Guide

What to Do After a Car Accident in Lakeland, Florida

A car accident in Lakeland can happen anywhere — on South Florida Avenue, near the Polk Parkway, or out on the I-4 corridor. What you do in the minutes and days afterward can matter a great deal for your health and, later, for any insurance claim.

1. Check for safety first

If you're able, move your vehicle out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights. Central Florida traffic moves quickly, and a second collision is a real risk at the scene of the first.

2. Call 911

Even for what seems like a minor accident, a police report creates an official record of what happened, who was involved, and initial impressions of fault — all of which can matter later.

3. Exchange information and document the scene

Get the other driver's name, insurance information, and license plate. Photograph vehicle damage, the road, any skid marks, traffic signals, and visible injuries. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information too.

4. Get checked out medically — even if you feel fine

Adrenaline can mask pain for hours or days. A prompt medical evaluation both protects your health and creates a record connecting any injury to the accident — important under Florida's insurance rules.

5. Understand that Florida is a no-fault state

Florida requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which generally pays a portion of your own medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident, up to your policy limits. Whether you can pursue the at-fault driver beyond that depends on the severity of your injury. See our guide on how Florida's PIP system works for more detail.

6. Be careful what you say to insurance companies

Adjusters — including your own insurer's — are trained to gather statements that can be used to minimize a payout. Learn more in our guide on whether to talk to the insurance adjuster.

7. Know that deadlines apply

Florida law sets time limits for filing a personal injury claim, and those rules have changed in recent years. Don't rely on anything you read online for your exact deadline — see our general overview and confirm your timeline with a licensed attorney.

This article provides general legal information for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this page. Laws vary by state and change over time — confirm details with a licensed Florida attorney.