How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident in Florida?

Police accident reports play a crucial role in auto insurance claims because they injure parties, and insurance companies use them to assess the circumstances of accidents. If you have just been in an accident, the natural next question is: how long do you have to report an accident in Florida?

Florida law requires that you report certain types of auto accidents to the police within ten days. If you fail to report an accident, you may face civil and, in some cases, criminal penalties. 

Florida’s Mandatory Reporting Laws

Florida Statutes Section 316.066 mandates that motorists involved in certain types of accidents must report them within ten days of their occurrence. The reporting requirements are mandatory for accidents involving:

• Physical injuries
• Substantial damage to property (>$500)
• Commercial vehicles
• Death

In most cases, city police are responsible for accidents in urban areas, county sheriffs are responsible for accidents in rural or unincorporated areas, and the Florida Highway Patrol (FSHP) is responsible for accidents on the state’s highways and interstates. 

In most cases, the police will generate an accident report when they arrive at the scene. However, you can also self-file an accident report in person or online at the FHP’s website. 

What Happens If I Don’t Report an Accident?

Failing to report an accident in Florida is a non-criminal moving violation that can incur up to a $30 penalty. However, if you leave the scene of an accident involving injuries or death, you could face severe criminal penalties. 

Florida Statutes 316.062 requires drivers involved in injury-causing or fatal crashes to pull over and render aid. If you fail to render aid after an accident, that is a hit-and-run. Criminal charges for a hit-and-run depend on the severity of the crash and the damage:

• Crashes with property damage are a second-degree misdemeanor, with a prison sentence of up to 60 days and/or a fine of up to $500
• Crashes with injuries are a second or third-degree felony, with up to a three-year license suspension, up to five years in a prison, and a fine of up to $5,000
• Crashes with fatalities are a first-degree felony, with a three-year license suspension, between four and 30 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000 fine

How Long Do You Have to Tell Your Insurance Company About the Accident?

In Florida, there’s no set deadline to report a motorcycle accident to your insurance company, but insurers often require you to act quickly—sometimes within just a few days. Before you reach out to them, it’s crucial to speak with a legal expert. Remember, your insurance company’s primary goal is to minimize their payouts, not maximize your compensation. Consulting with a Law Tigers attorney first can ensure you’re taking the right steps to protect your interests and potentially enhance your compensation. They’ll help you navigate the claims process and prevent common pitfalls that could undermine your case.

Law Tigers: America’s Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Contact a Florida motorcycle accident lawyer today for a free case evaluation. Law Tigers NEVER charge for a consultation and if you choose to go with us, there are no fees unless you win.