A quiet evening drive home turned dangerous for one of our clients, a high school student who had just finished
Nov 25, 2025
Personal Injury, Car Accident Posted on Dec 18, 2025
Being in an accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed, shaken, and unsure of what to do next. At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we understand the confusion, frustration, and pain that often follow a crash—and you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Below is a simple checklist prepared by our accident attorneys for the first 72 hours after an accident, designed to protect your health, your rights, and your potential claim.
First, check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. If it’s safe, move vehicles out of traffic, turn on hazard lights, and exchange basic information with the other driver. Staying calm and focused in these first moments helps protect everyone involved.
Yes. In Florida, police should be called if there are injuries, a death, or significant property damage. A police report creates an official record of the accident, which can be very important for insurance and legal purposes.
You should always stay at the scene until law enforcement says you can leave. Leaving early could be considered a hit-and-run, even if the accident seems minor. Staying put also allows you to document what happened accurately.
Yes. Photos and videos can capture vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and visible injuries. This visual evidence often becomes a key part of insurance claims and legal cases.
You can get a copy of your Florida traffic crash report through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Crash Portal by entering the date, location, and names involved and paying a small fee (around $10 plus a convenience charge). Reports typically become available within about 10 days after the crash is filed by law enforcement, and you’ll receive an email link to download the report once it’s ready.
Yes. Many injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, don’t show symptoms right away. Seeing a doctor protects your health and creates medical documentation if injuries appear later. After a car accident, the CDC also warns against the possibility of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which typically do not show immediate symptoms.
In Florida, you generally must see a medical provider within 14 days of the accident to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. Waiting too long could jeopardize your ability to have medical bills covered.
Insurance typically covers accident-related injuries, but documentation is essential. Medical records, diagnoses, and treatment notes help connect your injuries directly to the crash and support your claim.
Florida is a no-fault state, which means you typically turn to your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance first, regardless of who caused the accident. PIP helps cover medical expenses and lost wages up to your policy limits.
Share the basic facts of the accident, such as the date, location, and vehicles involved. Avoid giving detailed or recorded statements until you understand your rights or have spoken with a lawyer.
It’s usually best to speak only with your own insurance company or an attorney first. The other driver’s insurer may try to limit what they pay, and anything you say could be used against you.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, your uninsured motorist coverage may help pay for injuries and damages. Reviewing your policy or speaking with an attorney can clarify what coverage applies.
Many people choose to contact a lawyer soon after an accident, especially if there are injuries or insurance issues. An attorney can help protect your rights, handle communications, and guide you through the claims process.
In the hours and days after an accident, the choices you make can have a big impact on your health and your claim. This simple comparison highlights common do’s and don’ts to help you avoid costly mistakes and protect yourself.
| What to Do | What NOT to Do |
| Call 911 and request medical help if anyone is injured | Leave the scene before police arrive |
| Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible | Assume you’re “fine” and skip medical care |
| Exchange names, contact info, and insurance details | Argue about fault at the scene |
| Take photos and videos of vehicles, injuries, and the scene | Rely on memory instead of documentation |
| Get witness names and phone numbers | Forget to collect witness information |
| Report the accident to your insurance company promptly | Give detailed or recorded statements too early |
| Seek medical treatment within 14 days | Delay treatment and risk losing PIP benefits |
| Speak with an accident attorney early | Trust the other driver’s insurer to protect you |
Call 866-930-6435 for a free consultation with our experienced Florida accident attorneys
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in an accident in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Okeechobee, or surrounding areas, call Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd within 72 hours to ensure your rights are protected.
The first 72 hours after an accident are critical. Important evidence can disappear, insurance companies may start building their case immediately, and simple missteps can affect your ability to recover compensation.
At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we bring decades of experience representing injured Floridians with care, strength, and dedication. Our team understands Florida accident law, knows how insurance companies operate, and treats every client with the respect and attention they deserve.
Contact us today for a FREE case review by calling 866-930-6435
A quiet evening drive home turned dangerous for one of our clients, a high school student who had just finished
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