I was in a Palm Beach car crash. Should I call the police?

A:

If you are involved in a traffic accident in Florida, Palm Beach auto accident attorney David Glatthorn recommends that you call the police, even if no one is seriously injured. The police officer will prepare an accident report that includes contact information for all drivers and witnesses. It will include each driver’s insurance information and the officer's opinion of how your Palm Beach car accident happened. This report is essential to getting fair compensation from the insurance company.

If an officer doesn’t come to your accident scene and there were injuries or more than $500 of property damage, then you must file the accident report yourself. You are required to do so within 10 days of the accident. You can request an accident report form at any Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) office. Fill it out and mail it to: 

Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles
Traffic Crash Records Section
Tallahassee, FL 32399

You can buy a copy of the report on the FHP website.

If you suffered severe injuries in a Palm Beach auto accident, then you should consult with a Palm Beach auto accident attorney. He can help you file a claim for damages. The accident report will be part of the evidence necessary to support your claim.

Learn more about the rights of Florida car accident victims in David Glatthorn’s book, The Florida Accident Workbook: Tools, Tips & Tactics to Resolve Your Injury Claim, or call 888-340-2620 to schedule a free consultation with a Florida accident injury attorney.