Florida Traffic Crash Report Template

Guidelines on Filling in Florida Traffic Crash Report

Filling out the Florida Traffic Crash Report form is an essential step for drivers involved in a traffic crash that results in damage to a vehicle or other property but does not require a law enforcement report. This process is not only a legal requirement but also aids in documenting the incident for insurance and personal records. By following the steps outlined below, drivers can ensure that their report is complete, accurate, and submitted within the 10-day period specified by Florida law.

1. Begin by locating the HSMV Report Number and the REPORTING AGENCY CASE NUMBER fields. If these were provided by officers at the scene, enter them here. Otherwise, leave blank.
2. Record the DATE OF CRASH and the TIME OF CRASH, specifying AM or PM.
3. Fill in the COUNTY OF CRASH using the County Code and the PLACE OR CITY OF CRASH using the City Code.
4. Check the appropriate box to indicate if the CRASH OCCURRED ON STREET, ROAD, HIGHWAY, and whether it was within city limits.
5. Provide the AT STREET ADDRESS, or describe the location using the distance and direction from an intersection or milepost.
6. For each vehicle and non-motorist (if applicable), fill in the information in the provided sections. Include details such as EMAIL, YEAR, MAKE, VEHICLE BODY TYPE, VEHICLE LICENSE NUMBER, STATE, VIN, INSURANCE COMPANY, INSURANCE POLICY NUMBER, and the contact information for the vehicle owner and driver.
7. If the vehicle owner is the same as the driver, check the corresponding box.
8. Include the NAME, ADDRESS, and CONTACT INFORMATION for each driver and passenger involved in the crash. Ensure to specify the relationship of each person to the vehicle (e.g., driver, passenger).
9. Detail the information of any witnesses by providing their NAME and CONTACT INFORMATION.
10. At the bottom of the form, the driver making the report must sign and date the document to certify the accuracy of the information provided.
11. Review the instructions on the back of the form for additional guidance on where to submit the completed report. You can choose to send this via email to SelfReportCrashes@flhsmv.gov, or mail it to the Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles Self Report Crash Team at the address provided.

After completing the form, it's advisable to keep a copy for personal and insurance records. Timely and accurate submission of the Florida Traffic Crash Report is crucial for compliance with state laws and can assist in the smooth handling of any resultant insurance claims or legal proceedings.

Filling out the Florida Traffic Crash Report form accurately is crucial for ensuring the proper handling of the incident by insurance companies and possibly the court system. However, several common mistakes can lead to incorrect or incomplete reporting. Highlighting these errors can help individuals avoid them and ensure their reports are accurately completed.

1. Not including complete information for all parties involved: Every section that requests details about the drivers, passengers, and any non-motorists involved should be filled out fully to provide a clear picture of the crash.

2. Omitting the exact date and time of the crash, which are essential for establishing the timeline of the event. This includes failing to indicate AM or PM correctly.

3. Leaving the location details vague: The county, city, and specific location on the street or intersection should be accurately noted to pinpoint where the accident occurred.

4. Failing to report the correct vehicle information, such as the year, make, and body type. This also includes not providing or inaccurately listing the vehicle license number and the state.

5. Inadequately documenting insurance information, including the insurance company name and policy number, which are crucial for processing claims.

6. Skipping details about the vehicle owner and the relationship to the driver, if they are not the same person.

7. Mistakes in recording driver and passenger names, addresses, sex, and dates of birth, diminishing the report's reliability and might lead to identification issues.

8. Incorrect or incomplete driver license information, including the license number, state, and type, could lead to difficulties in legal and insurance processes.

9. Forgetting to list witnesses or providing insufficient information about them, which could be vital in resolving disputes about the crash.

10. Not signing the report or failing to submit it within the stipulated timeframe, both of which could render the report invalid or result in penalties.

By avoiding these errors and ensuring that every piece of information is accurately reported, individuals can help streamline the post-accident processes, aiding in insurance claims and any necessary legal actions. Diligence in completing the Florida Traffic Crash Report form not only facilitates a smoother resolution but also contributes to a more accurate legal record of the incident.

