What should I do immediately after a car accident in Orlando?

Call 911, move to safety if possible, take photos of the scene and vehicles, exchange information with the other driver, and seek medical attention within 14 days to protect your PIP benefits.

How long do I have to see a doctor after a car accident in Florida?

You must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to qualify for Florida's PIP (Personal Injury Protection) benefits. Don't wait - many injuries don't show symptoms immediately.

Should I admit fault at the accident scene?

Never admit fault or apologize at the accident scene. Stick to facts when speaking with police and avoid speculation about who caused the accident. Let insurance companies and investigators determine fault.

When should I call a car accident lawyer in Orlando?

Consider calling an attorney if anyone was injured, there are disputes about fault, you're having insurance problems, or settlement offers seem inadequate. Most offer free consultations to evaluate your case.

What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Car Accident in Orlando

Immediate Actions (First 30 Minutes)

At the Accident Scene:

Check for Injuries & Call 911

• Check yourself and passengers for injuries
• Call 911 even for "minor" accidents
• Request police and ambulance if anyone is hurt
• Stay in your vehicle if on busy road (I-4, I-Drive)

Move to Safety

• Move vehicles out of traffic if possible
• Turn on hazard lights
• Set up flares or triangles if available
• Don't leave the scene (felony in Florida if injuries occurred)

Document Everything

• Take photos of ALL vehicles from multiple angles
• Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs
• Record a video walkthrough of the scene
• Don't apologize or admit fault to anyone

Information Exchange (While Waiting for Police)

Get from Other Driver:

✓ Full name and contact information
✓ Driver's license number
✓ Insurance company name
✓ Insurance policy number
✓ Vehicle make, model, year, license plate
✓ VIN number (if visible)

Additional Information:

✓ Witness names and phone numbers
✓ Exact location of accident
✓ Time and date
✓ Weather conditions
✓ Road conditions (wet, construction, etc.)
✓ Police report number (when available)

Pro Tip: Use your phone to take a photo of the other driver's insurance card and driver's license (with their permission). This prevents transcription errors.

After Police Arrive

When Speaking to Police:

• Be honest but stick to facts only
• Don't speculate about cause or fault
• If unsure about something, say "I don't know"
• Request the report number and ask how to get a copy

What NOT to Say:

• "I'm sorry" (can be interpreted as admission of guilt)
• "I think I caused the accident"
• "I was distracted/speeding/texting"
• "I feel fine" (injuries may appear later)

First Few Hours After the Accident

Medical Care (Critical for Florida PIP)

Florida's 14-Day Rule:

You MUST seek medical treatment within 14 days to qualify for PIP benefits. Don't wait - many injuries don't show symptoms immediately.

Where to Seek Treatment:

• Emergency room (if pain/discomfort)
• Urgent care center
• Your primary care doctor
• Walk-in clinic

What to Tell Medical Staff:

• "I was in a car accident today"
• Describe ALL areas of pain/discomfort
• Mention headaches, neck pain, back pain
• Ask for documentation of your visit

Contact Your Insurance Company

Call Within 24 Hours:

• Report the accident to YOUR insurance company
• Provide basic facts only
• Don't admit fault or speculate
• Ask about PIP coverage and claim process

Important: You're required to report to your own insurance company, but be careful with recorded statements. Consider consulting an attorney first if injuries are involved.

Within 24 Hours: Important Actions

Documentation Tasks:

📝 Write down exactly what happened (your memory will fade)
📷 Save all photos/videos to multiple locations
📋 Keep all medical records and receipts
📞 Get copy of police report (may take 5-10 days)
📱 Back up phone photos to cloud storage

Legal Considerations:

⚖️ Don't sign anything except police reports
📞 Avoid recorded statements to other insurance companies
🤐 Don't discuss the accident on social media
👨‍💼 Consider consulting with an attorney (free consultations)
📄 Keep a daily journal of pain/symptoms

Orlando-Specific Considerations

High-Traffic Areas Need Extra Caution:

Tourist Areas:

• International Drive (I-Drive)
• Universal/Disney area roads
• Sand Lake Road restaurant district
• Orange Avenue downtown

More witnesses, surveillance cameras, but also more traffic

Major Highways:

• Interstate 4 (I-4)
• Florida Turnpike
• Semoran Boulevard (SR 436)
• Colonial Drive (SR 50)

Higher speeds = more serious injuries, move to safety quickly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

At the Scene:

❌ Leaving the scene (even for minor damage)
❌ Not calling police for "minor" accidents
❌ Apologizing or admitting fault
❌ Not taking enough photos
❌ Forgetting to document injuries

After the Accident:

❌ Waiting too long to see a doctor
❌ Not reporting to your insurance
❌ Giving recorded statements too quickly
❌ Posting about the accident on social media
❌ Accepting first settlement offer

When to Call an Attorney

Consider Legal Help If:

Injury-Related:

• Anyone was injured (even minor pain)
• You went to ER or urgent care
• Injuries are getting worse
• You need physical therapy
• You can't work due to injuries

Insurance Issues:

• Other driver has no insurance
• Disputed liability (who's at fault)
• Insurance company delaying payment
• Settlement offer seems too low
• PIP benefits are being denied

Free Consultations: Most personal injury attorneys offer free case evaluations. There's no cost to find out if you have a valid claim.

Your 24-Hour Action Plan Summary

First 2 Hours:

• Call 911 and get medical attention
• Document scene with photos/video
• Exchange information with other driver
• Speak with police (facts only)
• Get witness contact information

Within 24 Hours:

• See a doctor (Florida's 14-day rule)
• Call your insurance company
• Write down what happened
• Save/backup all photos and documents
• Consider consulting an attorney

Overwhelmed? We Can Help.

The first 24 hours after an accident are critical, but you don't have to navigate this alone. Our Orlando car accident attorneys guide you through every step and handle all insurance negotiations.

Free 24/7 Consultation

No Fee Unless We Win • 30+ Years Experience