3 Things You Should Never Say After an Apollo Beach Car Accident (and What to Say Instead)

Jim Curtis • February 25, 2026

Saying the wrong thing in the first five minutes after a crash in Apollo Beach can cost you thousands of dollars later. Those quick phrases we use to be polite - “I’m sorry,” “I’m fine,” or “I agree”- often end up in the police report or an adjuster’s notes and are later used to attack your Florida injury claim.

 

Here are three things you should never say after a car accident in Hillsborough or Manatee County, and what to say instead.

 

1. “I’m Sorry”

 

Most people’s first instinct after a collision on US‑41, I‑75, Big Bend Road, or Apollo Beach Boulevard is to hop out and apologize. You may genuinely feel bad or think you could have done something differently. But in the legal world, “I’m sorry” can sound a lot like “It was my fault.”

Insurance companies and defense lawyers love that phrase. If you apologize at the scene, it may end up in:

 

·     The officer’s crash report

 

·     Witness statements

 

·     The adjuster’s file

 

Later, the insurer may argue, “Even the driver admitted it was their fault,” and use your own words to fight liability.

 

What to say instead

 

You can still be compassionate without accepting blame:

 

·     Ask, “Is anyone hurt?” and check if anyone needs an ambulance.

 

Then, call the Police so law enforcement can create an official crash report, which is often crucial evidence in Florida car accident cases.

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When speaking to the Police, stick to the facts. Do not argue about who caused the crash.

 

Let the evidence, traffic laws, and the police report speak for themselves. Your job is to stay calm, stay safe, and avoid volunteering conclusions about fault.

 

2. “I’m Fine”

 

The second phrase that can hurt your Apollo Beach car accident claim is “I’m fine.”

 

Right after a crash, your body floods with adrenaline. That surge can temporarily mask symptoms of whiplash, back injuries, concussions, and other soft‑tissue damage. Many people feel only “shaken up” at the scene, but wake up the next morning barely able to turn their head or get out of bed.

​

If you tell the officer, paramedics, or the other driver that you’re “fine,” that statement often gets recorded in the crash report or medical records. Later, the insurance company may argue:

 

·     You must not have been injured because you denied pain at the scene.

 

·     Any symptoms that appeared later were caused by something other than the crash.

 

In Florida, this can be especially damaging because of our 14‑day PIP rule. Under Florida Statute § 627.736, you must obtain initial medical treatment within 14 days of the crash to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. Delaying treatment—and saying you felt “fine”—gives insurers more ammunition to deny or minimize your claim.

 

What to say instead

 

A better response is:

 

·     “I’m shaken up and not sure if I’m injured yet. I need to get checked out.”

 

That’s honest and accurate. You truly may not know the full extent of your injuries in the moment.

 

Then:

 

·     Accept EMS evaluation if offered, or visit an ER, urgent care, chiropractor, or other qualified provider as soon as possible.

 

·     Make sure that visit occurs within 14 days so you preserve your PIP benefits.​

 

3. “I Agree” to Any Deal or Side Arrangement

 

The third costly statement is saying “I agree” to a private deal.

 

After a fender‑bender in a parking lot or neighborhood, the other driver might say: “Let’s just handle this between us” or “No need to call the police or insurance.”

 

It can sound friendly and convenient—but it’s risky. At the scene, you don’t yet know:

 

·     Whether your vehicle has structural damage

 

·     Whether you will need imaging, therapy, or time off work

 

·     Whether the other driver will later change their story

 

Without an official report and full insurance information, you may struggle to prove what happened or even find coverage if the damage turns out to be more serious than expected.

 

What to say instead

 

Politely decline any side deals and say:

 

·     “Let’s exchange information and let our insurance companies handle it.”

 

Then:

 

·     Call law enforcement so a Florida crash report is created, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage.

 

·     Exchange the required information: names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, license plates, and insurance company and policy numbers.

 

Having that documentation helps your Apollo Beach car accident lawyer build a strong claim if injuries emerge later.

 

Other Smart Things to Do After a Crash in Apollo Beach

 

In addition to watching what you say, there are several practical steps that can protect your case:

 

·     Take photos of all vehicles, the roadway, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.

