The new law doesn’t require a call to the police for every minor crash, but if you’ve been in a crash, a police report can make a real difference in protecting your rights.

Why You Should Still Call the Police

Injuries aren’t always obvious at the scene. Neck, back, and soft-tissue injuries, and even concussions, often don’t show symptoms until hours or days later. A crash that looked like “property damage only” at the roadside may turn out to be an injury crash. Without a report made at the time, connecting your injuries to the collision can become harder.

Damage estimates are often wrong. The $2,000 threshold depends on apparent damage, which is a guess made at the scene. Modern bumpers, sensors, and cameras are expensive to repair, and a minor-looking dent can easily cost more than $2,000.

A report preserves evidence. A police report records the date, time, location, the drivers and witnesses, and sometimes the officer’s observations about how the crash happened. That record matters when the other driver’s account changes later.

Fault matters more than ever. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law, an injured person found more than 50% at fault for a crash generally can’t recover damages from the other driver. Clear, early documentation of what happened can be critical.

Your Duties After a Crash Haven’t Changed

Florida law still requires drivers involved in a crash to stop, remain at the scene, exchange names, addresses, and vehicle registration information, and help anyone who is injured. Leaving the scene of a crash with property damage is a criminal offense.

Protect Yourself After Any Crash

• Call the police if anyone may be hurt or if you’re unsure about the damage.
• Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, and any visible injuries.
• Get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details.
• Seek medical care promptly. Under Florida law, you generally must receive initial treatment from a qualified medical provider within 14 days of the crash to use your PIP benefits.
• Talk to an attorney before giving a recorded statement to an insurance company.

If you’ve been injured in a crash, contact the Law Office of Michael P. Maddux, P.A. at 813-253-3363 to discuss your case.