How to Read a Florida Accident Report—And What Details Really Matter

After a car accident in Florida, one of the first things you'll receive (or be asked about) is the accident report—officially called the Florida Traffic Crash Report.

For most people, this report looks like a wall of codes and confusing boxes. But here’s the thing: what’s written in that report can seriously impact your personal injury case. Insurance companies review it. Lawyers review it. And sometimes, judges or juries do too.

So let me walk you through how to read your report—and which details can make a real difference.

Where to Get Your Crash Report in Florida

If the accident involved injuries, death, or major property damage, the responding officer will file a long-form crash report. You can usually request it from:

• The law enforcement agency that responded (local police, sheriff, or FHP)

• Florida Crash Portal via the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)

It may take a few days to process. Make sure you request the long-form version if your crash involved injuries.

What to Look for in Your Florida Crash Report

Here are some of the most important sections to pay attention to:

1. Page 1 – Basic Information

This includes:

• Date, time, and location of the crash

• Names and contact info for the drivers

• Insurance information

• Vehicle types involved

✅ Why it matters: Mistakes here—like incorrect names or wrong locations—can cause delays or raise questions later.

2. Section on Injuries and Damage

The officer will check off whether there were visible injuries, complaints of pain, and how much damage each vehicle sustained.

✅ Why it matters: If the report says “no injuries,” but you’re now pursuing a claim, the insurance company may try to deny coverage. This is why it’s critical to report pain at the scene, even if it seems minor.

3. Narrative & Diagram

This is where the officer describes what happened and draws a diagram of the crash.

✅ Why it matters: This section can show which driver was cited or believed to be at fault. But keep in mind—police officers don’t decide liability. Their opinion may help, but it’s not final.

4. Codes and Contributing Causes

You’ll find numeric codes throughout the report indicating:

• Weather and road conditions

• Driver actions (e.g., following too closely, failed to yield)

• Vehicle movements (e.g., left turn, stopped in traffic)

• Distractions or impairments (e.g., texting, drugs/alcohol)

✅ Why it matters: These codes can either support your claim or raise red flags. I help clients translate these and make sure nothing gets overlooked.

5. Citation Information

If a driver was cited (for speeding, reckless driving, etc.), it will be listed.

✅ Why it matters: A citation may support your claim by showing the other driver violated traffic laws—but even if no one was cited, you may still have a valid case.

What If the Report Is Inaccurate?

It happens. Officers sometimes mishear things, make assumptions, or miss key details. If you believe the report is wrong, contact an attorney right away. I’ll help gather additional evidence—photos, witness statements, surveillance footage—to make sure your story is told accurately.

Final Thoughts

Your crash report isn’t just paperwork—it’s a foundation for your personal injury case. Knowing how to read it (and spot problems early) can make all the difference when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing a claim.

If you’ve been in an accident and need help understanding your report—or figuring out what to do next—call Chatenka Injury Law today for a free consultation.
I’ll review the report with you, explain your options, and help protect your rights every step of the way.