How to Make a Police Report After a Car Accident in St. Petersburg, FL
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers | Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. One of the most critical steps after an accident is filing a police report. This document is an official incident record and can be crucial for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings. If you’ve been in a car accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a police report after a car accident.
Ensure Safety First
Before anything else, make sure everyone involved in the accident is safe. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. Move vehicles to a secure location and turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Call the Police
In St. Petersburg, you should call the police to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Even for minor accidents, having an official report on file is generally a good idea. To contact the St. Petersburg Police Department, call their non-emergency number at (727) 893-7780.
Wait for the Police to Arrive and Gather Information
While waiting for the police, collect as much information as possible:
- Names, contact information, and insurance details of all drivers involved
- Names and contact information of any witnesses
- Photos of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles and any visible injuries
- Make, model, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved
- Location of the accident, including street names and nearby landmarks
Remain at the scene until the police arrive. While waiting, avoid discussing fault or making any statements that could be used against you later. Instead, focus on gathering information and documenting the scene.
Provide Your Statement
When the police arrive, they will ask for your account of what happened. Be honest and stick to the facts. Avoid speculating or admitting fault. It’s okay to say you don’t know.
Review the Report
The officer will create an official report based on the information gathered at the scene. Ask for a copy of this report or information on obtaining it later. In St. Petersburg, you can typically get a copy of your accident report online through the police department’s website or by visiting the Records Division in person.
File a Crash Report if Necessary
In some cases, such as when the police don’t come to the scene, you may need to file a crash report yourself. In Florida, you must file a crash report within 10 days if the accident resulted in injury, death, or property damage over $500. You can complete the Florida Traffic Crash Report Long Form and submit it to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Follow Up
After filing the report, follow up if you have yet to receive a copy within a reasonable timeframe. In St. Petersburg, accident reports are usually available within 3-5 business days after the incident.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Obtain the police report and contact your insurance company to start the claims process. Provide them with a copy of the report.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
Suppose you’ve been injured in an accident or face significant property damage. In that case, consulting with a car accident attorney might be wise. They can help you understand your rights and navigate the often complex process of seeking compensation.
Making a police report after a car accident in St. Petersburg, FL, is crucial in protecting your rights and interests. By following these steps and being prepared, you can ensure that you have the necessary documentation to support any insurance claims or legal actions arising from the accident.
Remember, if you’re ever in doubt about what to do after an accident or dealing with serious injuries or complex liability issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional legal advice. A qualified personal injury attorney can guide you through the process and help ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.
Contact the Pinellas County Car Accident Law Firm Of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers for Help
For more information, please contact the Clearwater and St. Petersburg car accident law firm of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Pinellas County and its surrounding areas:
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater
1875 N Belcher Rd. STE 201,
Clearwater, FL 33765,
United States
(727) 796-8282
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg
2560 1st Ave S,
St. Petersburg, FL 33712,
United States
(727) 349-1728