How Do Police Officers Investigate Car Accidents In Florida?

Car accidents are an unfortunate but common occurrence on Florida’s roads. When a crash happens, police officers often play a central role in investigating the scene and determining what happened. Understanding how police officers investigate car accidents in Florida can help you better navigate the aftermath of a collision—especially if you’re filing a personal injury claim.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the accident investigation process, why a police report is important, and how their findings can impact your legal case.

Why Is a Police Investigation Important After a Car Accident?

When a car crash results in injury, death, or significant property damage, Florida law requires drivers to report the incident to law enforcement. The police officer’s role is to document the accident, ensure public safety, and collect evidence that may be useful for insurance claims or legal proceedings.

An official Florida Traffic Crash Report can serve as critical evidence when establishing fault, negotiating with insurance companies, or filing a personal injury lawsuit.

Step-by-Step: How Police Investigate a Car Accident in Florida

1. Securing the Scene

When officers arrive at the accident scene, their first responsibility is safety. They:

Check for injuries and call emergency medical services if needed
Block off traffic to prevent further collisions
Ensure hazardous materials or debris are cleared from the road

The officer may also take steps to prevent altercations between involved parties and protect evidence.

2. Speaking to Drivers and Witnesses

Once the scene is secure, the officer gathers statements from:

All drivers involved in the crash
Any passengers
Bystanders or witnesses
Emergency responders (if they arrived earlier)

These interviews help establish a timeline of events, driver behavior, and contributing factors such as speeding or failure to yield.

3. Collecting Physical Evidence

Police officers are trained to examine accident scenes for clues, including:

Vehicle positions and damage
Skid marks and road conditions
Debris location
Weather and lighting conditions
Traffic signs, signals, and road layout

They may also take photographs or make sketches of the scene to support their report.

4. Checking for Traffic Violations or DUI

The officer will determine if any traffic laws were violated, such as:

Running a red light or stop sign
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Reckless or distracted driving
Speeding or failure to maintain a lane

If the officer suspects DUI, they may perform sobriety tests or request a breathalyzer. Any citations or arrests made at the scene will be included in the report.

5. Reviewing Surveillance or Dashcam Footage

When available, police officers may request:

Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras
Dashcam recordings from the involved vehicles or other witnesses

This video evidence can be instrumental in verifying driver statements and identifying the at-fault party.

6. Filing the Official Florida Crash Report

Officers are required to complete and file a Florida Traffic Crash Report (Form HSMV 90010S) if:

The crash involves injuries or death
There’s property damage exceeding $500
A commercial vehicle is involved
A hit-and-run or DUI occurred

This report includes:

Date, time, and location of the accident
Information about all vehicles and drivers
Diagrams of the scene
Officer’s narrative of what happened
Any traffic citations issued

You can request a copy of the crash report online from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

How Does a Police Report Affect Your Injury Claim?

A well-documented police report can strengthen your personal injury claim by:

Supporting your version of events
Identifying the negligent party
Including witness statements and physical evidence
Recording injuries or damage at the scene

While the officer’s opinion isn’t the final word on fault, it often carries weight with insurance adjusters and attorneys during settlement discussions or court proceedings.

What If the Police Don’t Respond to the Accident?

In Florida, police officers may not respond to minor crashes with no injuries. If that happens, you are still legally required to file a Driver’s Report of Traffic Crash (Form HSMV 90011S) with the FLHSMV within 10 days.

It’s still smart to:

Exchange insurance and contact info with the other driver
Take photos and videos of the damage and the scene
Talk to witnesses and gather statements
Visit a doctor for any injuries

This information can help your attorney build a case if you pursue compensation later.

Why Having a Personal Injury Attorney Helps

After a Florida car accident, it’s not always easy to understand your legal options. A personal injury lawyer can:

Review the police report and evidence
Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
Help prove negligence or fault
Guide you through the claims or lawsuit process
Maximize your potential compensation

If You’re Injured in South Florida, Contact Mark Schiffrin P.A.

As a South Florida personal injury attorney practicing since 1983, I have extensive experience working with clients who were injured in motor vehicle accidents. I take a hands-on approach—you will work directly with me, not a junior associate or case manager.

I’ll personally review the police report and help you determine the strength of your claim. Unlike many firms, I do not operate on contingency fees—I believe in full transparency about costs from the beginning. If you’ve been injured in a car crash, contact me today for a free initial consultation.