Do I Need to File a Police Report After a Truck Accident in Ocala, FL?

Bill Allen | March 1, 2022 | Truck Accidents

Do I Need to File a Police Report After a Truck Accident in Ocala, FL?

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Ocala, FL, you need to file a police report in most cases. The simplest way to report an accident is to call 911. The emergency operator takes the information and dispatches officers from the correct law enforcement agency to the accident scene, along with emergency medical services. 

When Do You Need to Report Traffic Crashes to Law Enforcement Agencies?

Florida Statute §316.065 states that a driver of a vehicle involved in a crash must report the accident to law enforcement agents by the quickest means of communication when:

  • The accident results in property damages of at least $500
  • The crash results in an injury
  • Someone dies in the traffic crash

Law enforcement officers must file a Florida Traffic Crash Report Long Form within ten days of completing a traffic accident investigation when the motor vehicle accident involves:

  • The personal injury or death of a person
  • Complaints or indications of pain or discomfort of any of the drivers or passengers involved in the crash
  • A motorist who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • An involved driver fleeing the scene of the accident 
  • A motor vehicle that needs to be towed from the accident scene because it is inoperable
  • Commercial motor vehicles

In addition to reporting the truck accident, a driver has a legal duty to remain at the accident scene to render aid and provide information to the other driver. If you call the police, the officers gather the necessary information from each driver. 

Most Ocala truck accidents result in catastrophic injuries that require immediate medical attention. Most accident victims are transported directly to the hospital from the accident scene. Therefore, having the police officers investigate the truck accident has several advantages.

What Are the Advantages of Reporting a Truck Accident to the Police?

After an accident, it is helpful to gather evidence from the accident scene. Taking photographs and obtaining eye witnesses’ names and contact information can provide valuable evidence to prove fault and liability. However, over 70% of people injured or killed in truck accidents are passengers in other vehicles.

Therefore, truck accident victims may not even be able to call 911 to report the accident, much less gather evidence. Having the police officers investigate the accident scene provides an official report with the details of the crash.

Other benefits of reporting a truck crash to the police and having them investigate the crash include:

  • They notify the appropriate government agencies that regulate commercial trucks
  • A driver or another party may be hostile after the crash
  • Alcohol and drugs may be involved in the accident
  • The police officers speak to eyewitnesses to get their information and statements
  • The accident report includes information regarding who was charged with a traffic violation and the parties who contributed to the cause of the crash

You or your Ocala truck accident attorney may request a copy of the traffic accident report from the appropriate law enforcement agency after it is filed and processed. 

What Injuries Are Caused by a Truck Accident in Ocala?

It is crucial that you seek prompt medical attention after a commercial truck accident. You could have sustained severe injuries in the accident resulting in life-threatening conditions or permanent impairments. Common truck accident injuries include:

An Ocala truck accident lawyer can help you recover full compensation for the damages caused by a truck accident. Many victims incur substantial economic damages, including lost wages, medical bills, and out-of-pocket expenses. They may also be entitled to compensation for ongoing and future financial losses. 

Victims also experience overwhelming pain and suffering. Their non-economic damages include mental anguish, decreased quality of life, permanent impairments, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Recovering compensation for damages does not take away the pain, but it can help a victim recover from the financial hardship caused by a truck accident.

What Should You Do After an Ocala Truck Accident?

The steps to take after a truck accident include:

  • Call 911 to report the truck accident to the police
  • Render aid and document the accident scene with photographs, if it is safe to do so
  • Do not admit fault or liability for the cause of the truck accident
  • Seek immediate medical treatment for injuries
  • Document your financial damages and injuries 
  • Report the accident to your insurance company 
  • File claims with your Personal Injury Protection insurance provider

It is also a good idea to speak with a truck accident attorney. Truck accident claims are complex personal injury cases involving numerous parties. The insurance company and trucking company will likely seek to limit their liability for damages. Therefore, you need legal advice as soon as possible to protect your best interests.

Contact Our Truck Accident Law Firm in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala truck accident lawyers at Allen Law Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have two convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258