True or false: If you are involved in a minor fender bender, you should leave the cars where they sit, call 911, and wait for police to arrive. The answer, in most cases is false, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. In situations where there are no injuries, the vehicle damage is minor and the cars are drivable, you don’t have to wait for a law enforcement to arrive.
If the cars are drivable, the damage is minor, and there are no injuries, you should do the following in this order:
- Move the cars off the roadway so as not to impede traffic.
- Exchange insurance, driver’s license, registration and contact information with the other driver.
- Call 911 and report the accident. Tell the operator that there were no injuries, the damage is minor, and the roadway is cleared.
- Tell the 911 operator that you have exchanged information with the other driver and will report the incident online.
- When you get to a computer, file an online traffic incident report. The form is available on the Florida Highway Patrol website: http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/misc/CrashReport.
Remember, though, that using this method may not serve to protect all your rights.
In some circumstances, drivers involved in crashes are required to wait for police to arrive. If any of the following circumstances apply to your crash, you must call 911 and wait for an officer:
- Someone is injured — be sure to tell the 911 operator that there are injuries.
- Property damage appears to exceed $500 per vehicle.
- Any involved driver does not have proof of current insurance, registration or a driver’s license.
- One or more of the involved vehicles are not drivable because of damage.
- There is damage to something other than the involved cars, such as a light or utility pole, a building or any other structure.
Even though you may initially believe you are not injured, it’s important to note that some injuries, such as strains or sprains, may not become evident until several days after the accident. Before accepting any insurance settlement or admitting any liability, it can be helpful to speak to an injury lawyer to make sure your rights are protected.
