What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Car Accident in Broward or Miami-Dade
A car accident can turn an ordinary drive on I-95, I-595, or US-1 into one of the most stressful days of your life. In the moments afterward, it’s hard to think clearly. But what you do in the first 24 hours can affect your recovery, your insurance benefits, and your ability to get fair compensation later.
Here is what our attorneys at Kane & Vital recommend for anyone involved in a crash in Broward or Miami-Dade County.
1. Stop, check for injuries, and call 911
Florida law requires drivers involved in a crash to stop at or near the scene. Leaving can bring serious criminal charges, especially if someone is hurt.
First, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Then call 911 if anyone is hurt or if the vehicles can’t be moved. Depending on where the crash happened, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Miami-Dade Police, or a city police department will respond. You can also reach the Florida Highway Patrol by dialing *FHP (*347) from a mobile phone.
If no one is hurt and your car can be driven, Florida law requires you to move it out of traffic when it’s safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights and pull onto the shoulder or into a nearby parking lot.
2. Make sure a crash report is made
Law enforcement must be notified when a crash causes injury, death, or significant property damage. A police report is one of the most important documents in any injury claim because it records the officer’s observations, statements from the drivers and witnesses, and sometimes an early opinion about who was at fault.
Before the officer leaves, ask for the report number and the officer’s name and agency. If police don’t come to the scene, ask your attorney how to file a report yourself.
3. Exchange information, but don’t discuss fault
Get the following from every driver involved: full name, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance company and policy number. If the other driver isn’t the vehicle’s owner, get the owner’s name too.
Be polite, but don’t apologize or say anything like “I didn’t see you” or “It was my fault.” In the confusion after a crash, people often blame themselves for things that weren’t their fault. Anything you say can be used later by an insurance company to reduce or deny your claim. Florida now bars recovery for injured people found more than 50% at fault, so careless statements can have real consequences.
4. Document everything with your phone
If you’re able, take photos and video of:
- All vehicles involved, including damage, license plates, and where they came to rest
- Skid marks, debris, traffic signals, road signs, and road conditions
- Your visible injuries, such as cuts, bruises, or swelling
- The general scene, including weather and lighting
Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Witnesses often leave quickly, and an independent account can make a big difference if the other driver changes their story. Also look for nearby businesses or homes that may have security cameras. That footage is often deleted within days.
5. Get medical care right away, and definitely within 14 days
This is the most important step, and the one people most often skip.
Florida is a no-fault state. Your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for part of your medical bills and lost wages, up to $10,000, regardless of who caused the crash. But you must receive initial medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to use your PIP benefits. If you wait longer, you can lose them completely.
Even if a doctor treats you within 14 days, your benefits may be limited to $2,500 unless a qualified medical provider determines you had an “emergency medical condition.” That’s another reason to be examined promptly and thoroughly.
Many serious injuries don’t hurt right away. Adrenaline can hide the pain of whiplash, concussions, back injuries, and internal bleeding for hours or days. Going to an emergency room, urgent care, or your doctor the same day protects your health and creates a medical record linking your injuries to the crash.
6. Notify your insurance company, but be careful what you say
Most policies require you to report an accident promptly, so let your insurer know the basic facts: when and where it happened and who was involved.
Be much more careful if the other driver’s insurance company calls you. Their adjuster’s job is to pay as little as possible. You don’t have to give a recorded statement, guess about your injuries, or sign anything. It’s reasonable to tell them your attorney will be in touch.
7. Don’t post about the accident on social media
Insurance companies regularly check claimants’ Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. A photo of you at a family event, or a comment like “I’m fine, just shaken up,” can be used to argue that your injuries aren’t serious. The safest approach is not to post anything about the accident, your injuries, or your activities until your case is resolved.
8. Keep every document
Start a folder, either paper or on your phone, for everything related to the crash: the police report number, photos, medical records and bills, prescription receipts, towing and rental car receipts, and notes about missed work. Write down what you remember about the accident while it’s fresh, and keep a simple daily journal of your pain and how your injuries affect your life.
9. Talk to a personal injury attorney
Florida changed its personal injury laws in 2023. For most accidents, you now have two years to file a negligence lawsuit, down from four. Because evidence disappears and deadlines matter, it’s wise to speak with a lawyer early, before you accept any settlement or sign any release.
An experienced attorney can deal with the insurance companies for you, make sure you get the full PIP benefits you’re owed, investigate who was at fault, and pursue compensation beyond PIP if your injuries are serious.
Hurt in a crash in South Florida? We can help.
The attorneys at Kane & Vital have helped injured people across Broward and Miami-Dade County for more than 30 years, with offices in Sunrise and North Miami. We offer free consultations and can come to you if you can’t travel.
Learn more about our auto accident practice or contact us today. You can also call (954) 523-5123.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, so please contact an attorney about your specific situation.