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Most of us know not to say anything after a car accident, as anything you say could be construed by an insurance company as an admission of fault. But, you have to say a few things to the other driver, including your first and last name, insurance company, and driver’s license number.
As experienced West Palm Beach car accident lawyers, we typically recommend that our clients say as little as possible after a crash. But you may not have access to a lawyer right away, so here’s what you should—and should not—exchange with the other driver.
Necessary information to exchange after a car collision
Florida law requires that law enforcement be notified of any accident. Once the responding police officer arrives, they can coordinate the scene, complete the official police report, facilitate the exchange of information between all parties involved, and inform you of what you’re required to share:
Insurance information
Although each driver’s PIP coverage covers their respective medical bills and property damage, if your damages exceed your PIP limit, then you have the right to file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company for the balance.
Without this insurance information, you’ll have a much harder time filing your claim. And, Florida law requires the at-fault driver to share all necessary information with the other driver, including the carrier, its contact information, and the at-fault driver’s policy number.
Names and contact information
You’ll also need to exchange your full names and other contact information, like your phone number and email address. Make sure that you have their full legal name, as listed on their driver’s license, not a nickname. Note their driver’s license number, state it was issued, expiration date, and address noted on the license.
Also, double-check the name on their insurance card. Some drivers may be insured under a spouse’s or parent’s name, so the name on the insurance card may not be the driver’s. Get both the insurer’s and the driver’s names.
Don’t forget to note the other driver’s type of car, its license plate numbers, vehicle registration, and other information about the vehicle involved.
Names and contact information of any witnesses
If the other driver’s insurance company contests your claim or if you need to take legal action to secure compensation, then the testimony of witnesses, whether they were in one of the cars or a passer-by, can help build your case.
While the other driver involved in the accident is required to tell you their name and contact information, the witnesses may not be. The police officer may interview them and add their contributions to the police report, but you may need to have a lawyer subpoena reluctant witnesses if their testimony will be relevant to building your case.
What you don’t have to share after a car accident
While you must provide your legal name, contact information, license number, and insurance information after an accident, there are other things that you don’t have to share if you don’t want to:
- You don’t have to admit fault or any contribution you made to the wreck
- You don’t have to give a recorded statement to an insurance company
- You’re not required to share financial details (unless a suit is filed)
You don’t have to share any other details with the other driver, although the police may ask you questions. Keep your answers brief and factual; don’t speculate, and call a lawyer as soon as you can.
Need help after a Florida car accident?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Florida, securing fair compensation can be challenging. You need experienced legal guidance to navigate insurance claims and protect your rights.
Call Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath at (561) 655-1990 for a free consultation. Our skilled attorneys are ready to review your case and help you get the justice you deserve.