2026 STEP-BY-STEP guide
What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida: A 2026 Step-by-Step Guide
Quick Summary: Your 60-Minute Action Plan
If you need to know what to do after a car accident in Florida, the first hour is critical. Due to strict 2026 laws, your actions on Atlantic Blvd or I-95 determine if you can recover compensation or be barred entirely. This guide from the Law Office of David L. Rich, P.A. provides five non-negotiable steps to protect your health and your legal rights.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Florida
Being in a car accident can be a terrifying and disorienting experience. In the chaos of the moment, it’s easy to forget what you need to do to protect yourself and your legal rights. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step plan for anyone involved in a car crash in Florida. These steps will guide you in what to do after a car accident in Florida.
Key Takeaways for 2026 Drivers
- ! The 2-Year Deadline: You now only have 24 months to file a lawsuit.
- ! The 51% Rule: If you are found mostly at fault, you get nothing.
- ! Silent Evidence: Photos/videos are your most powerful weapons.
- ! The Insurance Trap: Never give a recorded statement without legal counsel.
Step-By-Step Guide: What to Do After a Car Accident
Step 1: Call 911—The First Thing to Do After a Car Accident in Florida
Your safety is the top priority. Move your vehicle to the side of the road if possible, turn on hazard lights, and check everyone for injuries. Call 911 immediately. In 2026, insurance companies heavily scrutinize claims without a formal police report. This report is the foundation of your Admissible Evidence.
Step 2: Exchange Info—But Watch Your Words
Collect names, phone numbers, and insurance details from all drivers involved. You should never apologize to be polite. Under Florida’s Modified Comparative Negligence law, saying “I’m sorry” can be twisted by an adjuster to put you at 51% fault, which would legally end your case before it starts.
Step 3: Document Everything (The “Silent Witness”)
Use your phone to record the truth. Evidence on Florida roadways like Florida’s Turnpike disappears in minutes. Read our article on The Silent Witness or using a Dash Cam to help win your case.
- Photos/Videos: Capture vehicle damage, license plates, skid marks, and traffic signals.
- Witnesses: Get contact info for anyone who saw the crash.
- Location: Note the exact intersection or mile marker.
Step 4: Seek Medical Care Within 14 Days
Even if you feel “fine,” the adrenaline of a crash hides pain. Whiplash and internal injuries often take days to surface. In Florida, failing to seek medical treatment can quickly jeopardize your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits and your overall claim.
Step 5: Why Calling an Attorney is Essential After a Florida Car Accident
Insurance adjusters are not your friends; their job is to pay you $0. They will try to get you on a recorded line to admit a mistake. Our legal team handles the insurance companies for you. With David’s 43+ years of trial experience and Tamara’s medical background, we ensure your claim isn’t undervalued or dismissed based on the new, shorter Statute of Limitations.
“In a race against time, the first 60 minutes are the most important.”
– David L. Rich
Contact the Law Offices of David L. Rich, P.A. today for a free consultation. Let us review your case and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Our phone number is 954-972-1800 and we are ready to help!
David L. Rich, Esq.
Senior Partner
- 43+ Years Trial Experience
- 124+ Years Combined Firm Experience
- Serving All South Florida
"Your interests are my first and only priority."
Law Offices of David L. Rich, P.A.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes of limitations are subject to change and specific factual exceptions. For personalized legal guidance regarding your specific situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.