What To Do After a Car Accident in Tampa (2025 Guide)

Florida’s roads are among the most accident-prone in the nation, and Tampa is no exception. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Crash Dashboard, Hillsborough County reported 26,265 crashes in 2024, resulting in 17,359 injuries and 182 fatalities. With so many impacted by vehicle collisions each year, knowing what to do after a car accident is essential—for your health, your rights, and your recovery.

At Palm Wellness Center in Tampa, we’ve supported countless patients following traffic collisions, providing personalized care through chiropractic, physical therapy, and massage therapy.

Step 1: Ensure Safety First

• Move to a Safe Location: If you can, move your motor vehicle off the road to a safe shoulder or parking area. Turn on your hazard lights and use cones or warning triangles to alert oncoming traffic.
• Check Yourself and Passengers for Injuries: Don’t assume you’re fine—adrenaline can mask serious injuries like internal bleeding, whiplash, or concussions.

Post-Crash Driving Safety Do's & Don’ts

✅ Pull over if safe

✅ Turn on hazard lights

✅ Set cones/triangles (if available)

❌ Don’t walk into traffic

❌ Don’t leave the scene

Step 2: Call 911 and Report the Accident

Under Florida law, you must report any car accident that results in:

• Injury or death
• Property damage exceeding $500

⚠️ Failure to report can result in legal penalties, insurance complications, and loss of personal injury protection (PIP) benefits.

Why Reporting Matters:

• Ensures compliance with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
• May be required for your auto insurance or personal injury claim
• Creates a formal legal record to support any future lawsuit, settlement, or claim negotiation

Official Guidance from Florida Highway Patrol:

“Move your vehicle out of the roadway if you can. Exchange information with the other driver(s), and call law enforcement for documentation and assistance.”

Dashboard Camera Tip

If your car, SUV, or truck has a dash cam, save and back up the footage immediately. This video evidence is critical for:

• Proving fault or negligence
• Supporting a personal injury lawsuit or settlement
• Clarifying conflicting witness statements
• Helping your insurance company evaluate claims accurately

Step 3: Exchange Information and Document the Scene

After a car accident, gathering accurate details is essential for your insurance policy, personal injury claim, or potential lawsuit. Here's what to collect and document at the scene:

Driver Information to Collect

• Full names of all drivers involved
• Phone numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• Insurance policy numbers and insurance companies
• Vehicle makes, models, colors, and license plate numbers

Witnesses

If available, ask any bystanders for:

• Full name and phone number
• A brief statement of what they saw (record if possible, with permission)

What to Photograph After a Car Accident

💡 Pro Tip: Turn on your phone’s timestamp setting when taking photos. Time-stamped images help validate your insurance claim or personal injury case.

Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company

After a motor vehicle accident, contact your insurance company as soon as possible—even if the crash wasn’t your fault. Most insurance policies require prompt reporting to begin your claim and preserve your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits.

What to Do:

• Report the accident promptly, following your policy’s instructions
• Stick to factual details only—avoid speculation or emotional language
• Provide documentation like:
• Photos of vehicle damage and injuries
• Medical records from your physician or urgent care center
• A copy of the police report, if available

What to Avoid:

• Don’t admit fault or assume legal liability
• Don’t say “I’m fine”—many injuries (like soft tissue damage or internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms right away
• Don’t speculate about what happened—let your attorney or insurance adjuster investigate

💡 Tip: Keep a record of all communication with your insurance company, including claim numbers, adjuster names, and the dates you submitted evidence.

Step 5: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Under Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) laws, you must seek medical care within 14 days of your motor vehicle accident to qualify for insurance coverage. Even if you feel “fine,” symptoms often appear hours—or even days—after a crash due to adrenaline, inflammation, or soft tissue damage.

Immediate vs. Delayed-Onset Symptoms After a Car Accident

Don’t wait for pain to get worse. Early medical evaluation and documentation by a licensed physician or urgent care center protects your health and strengthens your personal injury claim or insurance settlement.

When to Visit the ER vs. Urgent Care Center

If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution. A visit to an urgent care center or accident recovery physician ensures your injury is documented for PIP coverage, future treatment, or a potential personal injury lawsuit.

Related:

• Chiropractic care for whiplash injuries in Tampa
• Back pain after a Tampa car accident? Here’s how we help.

Step 6: Continue Treatment and Follow Medical Advice

Ongoing care is essential—not just for healing, but for protecting your personal injury case. Therapies like chiropractic care, massage therapy, and physical rehabilitation can:

• Reduce pain and suffering
• Improve range of motion and daily function
• Prevent long-term complications
• Strengthen your insurance claim or potential lawsuit

Failing to follow your provider’s medical recommendations may hurt your recovery and weaken your legal position in a personal injury case.

