How long after a car accident can you file a police report in Florida?
Asked by: Mitchell Lakin | Last update: January 20, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (67 votes)
How long do I have to file a claim after a car accident in Florida?
One key reason is the time limit—known as the statute of limitations—which places a deadline on your ability to pursue a lawsuit. In Florida, accident victims who want to file a lawsuit based on the negligence of another party have just two years from the date of the accident to do so.
What is the 14 day rule in Florida for car accidents?
After any car accident, it is imperative that injured victims seek immediate medical attention within 14 days from the incident, as insurance companies may seek to invalidate your claim by attributing injuries to preexisting medical concerns or downplaying the degree of physical damage sustained.
Do you have to call the police after a minor car accident in Florida?
Florida law doesn't require you to call the police for every fender bender, but there are specific situations where contacting law enforcement isn't just recommended—it's mandatory. According to Florida Statutes Section 316.065, you must report an accident to the police if: There are injuries or fatalities.
What happens if you don't report an accident within 24 hours in Florida?
You may face a fine, as failure to report a reportable accident is a non-moving traffic infraction that is not a criminal act. In the event the accident was not investigated by police or other law enforcement personnel, failing to file a written accident report may result in a separate non-moving traffic infraction.
How Long After A Car Accident Can You File A Police Report? | The Barnes Firm
Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim in Florida?
In Florida, a police report often isn't needed for minor accidents due to the state's no-fault insurance system. Here's why: Florida's no-fault insurance law requires drivers to have at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
How long do you have to report a fender bender in Florida?
With that said, you must comply with other deadlines for your claim to be approved for compensation or maintain legitimacy in court, such as the following: You must file a Florida Traffic Crash Report – Long Form within 10 days of the accident.
What is the 25 window rule in Florida?
If more than 25% of the windows and/or doors in a pre-Florida Building Code home are being replaced and the windows/doors are NOT impact glass, the windows/doors are required to have opening protection (such as shutters).
What is Rule 720 in Florida?
Chapter 720 of the Florida Statutes governs homeowners' associations (HOAs) in Florida. Unlike condominiums or cooperatives, homeowners' associations typically govern single-family homes in a specific development or community.
Is FL a no-fault state?
Unlike many others, Florida is a no-fault automobile insurance state. This means that all drivers are required by law to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and other coverages. This ensures that certain costs incurred as a result of an accident are covered, no matter who is at fault.
How long can you wait to file a car accident claim?
The California statute of limitations sets specific deadlines for filing lawsuits. For personal injury cases like car accident lawsuits, you have two years from the date of the accident. If you're dealing with damage to your vehicle but no injuries, you have three years to file.
Can someone sue me personally after a car accident Florida?
Can You Be Sued Personally? Yes, you can be sued personally after a car accident, even if you have insurance. Florida law allows the injured person to sue both the at-fault driver and the owner of the at-fault vehicle. Under Florida Statute 324.021, the car owner's liability is capped at $600,000.
How long do you have to file a claim in Florida?
The Florida personal injury statute of limitations runs from the date of your accident. For example, if you were injured in a car accident on October 14, 2021, you will have until October 14, 2025 to file your personal injury lawsuit to recover the damages the accident caused you.
What is the 50% rule in Florida?
The 50% Rule is a regulation of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that prohibits improvements to a structure exceeding 50% of its market value unless the entire structure is brought into full compliance with current flood regulations.
What is the Sunshine Rule in Florida?
The three basic requirements of the Sunshine Law are: (1) meetings of public boards or commissions must be open to the public; (2) reasonable notice of such meetings must be given; and (3) minutes of the meetings must be taken.
What is the Brady rule in Florida?
The Brady rule, named after Brady v. Maryland , requires prosecutors to disclose material , exculpatory information in the government's possession to the defense.
What happens if you don't file a police report after an accident in Florida?
Both parties could face legal penalties, including fines or imprisonment, depending on local laws. Additionally, insurance companies might not cover damages if the accident wasn't reported or if a driver is found to have illegally left the scene.
How many days after a car accident can you claim Florida?
Lawmakers established the 14-day accident law under Florida Statutes § 627.736. This law outlines how the state's recognized no-fault system works. This includes a mandatory 14-day period during which crash victims must seek medical care.
Who pays for fender bender in Florida?
Due to Florida's no-fault laws, your insurance will pay for your auto repair after an accident you did not cause in Florida. However, if the costs of damages exceed your policy limits, you may qualify to recover additional compensation elsewhere.
What happens if I don't report my accident to insurance?
There is no California law per se about notifying your insurance company after a collision, but your auto insurance policy is a contract. When you signed it, you agreed to the stipulations in the contract, which will almost certainly include the requirement to notify the insurance company promptly after an accident.
How long do you have to report a car accident to your insurance in Florida?
You have 10 days to report a car accident in Florida. In most cases, the drivers involved call police from the scene of the accident, and the responding officers file a report.
Can you claim a car accident without a police report in Florida?
A police report is not always required in Florida, which means you can usually file a claim for financial recovery from the at-fault driver without one. As an attorney will tell you, though, filing a police report may support your claim by serving as evidence.