Have You Just Experienced a Car Accident in St. Petersburg? Here's When to Involve Law Enforcement
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
Personal Injury
Getting into a car accident is never something you plan for—but when it happens, the aftermath can be stressful, confusing, and even overwhelming. One of the most common questions drivers in St. Petersburg, Florida, ask themselves after a crash is: Should I call the police? Whether the accident is a major collision on I-275 or a fender-bender at a busy intersection like 4th Street North and 38th Avenue North, knowing when to involve law enforcement is critical for protecting yourself both legally and financially.Florida Law: When Are You Required to Call the Police After an Accident?
Under Florida Statute §316.065, drivers are required to contact law enforcement if an accident involves injury, death, or property damage that appears to be more than $500. That might not sound like a high threshold, but considering even minor damage to a bumper or headlight can exceed that amount, it’s often safer to make the call.
Let’s say you’re driving along Tyrone Boulevard and someone rear-ends you near 66th Street North. Even if your car seems mostly fine, a dented bumper could easily cost over $500 to repair. Or maybe you’re involved in a minor collision at Central Avenue and 16th Street—there may be no visible injuries, but someone starts to feel neck pain later. In these situations, it’s smart—and sometimes legally required—to notify police right away.
Why It’s a Good Idea to Call the Police—Even for Minor Accidents
It’s easy to think, “This doesn’t seem like a big deal,” after a low-speed fender bender—especially if the other driver is rushing you to just exchange insurance info and be on your way. Maybe you're pulled over on a busy stretch of Gandy Boulevard or just had a small bump at 34th Street South and 1st Avenue South, and both cars seem drivable. It’s natural to want to avoid waiting for the police or getting tangled in what feels like unnecessary red tape. But here’s the truth: involving law enforcement, even for a minor accident, is one of the smartest moves you can make.
For starters, a police report gives you an official, unbiased record of what happened. It's your backup if the other driver suddenly changes their story later on. We’ve seen it happen far too often—what seemed like a cooperative situation at the scene turns into a finger-pointing contest days later. Maybe you were rear-ended near 22nd Avenue North, and the other driver admits fault at the time. Without a report, it’s your word against theirs.
Plus, your insurance company may actually require a police report in order to process your claim. Without it, your claim might get delayed—or worse, denied altogether. The officer’s report can help establish fault, document the location and damage, and provide a clear timeline, which is incredibly helpful when navigating the often complex insurance process.
And let’s not forget about injuries that don't show up right away. That little twinge in your neck after the crash at 1st Avenue South and 34th Street? It might seem minor at first, but what if it turns into whiplash or something more serious a few days later? If you didn’t call the police and get the incident on record, proving that the accident caused your injury becomes much harder. Having a report can make a big difference when you're trying to seek proper medical care or legal support later on.
So even if the accident seems small, or you're in a rush, taking the time to call the St. Petersburg Police Department (SPPD) is worth it. Whether you're on 4th Street North, Gulfport Boulevard, or even tucked into a residential area near 30th Avenue North, having an officer come out to document the situation gives you peace of mind—and can save you from a lot of stress and financial headaches down the road.
What to Do While Waiting for Police to Arrive
First, check yourself and others for injuries. If it’s safe to do so, move vehicles out of traffic—especially on busy roads like 9th Street (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street) or 30th Avenue North, where visibility may be limited. Turn on your hazard lights and wait somewhere safe.
Next, exchange information with the other driver, but avoid discussing who was at fault. Be polite, but don’t admit guilt or speculate. Take plenty of pictures of both vehicles, the surrounding area, traffic lights or signs, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
If you’re on a road like 62nd Avenue North, where the police might be delayed due to traffic or higher-priority calls, remain at the scene unless you’re advised otherwise. Leaving before the police arrive can work against you—especially if the other driver decides to file a report without your side of the story.
What If the Police Don’t Come to the Scene?
In some minor accidents without injuries, SPPD may not send an officer to the scene. This is becoming more common with limited department resources. If that happens, you’re still required to report the accident within 10 days by filing a Driver Report of a Traffic Crash through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
You can file this report online, and it’s especially important if the other driver doesn’t have insurance, leaves the scene, or you suspect they were under the influence. Keep all records of your documentation, including your photos and any communication you had with the other driver.
Why a Police Report Is So Valuable for Your Legal Case
Even in what seems like a small accident, having a police report can make a huge difference when it comes time to file a claim or pursue legal action. It can help establish who was at fault and support your case if you need to seek compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, or lost wages. Let’s say you were sideswiped at 1st Avenue North and 58th Street, and the other driver tries to claim you hit them. If you called the police and a report was made, that document becomes a key piece of evidence.
When to Call a St. Petersburg Auto Accident Attorney
If you’re unsure about your rights, feel pressured by the other driver’s insurance company, or suffered injuries in the crash, it’s time to call a local attorney. Michael Babboni, The St. Pete Lawyer, has decades of experience helping accident victims in St. Petersburg—especially those who were injured on local roads like 34th Street South, Gulfport Boulevard, or I-275.
Even if you didn’t call the police right away, it’s not too late to get legal help. An experienced attorney can assist in gathering evidence, filing reports, dealing with insurance adjusters, and making sure you aren’t taken advantage of during the process.
Final Thoughts: When in Doubt, Make the Call
Whether you're involved in a crash on 4th Street South or clipped by another driver while turning off Sunshine Skyway Lane, it's better to be cautious. Calling law enforcement protects your rights, provides important documentation, and helps ensure everyone involved is treated fairly.
In St. Petersburg, where busy roads and distracted drivers are an everyday reality, you can’t afford to take chances. When you’re in doubt about what to do after an accident—make the call. It might be the smartest move you make all day.
Have questions or need legal help after a crash? Reach out to Michael Babboni – The St. Pete Lawyer for a free consultation. Located right here in St. Petersburg, Florida, Michael is your trusted legal advocate for personal injury and auto accident cases.
Call today or visit StPeteLawyer.com to get the help you deserve.