How To Find Out About Recent Florida Car Accidents
Bill Allen | August 23, 2023 | Car Accidents
If you were recently involved in a Florida car accident or would like to learn the details of a recent crash, there are several ways that you may be able to get more details. It’s important to know what your options are, depending on your circumstances. Below, we discuss the various methods for accessing this critical information.
Florida Car Accident Statistics
In 2022, there were 395,887 motor vehicle accidents in Florida. This resulted in 3,519 fatalities and 251,585 injuries. In Alachua County, there were 5,124 crashes, resulting in 500 fatalities and 3,288 injuries in 2022. Read more about the car accident statistics in Gainesville, here.
Reasons To Find Out About Recent Florida Car Accidents
While the frequency of car accidents in Florida is worrisome, there are several ways that you can find out about recent crashes. Some of the most common reasons why someone might want to find out about recent Florida car accidents include the following:
You Were Involved in a Car Accident
If you were involved in a car accident, you might want more details about the crash, including the other driver involved, in case you decide to make an insurance claim. If police prepared a report, the report should include the following information:
- The date, time, and location of the crash
- A description of the vehicles involved
- The names and addresses of all drivers and passengers
- The names and addresses of any witnesses
- The name, badge number, and law enforcement agency of the officer investigating the crash
- The names of the insurance companies for the drivers
- Insurance information for each driver
The report may also include information about whether the other driver was cited for a traffic violation and a diagram of how the accident occurred.
Someone You Know Was Involved in a Car Accident
You might have learned a friend, family member, or other acquaintance was involved in an accident and want some more details. By finding out some more details about the accident, you may be better informed about the situation and how you might be able to help.
You Are Trying To Avoid Traffic
You might want to learn about today’s accidents to avoid getting stuck in traffic.
You Want To Avoid an Accident
By learning about traffic patterns and common locations of accidents, you may be better informed so you can avoid getting in an accident.
Ways To Find Out About Recent Accidents
Here are some of the ways that you may be able to find out more about recent Florida car accidents:
Contact the Police Department
You can contact the police department that responded to the accident and ask for details. While police may not be able to provide identifying information, they may be able to share some details of the crash.
Request a Car Accident Report
If you were involved in a car accident, you can request a copy of the accident report. While car accident reports are free from public disclosure, Florida law allows the following parties to receive accident reports:
- Drivers or passengers
- Individuals injured in the crash
- The legal representatives of those listed above
- Their insurance representatives
- Certain legal authorities
- News and media outlets
To receive a copy of the accident report, you will need to submit an affidavit and proof of your identity and that you are entitled to the report. You may also have to pay a fee.
Search For News
Your local news outlets may have articles that are updated as statuses change.
Call the Hospital
You can call the local hospital where the victim was transported to try to find out more details about the accident. Keep in mind that hospital staffers will be hesitant to reveal any confidential information. However, if your loved one has given the hospital permission to share information with you or you have a healthcare power of attorney, you may be able to obtain additional information. How long do I have to go to the doctor after a a car accident?
When Can I Get A Report?
Florida law allows the agency that has the report to immediately release it to accident victims and others provided for under the law. However, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles says that these reports may take up to ten days to become available.
If you need assistance getting information about a car accident that affects you, Allen Law Firm, P.A. can help.
Contact Our Gainesville Car Accident Law Firm in North Central Florida
If you need legal assistance, contact the Gainesville car accident lawyers at Allen Law Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We have three 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. – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292
Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258
