What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Florida
Car accidents happen in a split second, but the decisions you make in the moments that follow can affect your health, your finances, and your legal rights. If you've been involved in a car accident in Florida—especially around Clermont or anywhere in Lake County—it's important to know what steps to take to protect yourself and your potential personal injury claim.
At John Kilpatrick Law PLLC, we help car accident victims across Central Florida get the compensation they deserve. Here’s what you should do immediately after a crash:
1. Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
Your safety is the top priority. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately.
Even if injuries seem minor, don’t assume everything is okay—many injuries (like whiplash or concussions) take hours or days to appear.
2. Call the Police
In Florida, you’re legally required to report an accident if it involves:
Injuries
Death
Property damage over $500
A hit-and-run
A suspected impaired driver
Ask for an officer to come to the scene and create a Florida Traffic Crash Report. This report can be crucial for your personal injury case and for dealing with insurance companies.
3. Document the Scene
Use your phone to take pictures and videos of:
Vehicle damage
Road conditions
Skid marks
Traffic signs
Injuries
Also, gather contact and insurance info from the other driver, as well as names and contact info for any witnesses.
Pro tip: Don’t admit fault or make any statements that could be used against you later.
4. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Under Florida’s No-Fault Law, you have only 14 days to seek medical treatment to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. Even if you feel “fine,” get checked out by a doctor—your health and your case depend on it.
Hospitals and urgent care centers near Clermont, like South Lake Hospital, can evaluate you quickly.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Florida requires you to carry PIP insurance, which covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses regardless of fault. Report the accident to your insurer promptly, but avoid giving a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney first.
6. Talk to a Clermont Car Accident Attorney
Before you talk to the other driver’s insurance company or accept any kind of settlement offer, consult a personal injury attorney. A local lawyer familiar with Florida car accident law—like the team at John Kilpatrick Law PLLC in Clermont—can help you:
Evaluate your damages
Handle all insurance communications
Fight for full and fair compensation
Why Choose a Clermont Personal Injury Attorney?
We know how overwhelming it can be to deal with an accident, especially when you're injured and facing medical bills. At John Kilpatrick Law PLLC, we handle car accident cases across Clermont, Minneola, Groveland, Mascotte, Webster, Center Hill, and the greater Lake County area. We offer free consultations, and we don’t get paid unless you win.
Call Us Today for a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one was hurt in a Florida car accident, don’t wait. Call 352-634-6923 or contact us online to speak with an experienced Clermont car accident attorney today.
