How Long Do You Have To File a Police Report In Riverview?

Wondering How Long Do You Have to File a Police Report After an Incident?

If you’re wondering how long you have to file a police report in Riverview, it’s 10 days following a car accident. Car accidents with only property damage and no injuries, a report must be completed and sent to the relevant authority (police, sheriff, or Highway Patrol), depending on the accident’s location, within 10 days. According to Florida Statute 316.066 you have to report an accident – whether in Riverview or anywhere in Florida – immediately after an accident that results in the following: 

• Death
• Personal injury
• Any indication of pain by any of the persons involved in the crash
• Property damage exceeding $500
• A totaled vehicle that required a car wrecker to remove it from the accident scene
• A crash involving a commercial vehicle, like a public transit bus. 

The officer on the scene will document all the necessary information, such as: 

•  Date, time, and location of the crash.
• A description of the vehicles involved.
• The names and addresses of the parties involved, including all drivers and passengers, and the vehicle identification in which each was a driver or a passenger.
• The names and addresses of witnesses.
• The name, badge number, and law enforcement agency of the officer investigating the crash.
• The names of the insurance companies for the respective parties involved in the crash.

You will need this information to file the Florida Traffic Crash Report, Long Form, which needs to be submitted to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office within 10 days after the accident if the accident did not result in any personal injury, death, or property damage below $500.

Can I File a Riverview, FL Accident Report Online? 

Yes, you can file a Riverview crash report online. Here’s how to report online, go to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s self-reporting page and enter your information as requested through the portal. Note that this tool is only available to report minor traffic accidents for property damage below $500 and no personal injuries. 

What happens when you file a police report in Florida?

When you file a police report in Riverview, Florida, you create an official record of the accident. The report contains vital details about the incident, such as the date, location, parties involved, witnesses, and a description of what happened. It is an unbiased account of the events and can be necessary for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

What happens if you don’t file a police report after an accident in Riverview?

If you don’t file a police report after an accident, you could face legal consequences and experience difficulties in insurance claims. Failure to adhere to the state’s laws for reporting accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $500 and personal injury may lead to legal penalties and fines.

Not having an official police report can complicate the insurance claims process. Insurance companies often rely on these reports to determine liability and process claims. Without a Riverview police accident report, your claim might be denied. If you don’t file a police report after an accident in Riverview, Florida, your insurance claim may face a more thorough review, delays, or even a potential denial of coverage.

If there are disputes or conflicting accounts of the accident, having a police report can help establish a clear and unbiased record of what happened in case of litigation. It’s essential to be aware of and comply with the legal requirements for reporting accidents in Riverview, Florida, to protect your rights and interests following a collision.

Can you file a police report days after an accident in Riverview?

In Riverview, Florida, the law requires that you file a police report if you’ve been involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 immediately at the scene of the accident. According to Florida Statute 316.065, you must immediately report the accident to the nearest appropriate law enforcement agency if the crash involves injury, death, or property damage.

Failure to file a police report immediately can have consequences. You could face penalties, fines, or legal complications if you don’t report the accident. Assuming you were involved in a minor fender-bender without personal injury or property damages below $500, you are not legally required to call the police to the scene to take a report, though you might face difficulties should you decide to file an insurance claim for minor repairs on your vehicle.

Can you claim a car accident claim without a police report in Riverview, Florida?

While it’s possible to make an insurance claim without a police report in Riverview, Florida, it can be more challenging. Insurance companies rely on police reports to establish the facts of an accident and determine liability. 

When should I call the police after an accident in Riverview, Florida?

Here are some scenarios where you should contact law enforcement:

1. Injuries or fatalities: If anyone involved in the accident is injured or killed, call the police immediately. They will respond to the scene and document the incident.
2. Property damage over $500: If the total property damage exceeds $500, you must report it to the police. This threshold includes damage to vehicles, buildings, or other property.
3. Hit-and-run accidents: If the other party involved in the accident flees the scene without providing their information, call the police right away. They can help locate the responsible party and document their illegal behavior, as hit-and-run can result in criminal charges. 
4. Suspicion of intoxication: If you suspect the other driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you should involve the police. They can conduct sobriety tests and handle any necessary arrests for a drunk driving accident.
5. Disputes or disagreements: If there are disputes over liability or the events leading up to the accident, the police can provide an impartial account of the incident.

In any of these situations, it’s best to err on the side of caution and call the police promptly. Timely reporting ensures that you comply with the law and provides an official record of the accident.

How long do you have to report a car accident to your insurance in Riverview?

While reporting an accident to your insurance company may not have the same immediate legal implications as filing a police report in Riverview, it’s still a crucial step in the aftermath of a crash. Most insurance policies require you to report an accident promptly, typically within 24 to 72 hours.

Review your insurance policy and understand the specific reporting requirements set by your insurer. Failing to report the accident within the stipulated time frame could result in delays or complications when processing your claim and, at worst, could mean that the insurance company denies it.

While there’s no specific time frame for reporting an accident, doing so promptly and at the scene is advisable to ensure compliance with the law and to facilitate insurance claims. Remember that reporting an accident to the police and your insurance company is an essential step in protecting your rights and interests following a collision.

If you find yourself in need of assistance with filing a police report in Riverview, FL, or need more information from a Riverview car accident lawyer, contact Abrahamson & Uiterwyk Car Accident & Injury Lawyers. Our dedicated professionals are here to provide guidance and support throughout this critical procedure. Whether you require assistance with understanding the requirements, have questions about the reporting process, or need legal advice related to your situation, we are ready to assist you. Contact us today, and let us be your trusted partner in ensuring that your concerns are addressed effectively and responsibly.