Florida · Injured in a crash

Injured in a Car Accident in Orlando?

The I-4 exit at Sand Lake Road, a light change at Colonial and Semoran, a rental car in the wrong lane on International Drive. If you were just in a crash in Orlando and you are trying to figure out what to do next, this page is the short version, with the Orlando-specific details, and links to the full guides.

First, the two things that matter most in Florida

See a doctor within 14 days. Florida is a no-fault state, and your own policy's Personal Injury Protection pays your first medical bills no matter who caused the crash, but only if you get treatment within 14 days. Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center downtown is the area's Level I trauma center, AdventHealth Orlando on North Orange Avenue has a 24-hour emergency room, and Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital covers the southwest side near the attractions. Urgent care or your own doctor counts too. Read the 14-day rule guide.

Do not give the other driver's insurer a recorded statement. They will call fast and sound friendly. You are not required to talk to them. Read what to say when they call.

Getting your crash report in Orlando

Inside city limits, the Orlando Police Department responds to crashes. On I-4, Florida's Turnpike and the state expressways, it is usually the Florida Highway Patrol. In unincorporated Orange County, it is the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Ask the officer at the scene which agency wrote the report and get the report number.

Florida crash reports are available online through the state's Florida Crash Portal, usually within about ten days, and from the responding agency's records unit. For the first 60 days the report is only available to the people involved, their insurers and their lawyers, so have your license and the report number ready.

Roads where Orlando crashes happen

The stretches that come up most: I-4 at Sand Lake Road, Colonial Drive (SR 50) at Semoran Boulevard (SR 436) and at John Young Parkway, Kirkman Road at Conroy Road, South Orange Blossom Trail at Sand Lake Road, and International Drive at Universal Boulevard. Photos of the intersection, the signals, and the lane markings matter more here than anywhere, because many of these crashes turn into arguments about who had the light or who changed lanes.

What to do in the first 48 hours

• Call 911 and get a report, even for a "small" crash.
• Photograph both cars, both licenses, both insurance cards, and the scene.
• See a doctor within 14 days. Sooner is better.
• Report the crash to your own insurer. Facts only.
• Do not accept a quick check or sign anything from the other driver's insurer.
• Keep every bill, receipt and visit summary.

The full step-by-step list is in What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida.

Know the Florida clock

For most car accident injury claims in Florida you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit, and if you are found more than half at fault you recover nothing. Both changed in 2023. Details in How Long Do You Have to File in Florida.

When to talk to a lawyer

Not every fender bender needs one. Talk to a lawyer when you were injured and are still treating after a week or two, when the other driver was uninsured or fled, when fault is being disputed, or when you missed work. Florida personal injury lawyers work on contingency, which means no fee unless they recover money for you, and the first conversation is free. More in Do I Need a Lawyer If It Wasn't My Fault and How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost.

More Florida towns and the full set of guides: Car accidents in Florida.

Call Clyne is a lawyer referral service, not a law firm. Stephen Clyne is not an attorney. This article is general information, not legal advice, and laws change. Talk to a licensed Florida attorney about your situation.