Reporting a car accident within 24 hours is important in Florida, particularly if there are injuries or property damage. Under state law, accidents involving injuries or damages over $500 need to be reported to the police. Failure to report can have severe legal and financial repercussions.
Legal Penalties for Not Reporting an Accident
- Failure to Report: You may be subject to fines or even criminal prosecution if you fail to report an accident that satisfies Florida’s legal requirements.
- Liability Issues: Without a police accident report, it can become difficult to prove fault. This can affect your chances of collecting damages if you were involved in an accident with another driver and they were to blame.
- Insurance Issues: Most insurance companies need a police report in handling claims. Failing to report the accident could mean your insurance company would reject coverage of property damage and medical bills, leaving you paying from your pocket.
Why Always Report an Accident?
Reporting assures that there’s official documentation of the occurrence, which is indispensable for insurance claims and legal cases. It facilitates documentation of:
- The severity of injuries and property damage.
- The events that resulted in the accident.
- Statements from witnesses and observations by police.
Without this report, it might be challenging to recover damages or medical expenses.
Summing Up!
If you’ve lost the 24-hour reporting period or require help with a delayed claim, Jenkins Law PL can assist. Our attorneys will walk you through the process, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight to uphold your rights.
Call us today for professional legal assistance.
This post was written by Kelly-Ann Jenkins of Jenkins Law P.L. Kelly-Ann is an insurance claim Lawyer. The information on this site is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations, or legal representation on any matter. Hiring an attorney is an important decision, which should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney for legal advice regarding your situation.
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