When dealing with a traffic incident in Florida, various documents complement the Florida Traffic Crash Report form for a comprehensive overview of the event. These forms ensure proper documentation for legal, insurance, and personal record purposes. Here are some crucial ones often used in conjunction:

• Insurance Policy Document: This certifies that the vehicle involved is insured, detailing policy limits, coverage types, and the policy number, crucial for claims and legal processes.
• Vehicle Registration: This document proves the vehicle's legal registration with the state, providing details like the vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and owner information.
• Driver's License: A vital form of identification, it confirms the driver's legal ability to drive, their address, and driving restrictions, if any.
• Witness Statements: Collected at the scene, these provide third-party accounts of the incident, valuable for insurance and legal matters.
• Photographic Evidence: Photos of the crash scene, damages, and any relevant road signs or signals that can help reconstruct the event and establish fault.
• Medical Records: If injuries occurred, medical records document the nature and extent, influencing insurance claims and lawsuits.
• Tow Truck Receipt: If the vehicle was towed, this receipt provides details about the towing service, location, and costs involved.
• Police Report: A detailed report by responding officers, it includes observations, diagrams, and an initial assessment of fault, often used as a definitive account of the event.
• Citation or Ticket: If any traffic laws were violated leading to the crash, citations or tickets issued can affect fault determination and insurance rates.
• Repair Estimates/Receipts: Professional estimates or receipts for repairs needed or completed provide documentation of the financial impact of the crash.

Together, these documents form a holistic view of the incident, aiding all parties involved in understanding the circumstances, determining fault, and facilitating the claims process. Accurate and thorough documentation can significantly impact the outcomes of insurance claims and legal proceedings following a traffic incident.

• Police Incident Report: Similar to the Florida Traffic Crash Report, a Police Incident Report documents specific details about an event, including date, time, location, and involved parties. Both forms serve as official records for potentially legal or insurance-related purposes.

• Insurance Claim Form: This form resembles the Florida Traffic Crash Report in gathering detailed information about an incident, particularly focusing on the parties involved, vehicle information, and circumstances of the event. Both forms are essential for processing claims and determining financial responsibility.

• Vehicle Registration Form: While serving different purposes, both this form and the Florida Traffic Crash Report collect detailed vehicle information, including make, model, year, and license number, as well as owner information. These details are crucial for identification and legal processes following an incident.

• Accident Witness Statement Form: This form complements the Florida Traffic Crash Report by providing firsthand accounts from witnesses. Both documents capture crucial details about the incident from different perspectives, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the event.

• DMV Accident Report Form: Similar to the Florida Traffic Crash Report, a DMV Accident Report is required in some states after a collision involving property damage or injury. Both forms document the specifics of the crash to inform legal and insurance inquiries.

• Emergency Contact Information Form: While primarily for medical or emergency use, this form shares a common feature with the Florida Traffic Crash Report by collecting contact information, which is valuable during post-accident procedures and communication between involved parties.

When filling out the Florida Traffic Crash Report form, there are specific do's and don'ts that are crucial to ensuring the report is accurate, thorough, and submitted properly. Following these guidelines can help avoid common mistakes and ensure that all necessary information is clearly communicated.

Do's:

1. Read the instructions carefully on the back of the form before you start filling it out.
2. Provide detailed information about the crash, including the exact location, date, and time it happened.
3. Double-check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and license numbers to ensure accuracy.
4. Include comprehensive insurance information, such as the insurance company name and policy number.
5. List all involved parties, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses, with their complete contact information.
6. Be clear whether the vehicle owner and driver are the same person; check the appropriate box if they are.
7. Sign the report at the bottom of the front page, as it certifies that the provided information is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
8. Keep a copy of the report for your records and for insurance purposes.
9. Submit the report within 10 days after the crash if it resulted in damage to a vehicle or other property and does not require a law enforcement report.
10. Use the additional space provided for comments, witnesses, and any additional passengers, clearly stating which vehicle they were in.