At Palm Wellness Center, our licensed physicians, chiropractors, and rehab specialists create customized treatment plans tailored to your injury, goals, and medical history.

📖 What to expect from physical therapy after a car accident in Tampa

Staying consistent with treatment shows your commitment to recovery—something insurance companies, attorneys, and even judges consider when reviewing your settlement or claim.

Step 7: Consider Consulting an Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, consulting a personal injury lawyer can protect your rights—especially in cases involving:

• Serious injuries or long-term pain or disability
• Insurance claim denials or delays
• Hit and run accidents
• Disputed legal liability
• Uninsured drivers

An experienced attorney can help you:

• Determine fault and negligence
• Gather supporting evidence (medical records, photos, dash cam footage)
• Navigate communication with insurance companies
• Estimate your damages, including pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical costs
• Pursue a fair settlement or file a lawsuit

Florida’s statute of limitations is typically two years for personal injury cases—don’t wait to speak with a qualified lawyer.

Common Legal Questions

Q: What happens if you have a wreck without insurance in Florida?

A: Driving without auto insurance in Florida is illegal. Without personal injury protection or property damage coverage, you may face license suspension, fines, and full financial liability for any damages or injuries.

Q: Should I talk to a lawyer after a car accident?

A: Yes. Especially if you’re injured, your insurance company is disputing your claim, or you suspect negligence by the other driver.

Paying for Medical Treatment After a Car Accident in Tampa

Florida law requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) auto insurance, which covers up to $10,000 in emergency medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault.

What PIP Covers:

• Emergency medical services
• Hospital or urgent care center visits
• Diagnostic testing and physician-recommended treatment
• Lost wages (up to a set percentage)

💡 Reminder: You must seek medical care within 14 days of your motor vehicle accident to remain eligible for PIP benefits.

What If Your Medical Bills Exceed PIP?

If your costs surpass the PIP limit, you have additional options:

• File a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver to pursue damages
• Have your attorney negotiate with the other party’s insurance company
• Use your own health insurance to cover the remaining treatment costs
• Request reimbursement through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if applicable

⚖️ Pro Tip: Whether your injuries came from a pedestrian collision, a slip and fall, or a car accident, always save your medical records, document all expenses, and consult a lawyer before accepting any settlement offer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do right after a car accident in Florida?

Move to safety, call 911, check for injuries, and gather documentation. Report the accident and seek medical care within 14 days to qualify for PIP coverage.

What information should I exchange at the scene of the auto accident?

Share your full name, driver’s license, insurance policy number, insurance company name, and contact info. Take photos of all documents—yours and theirs.

What happens if I was at fault for the car accident?

Your auto insurance typically covers medical bills and property damage up to your policy limits. You could still be sued for excess damages if injuries are severe.

What if I wasn’t at fault for the car accident?

Do not admit fault. Document the scene, notify your insurer, and speak to a personal injury attorney to understand your rights.

Do I need to report a minor accident to the police or insurance?

Yes. Even for minor crashes, police reports and insurance notification are essential to preserve your legal protections and document potential injuries.

What happens if I don’t have car insurance in Florida?

Driving without insurance is illegal. You may face license suspension, fines, and personal liability for medical costs or vehicle repair. Consult a lawyer immediately.

What does Florida’s PIP insurance cover?

PIP (Personal Injury Protection) covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses. You must receive care within 14 days of the accident. It applies regardless of fault.

Why Tampa Residents Choose Palm Wellness Center for Car Accident Recovery

At Palm Wellness Center, we understand that recovering from a car accident isn’t just about healing physically—it’s about navigating pain, paperwork, and uncertainty. That’s why our licensed team supports you through every phase of your recovery journey, from your initial evaluation to long-term rehabilitation and insurance documentation.

What Sets Us Apart:

• Personalized Care: Every injury is different. Our licensed team creates custom chiropractic and physical therapy plans tailored to your unique recovery goals.
• Inclusive Environment: As a Latino-owned, multilingual, and LGBTQ+ friendly clinic, we proudly serve Tampa’s diverse community with compassion and respect.
• Seamless Support: We assist with insurance coordination, provide detailed medical documentation for personal injury claims, and collaborate with your attorney or legal team if needed.
• Convenient Location: Our clinic is located near major intersections in Tampa, including W Linebaugh Ave and N Boulevard, with easy access to I-275.
• Free Parking and Transportation Assistance: We offer free on-site parking and transportation assistance for eligible patients to ensure you can access the care you need—without the added stress.

📍 1004 W Linebaugh Ave Ste A, Tampa, FL 33612 | Get Directions

📞 (813) 443-5370 | Contact Us

About This Content: This educational guide was reviewed by the Auto Accident Rehabilitation Team at Palm Wellness Center. It is for informational purposes only and does not replace personalized legal or medical advice. Always consult a licensed provider for your recovery care plan and legal advice.