Do You Have to Call the Police After a Car Accident in Florida?
Car accidents happen every day across Central Florida, from congested highways like I-4 to the busy streets of Downtown Orlando. One of the most common questions drivers have after a crash is whether they need to call the police.
In Florida, you are legally required to contact law enforcement after most car accidents, especially when there are injuries or significant property damage. However, understanding when to call and why it matters can make a major difference in protecting your rights and your ability to recover compensation later.
This guide explains the laws, the importance of a police report, and what steps to take after a car crash in Orlando and the surrounding areas.
Florida Law: When You Must Call the Police After an Accident
Under Florida Statute 316.065, drivers must report an accident to the police if:
- Anyone is injured or killed.
- There is property damage of $500 or more.
- A vehicle must be towed from the scene.
- The crash involves a commercial vehicle.
- A driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If the accident does not meet these criteria, you can file a Driver Report of Traffic Crash (Self Report) with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. However, it is always safer to call the police, even for minor crashes, because having an official report provides valuable documentation if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action later.
For detailed guidance on the legal process, see our resource: What to do After a Car Accident: A Step-By-Step Guide.
Why You Should Always File a Police Report After an Orlando Car Accident
Even if the crash seems minor, contacting law enforcement can protect your rights. Here’s why:
1. The Police Report Creates an Official Record
The responding officer will document important details such as the location, time, weather, and statements from all drivers and witnesses. This official accident report can be critical evidence for your insurance claim or personal injury case.
2. It Helps Prove Fault and Negligence
If the other driver denies responsibility, the officer’s findings can help establish liability. Statements about traffic violations, intoxication, or reckless driving can strengthen your case.
3. It Supports Your Personal Injury Claim
Most insurance companies require a police report to process claims, especially for bodily injury or disputes over fault. Without it, your claim could be delayed or denied.
4. Prevents False Accusations
Unfortunately, some drivers later change their story or claim you were at fault. A police report provides an official record of what happened, including the officer’s assessment and any citations issued.
5. Establishes Legal Proof
If your case becomes a personal injury lawsuit, your police report becomes one of the most important documents in proving what happened and who was responsible.
How to Report a Car Accident in Florida
If you are involved in an accident in Orlando or anywhere in Central Florida, here’s what to do to ensure you follow state law and protect your rights.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 911
Always start by checking whether anyone is hurt. If there are any injuries, even minor ones, call 911 immediately. Emergency dispatch will send both law enforcement and medical responders to the scene.
Step 2: Move to Safety
If it’s safe and possible, move vehicles out of traffic. Turn on hazard lights to warn approaching drivers.
Step 3: Wait for Police to Arrive
When officers arrive, they’ll document the scene, interview drivers and witnesses, and prepare an official crash report. Be polite and cooperative, but avoid admitting fault, even casually.
Step 4: Exchange Information
You are required to exchange names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details with the other driver(s). However, do not discuss details of the crash beyond the basic facts.
Step 5: Take Photos and Notes
While waiting for the police, document the accident scene. Take photos of:
- Vehicle damage
- Skid marks or debris
- Traffic signals and signs
- Injuries (if visible)
- The overall scene from multiple angles
This visual evidence can be extremely valuable later.
Step 6: Obtain the Police Report
After the report is filed, you can get a copy through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Crash Portal or directly from the Orlando Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, or Florida Highway Patrol (depending on who responded).
What If Police Don’t Come to the Scene?
If law enforcement is not dispatched — for example, after a minor parking lot collision or a fender bender with no injuries — you are still legally required to file a crash report yourself within 10 days.
You can do this online through the FLHSMV Crash Portal or by mail using the official “Driver Report of Traffic Crash” form (Form HSMV 90011S).
Failing to report an accident can result in penalties, including fines or license suspension.
How a Police Report Helps Your Injury Claim
If you were hurt in a car accident in Orlando or any Central Florida community, a police report can significantly strengthen your claim for compensation. Here’s how:
1. Proves the Crash Happened
Insurance companies often challenge whether an accident occurred or whether their insured was involved. A verified report removes all doubt.
2. Establishes Initial Fault
Officers often include their observations about who appeared to be at fault, citations issued, and witness statements, all of which carry weight in negotiations.
3. Supports Medical Evidence
When you seek treatment, your doctor will link your injuries to the reported date and details of the crash. Without a report, insurers may argue that your injuries were unrelated.
4. Speeds Up Insurance Processing
Having the report number ready helps your attorney and the insurance adjuster quickly verify claim details, expediting resolution.
5. Strengthens Your Legal Case
If your case goes to court, your attorney can use the report to establish a timeline, corroborate testimony, and demonstrate negligence.
What the Police Report Includes
A Florida traffic crash report typically contains:
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Names, addresses, and insurance information for all drivers
- Vehicle descriptions and registration details
- Witness names and statements
- Diagram of the crash scene
- Weather and road conditions
- Officer’s narrative and any citations issued
While not all parts of the report are admissible in court, it provides a crucial foundation for your lawyer to build your case.
Orlando-Area Law Enforcement Agencies to Contact
If you need to report or request a crash report, contact one of the following:
Orlando Police Department – (407) 246-2961
Orange County Sheriff’s Office – (407) 254-7000
Florida Highway Patrol – Orlando Station – (407) 737-2200
Seminole County Sheriff’s Office – (407) 665-6650
Lake Mary Police Department – (407) 585-1330
Winter Park Police Department – (407) 644-1313
Each agency can help you determine how to access your report or file one if required.
Do You Need a Lawyer After Calling the Police?
Even if the police handled everything at the scene, you should still consider speaking with an experienced Orlando car accident lawyer, especially if:
- You suffered injuries or pain afterward
- The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
- The insurance company is disputing fault
- You’re being pressured to settle quickly
- You’re unsure what your claim is worth
A skilled attorney can interpret the police report, collect evidence, handle insurance communications, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
At Graves Law Practice, we help clients throughout Orlando, Lake Mary, Sanford, Winter Park, and all of Central Florida navigate the claims process after a crash. We handle the legal details so you can focus on recovering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Florida Car Accident
- Leaving the scene too soon – Always wait until police say you can leave.
- Not calling 911 – Even minor crashes should be documented.
- Admitting fault or apologizing – Your words can be used against you later.
- Failing to seek medical treatment – Delays hurt both your health and your claim.
- Not contacting an attorney early – Legal guidance can protect you from insurance tactics.
Local Insight: Why Orlando Drivers Should Always Call the Police
Orlando’s roads are some of the busiest in Florida. High-traffic corridors like I-4, Colonial Drive, and SR 408 see frequent collisions. With so many tourists and rental vehicles on the road, determining fault can quickly become complicated.
Police documentation helps prevent disputes, especially when out-of-state drivers are involved. It also helps your Orlando car accident lawyer identify whether multiple insurance policies or corporate rental companies share liability.
Even a crash that seems minor at first can turn into a costly situation without the right documentation and legal help.
What to Do Next: Contact an Orlando Car Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a car accident in Orlando or anywhere in Central Florida, don’t face the aftermath alone. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the more effectively they can preserve evidence and protect your rights.
At Graves Law Practice, we handle every step of your case, from obtaining the police report and dealing with insurers to negotiating settlements and filing lawsuits if necessary. We offer free consultations and only get paid if we win your case.
Call Graves Law Practice Today
If you’ve been in a car accident in Orlando, Lake Mary, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, or anywhere in Central Florida, call Graves Law Practice today at (407) 308-0327 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation.
We’ll review your police report, explain your options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.