Rear-End Collisions in Florida

1. 1

   Check for injuries

   If anyone is hurt, call 911. Injuries in rear-end crashes — especially to the neck and back — are not always obvious straight away.

2. 2

   Make the scene safe

   Turn on your hazard lights. Florida law asks drivers to make every reasonable effort to move vehicles that block traffic after a crash involving only vehicle or property damage, and says moving a vehicle does not in itself mean you were at fault. Only move if you can do so safely.

3. 3

   Exchange information

   Florida law requires drivers involved in a crash to give their name, address and vehicle registration number, and to show their driver license if asked. Note the other driver’s insurance company and policy number too.

4. 4

   Document what you can

   Take photos of both vehicles, their positions, the road, any traffic signals and visible injuries. Write down the names and numbers of witnesses.

5. 5

   Report the crash

   Crashes involving injury, death or apparent damage of at least $500 must be reported to the police. Ask the officer for the report number.

The step-by-step guide to what to do after a car accident in Florida covers this in more detail.

Florida is a no-fault state for injuries: your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is usually the first place medical bills go, regardless of who caused the crash. PIP pays 80% of reasonable medical expenses up to the policy’s $10,000 limit.

There is a time limit that catches many people out. Under Florida law, PIP generally covers medical treatment only if you receive initial services and care within 14 days of the crash. If a qualifying provider does not determine that you had an emergency medical condition, PIP medical benefits are limited to $2,500. Read more in Florida’s PIP 14-day rule explained.

Being hit from behind is often treated as the rear driver’s responsibility, but fault always depends on the facts — sudden lane changes, broken brake lights and multi-car chain reactions can all change the picture.

Florida uses a modified comparative fault rule for most negligence claims: any damages you recover are reduced by your share of fault, and a person found more than 50% at fault generally cannot recover damages from the other parties. How that applies to your crash is a question for a licensed Florida attorney.

Report the crash to your own insurer promptly. The other driver’s insurer may also call you and ask for a recorded statement. You can take their details and call back when you are ready — see what to do when the insurance company calls.

Florida only requires drivers to carry $10,000 of PIP and $10,000 of property damage liability, so the other driver may carry no bodily injury coverage at all. If so, your own uninsured motorist coverage may matter.

Swift Attorney is a free accident help and referral service, not a law firm. If you were hurt in a rear-end collision in Florida, you can call, text or use the short form at any hour. The team listens to what happened, helps you understand a sensible next step and, where appropriate, may connect you with a participating accident attorney or medical provider.

Contacting Swift Attorney does not create an attorney-client relationship, and nobody here gives legal advice. Any legal representation would be a separate agreement between you and a participating attorney. How it works explains the process step by step.