Thomas C. Grajek | November 9, 2026 | Car Accidents
A fender bender may seem like a small problem, but even minor car accidents can lead to injuries, repair bills, and insurance disputes. If you get into a minor crash in New Port Richey, Florida, you may wonder whether you need to call the police.
Florida law requires drivers to report certain accidents. However, not every minor crash requires an officer to come to the scene. Knowing when to call the police can help you protect your rights and avoid legal trouble.
When Does Florida Law Require You to Call the Police?
Florida law requires drivers to report accidents involving certain types of damage or injuries.
You should contact law enforcement if your accident involves:
- An injury or death
- A hit-and-run driver
- A driver who appears drunk or impaired
- A vehicle that needs to be towed
- Damage to property that appears to be at least $500
- A commercial motor vehicle involved in the crash
Under Florida Statutes § 316.065, drivers must immediately notify law enforcement when a crash meets certain reporting requirements. Since even minor repairs can cost more than $500, calling the police is often the safest choice.
What if Your Fender Bender Is Very Minor?
Not every fender bender requires an officer to investigate the scene. If nobody is hurt, the damage is minimal, and the crash does not meet Florida’s reporting requirements, you may not need to call the police. However, you should still exchange information with the other driver.
Make sure to collect their name, phone number, driver’s license number, insurance information, and license plate number. You should also take pictures of the vehicles and any visible damage. Even if the accident seems minor, keeping good records can help if problems arise later.
Why Is a Police Report Important After a Fender Bender?
A police report can be helpful when dealing with insurance companies after an accident.
The report may include important details about the crash, including:
- The date, time, and location
- Information about the drivers involved
- Statements from drivers and witnesses
- Road and weather conditions
- Observations made by the responding officer
Insurance companies may review this information when deciding how to handle a claim.
An accident report does not automatically prove who caused an accident. However, it can provide useful evidence if the drivers disagree about what happened.
Can You Report a Fender Bender After Leaving the Scene?
Sometimes, drivers leave an accident scene without realizing they should have contacted the police.
Florida law allows certain crashes that do not require immediate law enforcement notification to be reported through a written crash report or a driver’s exchange of information. Under Florida Statutes § 316.066, drivers must submit a written report within 10 days for certain crashes that are not investigated by law enforcement.
However, filing a report later does not excuse failing to immediately report an accident when required. If you are unsure about your reporting duties, contact local law enforcement for guidance.
Contact the New Port Richey Car Accident Attorney at Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
A minor car accident can quickly become stressful when injuries, insurance claims, and repair costs are involved. At Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the challenges accident victims face. Our legal team can review your case, explain your rights, and help you explore your options for compensation.
You do not have to handle a difficult insurance claim alone. Contact our New Port Richey car accident attorney today to discuss your accident and learn how we can help you move forward.
We serve Polk County, Pasco County, and their surrounding areas:
Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers Lakeland
2306 Florida Ave S Lakeland, FL 33803
(863)-999-9000