What to Do if You Witness a Car Accident in Florida
Imagine this: You’re on your way to work when a driver suddenly cuts you off and speeds away. Moments later, traffic slows to a halt—you see flashing lights and a crumpled vehicle on the shoulder. It’s the same reckless driver, now at the center of a serious crash.
Or maybe you’re heading to the grocery store. You approach an intersection and witness two cars slam into each other as the light changes. You’re not involved, but you saw it all unfold. Now what?
At Applebaum Accident & Injury Law, we often speak with people who’ve witnessed serious car accidents and are unsure of their responsibilities. Do you need to stop? Could you be liable? Let’s walk through what you should know—and how doing the right thing could help someone in need.
Do You Legally Have to Stay at the Scene?
Under Florida law, witnesses are not legally required to stay at the scene of a car crash. However, from both a moral and practical standpoint, remaining at the scene can make a real difference—especially if there are injuries or limited eyewitnesses.
Imagine if someone is hurt and unable to call 911. Or if the crash victims are transported to the hospital and can’t explain what happened. Your presence—and your account—could provide crucial information that helps investigators and ensures justice is served.
Be Helpful—But Safe
If you’re the first to witness a crash, avoid making the situation worse. You don’t have to intervene heroically, but you can still help. Here’s how to do it safely and responsibly:
5 Steps to Take If You Witness a Crash:
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Pull over safely. Continue driving until you find a safe spot to park without blocking traffic or causing additional danger.
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Call 911 immediately. Report the crash and describe what you saw, including the location and any visible injuries or vehicle damage.
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Approach with caution. If it’s safe, check on the crash scene. Watch for broken glass, leaking fluids, and oncoming traffic. Stay on the sidewalk if possible.
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Avoid giving medical care unless qualified. If you’re not trained, it’s best to wait for EMTs. Well-intentioned actions can sometimes make injuries worse and create potential legal issues.
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Calm the victims and offer your contact information. If someone is in shock, stay calm and offer reassurance. If you witnessed the crash, leave your name and number with law enforcement so they can follow up later.
Your Statement Could Make All the Difference
If you’re a neutral third party, your statement may carry significant weight in a future personal injury case. In fact, witness testimony often plays a key role in determining who was at fault—and in helping crash victims recover full compensation.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for the at-fault party to deny responsibility or shift blame. That’s why your perspective matters. If you witnessed a car accident, offering your honest account could help an injured victim get justice—and prevent a bad actor from walking away without consequences.
We’re Here for Victims and Witnesses Alike
At Applebaum Accident & Injury Law, we don’t just represent injury victims—we also guide concerned bystanders who did the right thing and want to protect themselves legally. If you’ve been involved in or witnessed a crash, and someone is now pointing fingers your way, we’re ready to protect your rights.
Our legal team has extensive experience handling serious car accident claims in Florida. We fight hard for victims—and we’re not afraid to take cases to trial if that’s what it takes to get justice.
Free Legal Consultation Available Now
Whether you’ve been injured in a crash or simply witnessed one and need legal advice, we’re here to help. Consultations are always free, and we never charge upfront fees. You don’t pay us unless we win for you.
📞 Call us today at (855-Call-Paul) 
or
📩 Fill out our online form to get started.
Applebaum Accident & Injury Law
Fighting for the Injured. Standing with You.
