Car accidents are stressful and unexpected, and many victims are unsure of how to protect their rights and safety in the aftermath. In the confusion, an injured victim may even forget to call the police. A police report is an official and unbiased account of your accident, and it is critical to file one as soon as possible. This document can serve as evidence to establish liability and bolster your claim. Fortunately, you can still file a claim online if you did not call the police at the accident scene.
After filing your report, it is essential to contact a skilled attorney without delay. At Wooten Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, our attorneys can use your police reports and other pieces of evidence to build a strong claim on your behalf. We have over 100 years of combined experience fighting for our client’s rights and achieving favorable outcomes on their behalf. We understand the ins and outs of Florida’s car accident laws and are ready to apply our experience and skills to protect your rights and interests.
What Do I Need to File a Police Report in Florida?
If you left the accident scene before calling the police, you can still report the incident to the Department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) online or by mail within ten days. However, this is only an option if your accident was minor. For serious accidents where someone is injured or killed, you are legally required to stay at the scene and dial 911.
To report your accident, you will need to gather the following information:
- The place, date, and time of the accident
- The name, address, and date of birth of all parties involved
- Driver license information
- The driver’s license plate number and state of issue
- The name and address of all policyholders and the name of the insurer
- The name and address of the registered vehicle owners involved in the accident
- Any additional details or photos detailing the incident
Depending on your accident’s circumstances, some of these details may be challenging to gather independently. An experienced attorney can investigate your case and help ensure your form is complete and error-free.
Other Types of Evidence That Can Support Your Claim
After taking your case, your attorney will work tirelessly to collect other pieces of evidence to support your claim. A few pieces of evidence that may impact the outcome of your case include the following:
- Photos of your vehicle, injuries, and the scene of the accident
- Video footage of the accident
- Eyewitness and expert witness testimonies
- Cell phone records
- Your medical records
Following your accident, acting quickly to pursue justice is in your best interest. Essential evidence can be lost or destroyed over time, making seeking justice for your losses more challenging. Our attorneys can begin investigating your case immediately to collect and preserve valuable evidence to support your claim.
Contact a Trusted Car Accident Attorney at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis
After reporting your accident to the authorities, contacting an attorney is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights and interests. The talented attorneys at Wooten, Kimbrough Damaso, & Dennis are committed to fighting tirelessly for the maximum amount of compensation available on your behalf. We can help you navigate every step of Florida’s complex claims process so you can pursue justice for your injuries and other losses. Our attorneys understand that no two accidents are exactly alike and will tailor their approach to your unique needs.
To schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with a trusted legal professional, call us today at (407) 843-7060 or complete our contact form.