Thomas C. Grajek | July 17, 2026 | Car Accidents
Most car accidents in Florida must be reported, and you may even need a copy of the accident report for your insurance claim. Reporting requirements and the process of getting the report afterward can be confusing.
Keep reading below to learn answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about car accident reports in Florida.
Do I Have to Report a Car Accident?
Yes, you must report most car accidents in Florida.
Under Florida law, an accident must be reported if it results in one of the following:
- Bodily injury
- Death
- Property damage of $500 or more
Typically, you should call local law enforcement immediately. If the police respond to the scene, they will handle the reporting for you. If the police are not involved, then you may have to report the accident to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) on your own.
How Do I Report a Car Accident in Florida?
Reporting a car accident in Florida is usually pretty easy. In most cases, you should call 911 or local law enforcement immediately after the accident. When the police respond to the crash, they will complete all the necessary reporting requirements for you. If your accident resulted in no injuries and only minor damage (less than $500), you may choose to self-report the crash.
If you self-report the crash, you must complete the Driver Report of Traffic Crash form. You may return the form by e-mail or standard mail.
How Long Do I Have to Report a Car Accident?
The car accidents that require reporting by law should be reported to local law enforcement “immediately by the quickest means of communication.” In most cases, this means calling 911 immediately after the accident occurs.
If you are self-reporting your crash, you must do so within 10 days of the crash.
What Happens if I Don’t Report a Car Accident in Florida?
Failure to report an accident in Florida is a serious issue. At a minimum, you may be unable to get any compensation from the insurance company for your economic and non-economic damages. However, the penalties could get more serious than that.
Failure to report an accident is a non-criminal traffic infraction in most cases that may result in fines and court costs. Additionally, it could lead to points on your license or even a suspension of your driving privileges. Because of these penalties, always ensure you complete all required reporting as soon as possible.
How Do I Obtain a Copy of a Car Accident Report in Florida?
Car accident reports may easily be requested online through the Florida Crash Portal. Reports purchased online cost $10 plus a $2 processing fee. Purchasing your report online gives you immediate access to the accident report.
If you do not wish to purchase online, you can also request a crash report by mail or in person. However, you should know that it may take 4 to 6 weeks for you to receive the report when you make your request using one of these methods.
What Information Is Contained in a Car Accident Report?
Car accident reports contain a lot of information, much of which is needed for insurance claims.
Accident reports typically contain:
- The date and time of the accident
- Descriptions of the vehicles involved
- Names and addresses of all drivers involved
- Names of all passengers
- Whether occupants were wearing seat belts
- Any relevant weather conditions at the time of the accident
- The responding officer’s initial assessment of the accident
- Insurance details, such as company name and policy numbers
Many insurance companies will require a copy of your accident report in order to process your claim. If you move forward with a personal injury claim, the information in the accident report may help strengthen your case.
Contact Our Lakeland Car Accident Lawyer at Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Being in a car accident can be overwhelming, and you may have many questions or not know what to do first. Consulting with an attorney early can help you protect your rights and ensure you do not make any common mistakes as you pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses.
For more information, please contact the Lakeland and New Port Richey Car accident lawyers of Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
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