property damage claims related to car accidents is two years. This means that individuals have up to two years from the date of the accident to initiate legal action for compensation. There can be exceptions to this rule in very special circumstances, but it would be best to speak with a car accident lawyer directly about when the statute of limitations may be exceeded past the standard two years.
How Long Do You Have To File A Car Accident Report With Your Insurance In Florida
Reporting a car accident to your insurance company is a critical step after you’ve had a collision. Insurance policies have their own clauses requiring prompt notification, so the timeframe for which you must report your accident will vary from insurance provider to insurance provider. By delaying the reporting of your car accident, it is possible to jeopardize your ability to file a claim. Insurance companies want to be able to investigate, assess damages, and determine liability as quickly as possible when a claim is made. Delaying reporting your accident could potentially result in complications, such as disputes over coverage or even denial of a claim. To ensure a smooth claims process and to comply with the terms of your insurance policy, it is recommended to report the car accident to your insurance company as soon as you can after your accident.
Contact A Florida Car Accident Lawyer For Help With Your Car Accident Report
It is important to understand the deadlines for filing car accident reports in Florida, as this can help to ensure that a proper investigation is conducted related to the accident and that your claim process is handled accurately. Prompt reporting can also help should you choose to move forward with a car accident injury claim in the future. If you have been in a car accident in Florida and want more information on the reporting process, contact our office online or call 855-408-5100 to set up a free case consultation, where we can answer any questions you have about your police report or about a potential car accident settlement.
