Accidents happen so it's a good idea to know a head of time what you are required to do if you are involved in a crash in Florida. First and foremost you must stop. And if anyone is hurt you are required to get help. In addition you must give your name, address, and vehicle registration number to others involved in the accident.
Florida has close to 400,000 vehicle crashes every year and most common cause is careless driving, which means the driver was not driving taking into account curves, width of road, traffic, corners, the grade of the road (steepness), and other conditions that effect driving.
If you leave the scene of an accident that involves injuries without providing your information your license may be revoked.
Any car accident that involves injuries or property damage over $500 must be reported. In these situations you should call the local police department, sheriff, or the Florida Highway Patrol. If an officer investigates the accident they will file a report.
If traffic is being blocked by your car you must move it. If you can't move it yourself, you are required to get help or call a tow truck. Your car should never block traffic in any situation.
Many accidents are caused by a driver that broke traffic laws. If that is the case then an investigating officer will file charges against the offending driver. If you are charged in a traffic accident you will have the opportunity to explain what happened in court. Then the traffic court will decide what the penalty is. In many cases you will be required to complete a Traffic Collision Avoidance Course (TCAC).
A TCAC course is a Florida traffic school course designed to remind drivers of safe driving techniques. It can be completed online. When you complete your TCAC course you will receive a certificate from the course provider that you must deliver to the court.
The Florida Drivers Association offers a TCAC traffic course online. If you would prefer to attend a classroom then look in your local yellow pages under driving instruction.
If you hit a car, truck or other vehicle that is parked with no one it you must inform the owner. Leave a note with your name, address, and license plate and report the accident to local police, sheriff, or Florida highway patrol.
