What to Do After a Car Accident in Gainesville [Checklist] 

Bill Allen | June 25, 2025 | Car Accidents

What to Do After a Car Accident in Gainesville [Checklist] 

Even a seemingly minor car accident in Gainesville can leave you feeling shaken, overwhelmed, and uncertain about what steps to take next. The aftermath of a crash is often chaotic, but for better or worse, the decisions you make in those first moments can have a lasting impact—not only on your physical health and safety but also on your ability to protect your legal rights and pursue fair compensation.

To help you stay prepared and informed, we’ve put together a checklist outlining the most important actions to take following a car accident in Gainesville or anywhere else in Alachua County.

Step 1: Call 911 and Request Emergency Help

No matter where the crash happened, it’s important to report the accident right away. Call 911 and request police and medical assistance.

If the accident occurs within Gainesville city limits, the Gainesville Police Department will likely respond. For crashes outside the city, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office or the Florida Highway Patrol may take over.

Make sure you ask the responding officer for the police report number, which you’ll need for your insurance and any legal claims.

Step 2: Get Medical Attention at a Local Hospital

Even if you feel okay, injuries like concussions, whiplash, and internal trauma aren’t always noticeable right away. Head to a nearby hospital or urgent care clinic to be evaluated.

Some options in Gainesville include:

Getting medical treatment right away also creates a medical record that links your injuries to the accident, which may be important later if you file a claim.

Step 3: Exchange Information With the Other Driver

In most circumstances, you’re required by Florida law to exchange information at the scene. 

Collect the following from the other driver:

  • Name, address, and phone number
  • Driver’s license number
  • Vehicle make, model, and license plate
  • Insurance policy details

Be polite, but do not admit fault or apologize. Even saying “I’m sorry” might later be used against you.

Step 4: Document the Accident Scene

If it’s safe to do so, take photos and videos of the accident scene. 

Try to capture things like:

  • Vehicle damage
  • Traffic signs or lights
  • Skid marks or debris
  • Your injuries
  • Weather and lighting conditions

If there are any witnesses nearby (such as pedestrians or people in nearby businesses), ask for their contact information in case their statement is needed. This can lead to valuable evidence that may prove critical to the success of your claim. 

Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company

Florida is a no-fault state, which means your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance usually pays for a portion of your medical bills and lost wages, no matter who caused the accident. However, in some cases, you may be able to file a claim for full economic and non-economic damages as well. 

Report the crash to your insurance company promptly, but avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement before speaking to a lawyer.

Step 6: Follow All Medical Advice

Continue your treatment and follow the instructions given by your doctors. This can impact how insurance evaluates your recovery as well as how much compensation you might be eligible to receive.

Step 7: Speak With a Gainesville Car Accident Lawyer

Florida’s insurance system is complex, and if your injuries are serious, PIP benefits may not be enough. You may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet the state’s serious injury threshold (or if another exception applies).

A local Gainesville personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and gather the evidence needed to pursue damages beyond what PIP covers.

Many car accident attorneys offer free consultations, and most don’t charge attorney’s fees unless they win compensation for your case.

Contact Our Gainesville Car Accident Law Firm at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Gainesville car accident lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today, we’re open 24 hours daily.

We have three convenient locations in Marion County and Alachua County, North Central Florida:

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville Office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258