May 26, 2025

If you’ve been in a car crash, hit by a car while walking, or involved in another kind of accident in Florida, you’re probably wondering: Do I need to file a police report? And more importantly, how do I do it the right way? At The Reyes Firm, we help injury victims every day, and one of the most important first steps is knowing how to file an accident police report in Florida. Whether you’re dealing with a minor fender bender or a serious injury, the information you put into that report can shape the outcome of your insurance claim and even your legal case. In this blog, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do after an accident and how to file a police report correctly. This way, you can protect your rights and set your case up for success. Why Filing an Accident Police Report Is So Important In Florida, police reports aren’t just paperwork—they’re critical evidence. A well-documented police report helps to: Establish the facts of the accident Provide a neutral, official record. Support your insurance claim. Identify witnesses and involved parties. Help support your personal injury case if it ends up in court. When you’re injured, having your side of the story documented clearly and quickly is one of the smartest things you can do. How to File an Accident Police Report in Florida (Step-by-Step) Step 1: Know When You’re Required to File Under Florida Statute §316.066, an accident police report (Long Form) must be completed by law enforcement if any of the following occurred: Someone was injured or killed A vehicle had to be removed from the scene because of the damage. The crash involved a commercial motor vehicle. A driver was suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) A driver violated s. 316.061(1) — leaving the scene after causing property damage (which may involve a hit-and-run) Even if the crash you’re involved in doesn’t meet these criteria, it’s still wise to file a report. It provides documented proof that can help back up your injury claim. Step 2: Choose the Right Filing Method Here’s how to file your report depending on the situation: In-Person Visit the local police department or sheriff’s office where the accident occurred. This is best for serious accidents involving injuries. By Phone For non-emergency incidents, call your local non-emergency police line. They may dispatch an officer or guide you through the following steps. Online (if eligible) If your accident is considered minor, you might be eligible to self-report it through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Crash Portal: ➡️ https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/ What You Need Before Filing the Report To avoid delays or inaccuracies, have the following ready: Complete names and contact details for all drivers and passengers involved. Driver’s license and insurance information Vehicle details (make, model, license plate) Accident location, date, and time Description of how the accident happened Photos of vehicle damage, injuries, or the scene Witness information and any other supporting documentation What Not to Do When Filing ❌ Don’t speculate or guess ❌ Don’t admit fault ❌ Don’t leave out key details ✅ Stick to the facts and be honest ✅ Be sure to get a copy of the accident report or the report number to keep on hand for future use. Why Your Police Report Matters in a Personal Injury Case As personal injury lawyers in Tampa, Florida, we often use police reports to: Verify the timeline and sequence of events Confirm vehicle positions, traffic conditions, and statements. Determine whether citations were issued. Establish negligence Is a Police Report Enough Evidence? Not always, but it’s an essential building block. It is like a launching pad that helps us investigate, gather witnesses, and negotiate with insurance companies. Real-World Example: What If You Were Rear-Ended in Tampa? Let’s say you’re stopped at a red light and another driver crashes into the back of your car. You feel sore the next morning and decide to seek medical help. If you didn’t file a police report, it’s your word against theirs—and their insurance company might argue your injuries didn’t happen in the crash. But if you did file a report?  There’s written proof of the impact. The officer’s observations back you up. You have a case number for insurance and legal purposes That’s why knowing how to file an accident police report in Florida isn’t just helpful—it’s vital. What Are the Types of Police Reports You Might Encounter? Accident/Crash Report – Used after vehicle collisions Incident Report – For falls, dog bites, or other injury-causing events Crime Report – For criminal acts like assault or DUI Arrest Report – When someone is taken into custody In most personal injury cases, crash and incident reports matter most. What If You’re Still Unsure What to Do? That’s precisely why we’re here. At The Reyes Firm, we help injury victims: Understand the reporting process Get official copies of their police reports. Use those reports to file insurance claims or lawsuits. Pursue the full compensation you deserve for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost income. Local Reporting Info for Florida 📍 Tampa Police Department Non-Emergency: (813) 231-6130 https://www.tampa.gov/police 📍 Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency: (813) 247-8200 https://teamhcso.com 📍 Florida Crash Report Portal https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/ Need Help From a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer? If you were injured in an accident and need help filing or understanding a police report, we’re just one call away. At The Reyes Firm, we offer: Free consultations Bilingual support (English + Español) No fees unless we win your case Trusted experience with Florida accident law Call us today to discuss your case and get the help, starting with your accident police report. Frequently Asked Questions Can I file an accident police report online in Florida? Yes, but only for eligible non-injury crashes. How many days do I have to file? Under Florida law, it must be filed within 10 days of the crash—but it’s best to do it as soon as possible. Is a police report enough to