Traffic Crash Related Questions
1. Do I have to fill out an accident report?
If you are involved in an accident where there is an injury or death to any person, or disabling damage to either vehicle, you shall immediately, by the quickest means, notify the police. The report prepared by the Police Department is different from the state "short form" report.
Traffic crashes that do not involve injury or criminal offenses or a crash that requires vehicle(s) be towed, may not be investigated by the police. In such instances a "Short Form" report can/will be provided to the drivers. The drivers are then responsible for submitting those reports to the State of Florida.
In these instances the Fort Myers Police Department IS NOT investigating the crash or making any determination of fault. Your insurance company is familiar with these laws and can assist you.
2. Should I always call the police to an accident scene?
The Fort Myers Police Department will respond if called to any accident scene. We will take a report, generally, if the same circumstances exist as described in our response to question one. We will include in the report whether the accident involved unoccupied parked cars, bicycles, wheelchairs, and pedestrians. It is recommended that you call the police department when the other driver appears intoxicated, is from another state or country, or leaves the scene without giving you any information. In any case, if you feel you need assistance, please call us.
3. Does the Fort Myers Police Department investigate accidents on private property?
The law requires that all motor vehicle crash be reported. The determination whether the Fort Myers Police Department will investigate is explained in question one.
4. Should I move my car after an accident?
This will depend a great deal on the circumstances. Your safety and the safety of others is always the first consideration. It is recommended that you not move your car if anyone is injured or if it is unsafe to drive. If your accident is minor and your car is safe to drive, you should consider moving your car to a safe location.
5. What information must I provide to the other driver?
Florida State Law requires that you give your name, address, drivers license, vehicle license, insurance company, and insurance policy number. The Fort Myers Police Department has "exchange of information forms," which the Police Officer responding to your accident will give you and the other driver(s) to complete and exchange.
6. What if the other driver has no auto insurance?
In most cases, Florida State Law requires drivers to have at least liability insurance and to carry proof of insurance with them. One exception to this law is motorcycles. If the other driver doesn't have insurance, you should notify your insurance company. The police department is not able to help you collect for damages. Your insurance company and/or your attorney are your best resources to help you collect for damages.
7. Do I need to call my insurance company if I am not at fault?
This decision is up to you.
8. Will there be any citations issued?
The Fort Myers Police Department - when investigating a traffic crash - can and often does issue citations at the collision scene. On occasion Accident investigators need more time after they leave the scene to review the evidence and determine the cause of the accident. In such cases citations may be issued at a later date.
9. Who pays for the tow if my car is not drivable?
You should work directly with the tow company and your insurance company to arrange for tow payment. The Fort Myers Police Department does not pay for towing of cars from accident scenes.
10. Do I get a copy of the accident report?
Florida State Law regulates who can get copies of police reports. Generally speaking, anybody involved in the accident can get a copy of the traffic crash report as soon as it is complete. Florida State Statutes dictate that accident reports are not open to the general public until after 60 days. While at the scene, the officer investigating your accident will obtain a police case number and provide this to you. To obtain a copy of your crash report, call the Fort Myers Police Department at 321-7700 and request a copy. The records section is located at our main building.