It’s easy to assume that a minor fender bender doesn’t require a police report, especially if everyone seems fine and the damage looks minimal. But if you’ve recently realized your injuries or vehicle damage were worse than you thought and more than you can afford, you might now be wondering: What happens if I didn’t call the police after my crash?
As Miami motorcycle accident lawyers, we hear this question often. It can complicate your claim, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
Florida Law Requires You to Report Certain Crashes
Even a seemingly minor crash may legally require reporting, and failing to do so can hurt your case.
Under Section 316.065, Florida Statutes, drivers must contact law enforcement immediately if a crash involves either:
- Injury or death
- Property damage estimated to be over $500
That threshold is easier to reach than most people realize. Even seemingly small dents and scratches can cost more than $500, especially if structural damage is revealed or multiple vehicle components are determined to be affected after inspection at the repair shop. And common post-crash injuries like whiplash or soft tissue strains may not show symptoms until hours or days later.
If you didn’t call the police at the scene, Florida law still gives you up to 10 days to file a Driver Report of Traffic Crash (Self Report).
Failing to file a report within the 10-day window can result in fines, and more importantly, can make it harder to prove your case if you later need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Why Reporting Matters for Your Injury Claim
A police report is often the strongest early evidence you’ll have. Without it, insurers may question your entire claim.
If you decide to file a claim weeks after a crash with no police report on file, insurance companies may use that against you. They might argue:
- Your injuries didn’t result from the crash
- The injuries aren’t serious enough to warrant compensation
- Because of the delay, the details of the crash are unclear or unreliable
A police report serves as key evidence. It documents:
- The time, date, and location of the crash
- The drivers and vehicles involved
- Damage to property or vehicles
- Witness statements
- Fault, citations, or any criminal activity like DUI
Without it, you and your attorney will have to work much harder to gather supporting evidence, such as:
- Surveillance footage
- Witnesses willing to give statements
- Medical records that connect your injuries to the crash
Can I Still File a Report Late?
You have up to 10 days to self-report if police weren’t called, but waiting too long could weaken your legal position.
After that, filing becomes much harder. If you’re just now realizing the seriousness of the crash, it’s better to file a self-report today than not at all. This can help establish a paper trail and fulfill Florida’s legal requirements.
Need help filing your report? An attorney can assist you in:
- Completing the crash report accurately
- Determining whether police should have been called
- Requesting insurance information from the other driver
- Filing supporting documentation to strengthen your claim
What If the Other Driver Was At Fault?
You can still pursue compensation, but getting the other driver’s insurance details becomes more complicated without a formal report.
Per Section 324.242(2), Florida Statutes, the only people who can request another party’s insurance information are:
- A person involved in the crash
- Their attorney
- Or a representative from their insurer
To do so, you need:
- A completed Insurance Request Form (HSMV 83392)
- A full crash report or the self-report you filed
- To submit the completed documentation to the Customer Service Correspondence Center in Tallahassee, using the contact details provided on the form
Your lawyer can manage this process so you can focus on getting well.
What a Miami Car Accident Lawyer Can Do for You
If you’re unsure how to file, prove your case, or deal with insurance, a lawyer can help remove the pressure and strengthen your claim.
At Aigen Injury Law, we help drivers in this situation. We walk you through:
- Filing or correcting a crash report
- Gathering medical evidence and repair estimates
- Communicating with insurers
- Proving liability and damages, even if there’s no initial police report
The sooner you speak with a lawyer at our law firm, the better your chances of receiving full and fair compensation.
Protect Your Rights Today
Delays can make it harder to recover full compensation for your injuries and vehicle damage. If you’ve missed the 10-day reporting window or are unsure how to proceed, contact our Miami car accident lawyers at Aigen Injury Law today for a free consultation. We help you understand your legal options and fight to recover what you deserve.
Don’t let uncertainty or panic in the moment cost you later. We can help you get back on track.