On Behalf of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa | May 30, 2025 | Car Accidents
If you are involved in a car accident in the State of Florida, you generally need to report the matter to the authorities, but in the heat of the moment, your responsibilities can be confusing. Here, we break down the process for you. It’s also important to keep in mind that, if you were seriously injured by another driver’s negligence, you shouldn’t wait to consult with an experienced Port St. Lucie car accident attorney.
When You Must Notify the Authorities
If you’re involved in a traffic accident, the only time that you’re not required to notify the authorities by reporting the matter is when there is less than $500 in apparent total damage to the vehicles. If there is virtually any damage to either vehicle, you can generally count on it requiring at least $500 to repair. In other words, all but very minor accidents must be reported.
Whenever any of the following apply, you must remain at the scene of the accident and call 911:
- The crash involved a commercial motor vehicle.
- The crash caused someone to be injured.
- The crash caused a fatality.
- It was a DUI crash.
- It was a hit-and-run crash.
- A wrecker was required to remove at least one of the vehicles.
If the crash in question doesn’t fit in any of these categories, including causing damage of at least $500, you can self-report the accident either online or through the mail.
Self-Report Online
The simplest approach to self-reporting a car crash is doing it online, which requires you to fill out the Driver Report of Traffic Crash document. After filling out each of the applicable fields, you can email the report to SelfReportCrashes@flhsmv.gov.
Self-Report by Mail
You can also send your crash report by mail, which involves completing the same form, signing it, and mailing a copy to the following address:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Crash Records
2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 28
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Don’t forget to keep a copy of the crash report for your own records and for insurance purposes.
Your Legal Damages
If you were seriously injured as a result of the other driver’s negligence, you can seek compensation for your losses in each of the following primary categories, and a dedicated car accident attorney can help:
- Property damage to your vehicle and any damaged contents
- Medical bills, which could be ongoing
- Lost income, which may need to reflect lost earning potential
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
Reach Out to an Experienced Port St. Lucie Car Accident Lawyer Today
The focused Port St. Lucie car accident attorneys at Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa welcome the opportunity to unleash the full force of our imposing experience and legal insight in pursuit of your claim’s best possible resolution – in support of your most complete recovery. We are on your side and here to help, so please don’t delay contacting us online or calling us at (866)-640-7117 for more information today.
Gerald A. Rosenthal
Retired
Since opening the firm now known as Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa more than 40 years ago, Gerald A. Rosenthal has been a dedicated champion of the everyday hero – police officers, firefighters, teachers, nurses, construction workers, farm workers, and more. Passionate about preserving the civil rights of laborers, he has fought tirelessly against giant insurance companies who deny the injured workers their benefits. It’s not just the lawsuit Rosenthal fights to win – he is driven by the opportunity to restore his client’s quality of life.
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