Car accidents are unfortunately common on Florida’s roadways, including throughout Venice and Sarasota County. Whether it’s your first crash or you’re dealing with the aftermath of another collision, knowing what steps to take after a car accident can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim.
At Harris Law, we help injured victims in Venice, Nokomis, North Port, Englewood, and Sarasota get the compensation they need and deserve. Here are the six key things you should do immediately following a car accident in Florida:
Always contact emergency services after a crash, even if injuries appear minor. A police report can serve as vital evidence if you pursue an injury claim.
Collect names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, insurance policy information, and license plate numbers from everyone involved in the crash.
Use your smartphone to take photos and videos of the vehicles, road conditions, injuries, and any other relevant details. This documentation can be powerful in establishing fault.
If anyone saw the accident happen, get their contact details. Eyewitness accounts can support your version of events.
Even if you feel fine, visit an emergency room or your primary care provider. Injuries like whiplash or internal trauma may not show symptoms right away but can have serious effects if untreated.
Before speaking with the insurance company, consult an experienced car accident attorney. David Hughes Harris at Harris Law can help you understand your legal rights and handle communication with insurers.
Many car crashes in Venice and Sarasota County result from:
Florida requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) as part of their auto insurance. PIP provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages after an accident—regardless of who caused the crash.
However, PIP benefits are often limited and may not fully cover serious injuries. In these cases, you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet Florida’s serious injury threshold.
Yes. Florida uses a comparative negligence system. As long as you’re less than 51% responsible for the crash, you may still recover damages—but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
If the other driver has no insurance or not enough coverage, you may be able to file a claim through your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy. Harris Law can help you navigate this process and advocate for full recovery under your coverage.
If you were a passenger injured in an accident, you may file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. If the driver is underinsured or uninsured, you could also pursue coverage through your own auto policy if applicable.
If you were riding in a rideshare vehicle (like Uber or Lyft), Florida law requires the rideshare company to provide up to $1.5 million in liability coverage for passengers injured during a trip.
Florida law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the sooner you begin the process, the stronger your case will likely be. Prompt legal action helps preserve evidence, secure witness testimony, and avoid complications.
While most car accident claims settle out of court, some cases may require litigation to achieve fair compensation. At Harris Law, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial—giving us the leverage needed to negotiate strong settlements.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, don’t deal with insurance companies alone. David Harris is an experienced personal injury attorney based in Venice who will fight for maximum compensation while you focus on recovery.
Call (941) 499-1400 or email david@harris.lawyer today to schedule a free consultation. Harris Law proudly serves injured clients throughout Venice, Sarasota, North Port, Nokomis, and surrounding areas.