Car accidents in South Florida are an unfortunate reality of everyday life. Whether it happens on I-95 during rush hour, on a neighborhood street in Kendall, or near the causeways linking Miami Beach to the mainland, a crash can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. Knowing the right steps to take immediately after an accident — both for your health and your legal protection — can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
At Iscoe Law, we help victims of car accidents throughout Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach understand their rights and recover fair compensation. Here’s what every South Florida driver should know.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Call 911
Your first priority after a car accident is safety. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 right away and request emergency medical assistance. Even if the crash seems minor, Florida law requires that any accident involving injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage be reported to law enforcement.
When police arrive at the scene, be factual and cooperative. Their accident report will become a key piece of evidence in your personal injury case.
Step 2: Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are physically able to do so safely, start documenting everything. Take photographs and videos of your vehicle, the other vehicle(s), street signs, traffic signals, weather conditions, skid marks, and visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, but keep your conversation brief and polite.
Ask nearby witnesses for their names and phone numbers, especially in high-traffic areas like Brickell or Aventura where impartial witnesses can be hard to track down after the fact.
Step 3: Avoid Admitting Fault
One of the biggest mistakes you can make after a crash is saying too much — especially statements that sound like apologies or admissions of guilt. Even saying something like “I didn’t see you” could be used against you later. Stick to the facts, let the police document what happened, and leave fault determination to the professionals.
Florida now follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means that if you are found more than 50% at fault, you may not be eligible to recover any compensation. Saying the wrong thing can cost you your case.
Step 4: Seek Immediate Medical Care
Always get checked out by a medical professional — even if you think your injuries are minor. Symptoms of whiplash, soft tissue damage, concussions, or internal injuries may not appear until hours or even days after the crash. Going to the ER, urgent care, or your doctor right away creates a medical record that links your injuries to the accident.
In Florida, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance requires you to seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident in order to qualify for benefits.
Step 5: Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Before you speak to an insurance adjuster or sign any documents, speak with a South Florida personal injury attorney. Insurance companies are trained to minimize payouts and may try to pressure you into settling for less than you deserve. At Iscoe Law, we step in immediately to protect your rights, deal with the insurance company, and begin gathering key evidence to strengthen your case.
Our consultations are always free, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Step 6: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve spoken to an attorney, notify your insurer about the accident. Be honest but cautious — stick to the facts and avoid making recorded statements unless advised to do so by your lawyer. We can assist with filing your PIP claim and exploring other options for recovering compensation if your injuries exceed basic coverage limits.
Step 7: Keep Detailed Records
Your legal case doesn’t end at the accident scene. Be sure to keep all documents related to your crash: medical records, repair invoices, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, missed workdays, and notes about your pain or emotional stress. This documentation helps calculate damages beyond immediate bills — including pain and suffering or future treatment needs.
Trust Iscoe Law to Guide You Through
Navigating a car accident claim in South Florida can be overwhelming. With complex insurance laws, fast-changing liability rules, and high-pressure insurance tactics, it pays to have a team that knows the local landscape.
At Iscoe Law, we’ve spent decades fighting for injury victims in Miami, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties — and we’re ready to help you.
