Nobody plans to be in a crash. But knowing exactly what to do when it happens — the steps, the law, and what to avoid — can protect your life and your future.
Stop Immediately
Florida law requires you to stop at the scene of any crash you are involved in. Even a minor fender bender — you must stop. If someone is injured and you leave, it's a FELONY (hit and run). If there is property damage only and you leave, it's a misdemeanor. Move vehicles out of the travel lanes if possible and safe. Turn on hazard lights.
Help the Injured
Call 911 if anyone is injured. Provide reasonable assistance — help move injured people away from danger, apply basic first aid if you can. Do NOT move someone with a neck or back injury unless they are in immediate danger (fire, oncoming traffic). If someone is unconscious, don't try to give them water.
Exchange Information
Exchange with the other driver: name, address, phone number, driver's license number, license plate number, insurance company and policy number, vehicle description (make, model, color). Get names and phone numbers of witnesses. Take photos of all vehicles, damage, license plates, the intersection, and road conditions.
Report the Crash
You must report a crash to law enforcement if there is: any injury, any death, or property damage of $500 or more. If police respond, they will file a report. If police do NOT respond, the driver must file a written report with the DHSMV within 10 days. File an insurance claim promptly. Even if you think the crash was minor, report it — hidden damage and delayed injuries are common.
Real World Examples
💡 You rear-end a car at low speed. No one seems hurt. You both pull into a parking lot, exchange info, take photos. The next day, your neck is sore. Because you filed a report and documented everything, your insurance claim goes smoothly.
💡 A car clips your mirror and drives away. You note the plate number, pull over, and call police. They file a hit-and-run report. Camera footage confirms the other driver — they face felony charges because your mirror required more than $500 in repairs.
Common Mistakes
⚠ Leaving the scene of even a minor crash — this is a crime.
⚠ Not calling police because "it's just a fender bender" — report if damage is $500+.
⚠ Admitting fault at the scene — let insurance and investigators determine fault.
Key Takeaways
✔ Always stop at the scene — leaving is a felony if injuries are involved.
✔ Call 911 for injuries. Exchange info. Take photos.
✔ Report to law enforcement if injuries, death, or $500+ damage.
✔ File a written DHSMV report within 10 days if police don't respond.
Vocabulary
hit and run
هت أند رن
دعس وهروب — ترك مكان حادث — جنحة لضرر الممتلكات، جناية إذا في إصابات
hit and run
DHSMV report
دي إتش إس إم في ربورت
تقرير DHSMV — تقرير حادث مكتوب يقدم لوزارة سلامة الطرق السريعة خلال 10 أيام إذا الشرطة ما حضرت