At the scene: safety, 911, and documentation
Move to safety if you can, then call 911 — a police report creates an early, neutral record. While you wait, photograph everything: vehicle positions, damage, the intersection, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Get the other driver’s name, license, insurance, and plate, and the names and numbers of any witnesses before they leave.
The 14-day rule: the deadline that quietly sinks claims
This is the step people regret missing. Under Florida’s no-fault system (Fla. Stat. § 627.736), you must seek initial medical treatment within 14 days of the crash or your PIP medical benefits can be denied almost entirely. Adrenaline hides injuries; soft-tissue and spinal symptoms often surface days later. Get checked even if you feel okay — it protects both your health and your claim. We cover the no-fault system in depth in our PIP explainer.
Notify your own insurer — carefully
Report the crash to your own insurance company promptly, as your policy requires. That is different from giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer, which you are not required to do and generally should not do without advice.
Preserve the evidence before it disappears
Keep everything: photos, the crash report number, medical records and bills, and a simple day-by-day note of your symptoms and missed work. Do not repair or dispose of your vehicle until it has been documented — it is evidence. If a nearby business or doorbell camera caught the crash, that footage is often overwritten within days and should be requested fast.
The early mistakes that shrink a claim
A few common ones: posting about the crash on social media, telling an adjuster you feel “fine,” skipping or stretching out medical care, and accepting a quick check before anyone knows how serious the injuries are. Each of these gives the other side something to use later.
When to call a lawyer
If anyone was hurt, if fault is disputed, or if an adjuster is pushing for a fast statement or settlement, it is worth a free conversation early — before the record is set. Talking to a lawyer does not commit you to a lawsuit; it just keeps your options open. See our Miami car-accident page for how these cases work.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first after a car accident in Miami?
Get to safety, call 911 so there is a police report, and document the scene with photos and the other driver's and witnesses' information.
How many days do I have to see a doctor after a Florida crash?
Fourteen. Under Fla. Stat. § 627.736 you must get initial medical care within 14 days of the accident or your PIP medical benefits can be denied almost entirely.
Should I tell the insurance company I feel fine?
No. Injuries often appear days later, and an early 'I'm fine' can be used to dispute that your injuries came from the crash.
Do I have to report the accident to my own insurance?
Yes, your policy generally requires prompt notice to your own insurer. That is different from giving the other driver's insurer a recorded statement, which you can decline.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a Miami car accident?
Generally two years from the date of the crash under Florida's current statute of limitations, separate from the 14-day medical deadline.
Talk to a former insurance-defense attorney
You'll speak with Emanuel Galimidi — 20 years on the insurance side, now on yours. The consultation is free, and there are no fees or costs unless you recover.
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