Don'ts:

1. Do not leave any fields blank that are applicable to your situation. If a field does not apply, mark it as 'N/A'.
2. Do not guess information; if unsure, it's better to confirm before submitting the report.
3. Do not provide false information. This could lead to legal consequences.
4. Do not omit witness information if available, as they can provide additional perspectives on the crash.
5. Do not forget to check whether the crash occurred within city limits, as this can be crucial information for the report.
6. Do not disregard the requirement to submit the report via email or mail, even if you have a copy for your records.
7. Do not use abbreviations or unclear descriptions when detailing the crash.
8. Do not forget to specify the exact location of the crash, including street addresses or intersections.
9. Do not hesitate to add additional pages if the space provided is insufficient to list all vehicles, passengers, or other involved parties.
10. Do not delay in submitting the report beyond the 10-day deadline following the crash.

• One common misconception is that the Florida Traffic Crash Report form is only necessary for serious accidents. In reality, any crash resulting in damage to a vehicle or other property which does not require law enforcement at the scene must be reported within 10 days post-accident. This ensures all incidents are documented, regardless of their perceived severity.

• Many believe that if they exchange information with the other driver at the scene, they don't need to complete the form. However, this isn't the case. Even after exchanging details, drivers are required to submit a comprehensive report to the Department. This formal documentation is crucial for legal and insurance purposes.

• There's a misconception that the report must be filed in person. While personal submission is an option, the state provides flexibility by allowing drivers to submit their reports via email or mail. This adaptation aims to make the process more convenient for everyone involved.

• It's wrongly assumed that if the crash occurred within city limits, the local city police must handle it, and no self-report is necessary. Regardless of the crash location, if law enforcement does not file a report, it is the driver's responsibility to complete and submit the self-report form.

• Some drivers believe that including non-motorist information is optional and unnecessary. While labeling the section as "optional," providing comprehensive details, including non-motorists, when applicable, can offer a fuller picture of the incident, which is beneficial for accurate record-keeping and any ensuing investigations or insurance claims.

• There's a false belief that the form is too complex for the average person to complete without legal help. Though detailed, the form comes with instructions to guide individuals through the process. Accurate and complete answers help ensure a thorough documentation of the crash.

• Another misconception is that you only need to report the accident if you are at fault. The statute requires any driver involved in a crash that results in property damage to submit a report, regardless of who is to blame. This helps in the fair assessment and resolution of the incident.

• Lastly, many think witness information is irrelevant if no one was injured. Witness accounts can provide essential perspectives on the crash, offering clarity and supporting details that may influence the resolution of claims or disputes. Including witness information, when available, can significantly impact the understanding and outcome of the incident.

Filling out the Florida Traffic Crash Report form is a critical step for drivers involved in a crash that results in property damage but does not require a law enforcement report. Understanding the key components and instructions can ensure that the process is completed accurately and efficiently. Here are four key takeaways for dealing with this form:

• Timely Submission: It's crucial for drivers to submit the Crash Report form within 10 days following the accident, as mandated by Section 316.066(1)(e) of the Florida Statutes. This timely submission helps fulfill legal obligations and aids in the prompt processing of any related insurance claims.
• Detailed Information Is Key: Accurately filling out the form requires detailed information about the vehicle, driver, passengers, and the crash occurrence. This includes specifics like the make and year of the vehicle, the driver's and passengers' addresses and contact information, as well as the exact location and time of the crash. Providing comprehensive and precise details can significantly facilitate any necessary follow-ups.
• Insurance Information: Including accurate insurance information is paramount. This includes the insurance company's name, the policy number, and verification of the vehicle owner's information if it differs from the driver's. This information is essential for insurance processing and potential claims resolution.
• Submission Options: The form can be submitted either via email to SelfReportCrashes@flhsmv.gov or by mailing it to the Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles Self Report Crash Team at the address provided. Keeping a copy of the submitted report can be beneficial for personal records and for any necessary insurance purposes.

Understanding and correctly adhering to these key points when filling out the Florida Traffic Crash Report form not only complies with the state’s legal requirements but also streamlines the handling of the aftermath of a traffic crash.