 

·     Get contact information for witnesses who saw the crash.

 

·     Avoid posting about the accident on social media—insurers often review posts to challenge your injuries.

 

·     Contact a local personal injury lawyer before giving a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster.

 

At Jim The Lawyer, PA, we help crash victims in Apollo Beach, Riverview, Gibsonton, Parrish, Palmetto, and across the Tampa Bay area understand how their words and actions after a collision can affect their case value.

 

Talk With a Local Apollo Beach Car Accident Lawyer

 

If you have already told someone “I’m sorry,” “I’m fine,” or agreed to a quick fix after a crash, don’t panic, but do get legal advice quickly. A skilled attorney can often put those statements in context and still present a strong claim.

 

Jim The Lawyer, PA is a local firm located in Apollo Beach, representing injury victims throughout Hillsborough and Manatee Counties. We offer free consultations where you can talk directly with an attorney about what happened, what you said, and what to do next.

 

Call (813)937-9907 or visit our Contact Us page to schedule a FREE consultation.

 

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Do I Have to Call the Police After a Car Accident in Florida?

By Jim Curtis • April 8, 2025
Do I Have to Call the Police After a Car Accident in Florida? There is nothing more inconvenient than being in a car accident. That’s why many people don’t even wait around to call the Police after one occurs. But is this legal? The answer depends on the circumstances of the crash, but understanding the legal requirements and practical implications can help you make an informed decision in an otherwise stressful situation. Florida’s Legal Requirements for Reporting Car Accidents Florida law requires you to file a police report if your crash meets any of the following criteria: · If there is any injury or fatalities · When there is property damage exceeding $500 · Hit-and-Run situations · If there is suspicion of impaired driving · The accident involved a commercial vehicle · A vehicle needs to be towed from the scene Failure to report your accident in such a case could potentially result in criminal penalties. However, although the law requires a report of the crash if any of these criteria are met, the law does allow drivers up to 10 days to file a crash report with local authorities if they did not call the police at the scene. This obviously would not apply in the case of injury or fatality, or if a driver is impaired. These should be reported immediately. Regardless of the situation, it is always best practice to call the Police after a car accident. Why You Should Call the Police Even When You’re Not Legally Required to Do So There are number of reasons why you should still call the Police after a car accident even if you don’t meet any of the criteria that would legally require you to do so. The reasons include: There is Less Chance for Conflicting Stories When information is gathered quickly at the scene of an accident by the Police, it can then be preserved and there is less chance that it can be misconstrued in the future. People also tend to be more forthcoming at the scene when talking to the Police. However, when given time to think about it, stories often change, especially if a person knows that a claim is being pursued against them. Calling the Police and getting a report can help prevent this happening. Document the Accident The Police Report is the best place to document your accident right after it happened. Unlike merely exchanging information with the other driver, having the Police obtain a statement from all parties involved as well from any eyewitnesses is crucial for any subsequent insurance claim. The Police will often also assign fault to a party, which can be useful in a subsequent claim as well. Document Your Physical Complaints The Police Report is your first opportunity to document any physical complaints that you may have, while still at the scene of the accident. This is very important, especially if you’re unable to seek medical treatment right away. In such a case, without a Police report documenting your complaints, the insurance company may question whether you were even hurt in the accident, especially if it took 4-5 days for you to get in to see a doctor. When You Might Choose Not to Call the Police Although it is always best to call the Police after a Florida car accident, there are times where it may not be imperative that you do so. One such situation would be in the case of a minor accident with no injuries. If the crash is minor and all vehicles are driveable, and nobody is complaining of any injury, waiting around for the Police to show up and take down your information may not be necessary – as long as you still take steps to properly document your accident. Those steps should include: · Exchanging Information: Take a photo of the other driver’s license and make sure to get insurance information. · Take Photographs: If you are not going to call the Police after your accident, it is even more important that you document the crash by photographs. Be sure to take photos of the scene of the accident, and of the damage to all of the vehicles involved in the crash. · Witness Statements: If there are witnesses to your accident, ask for their names and phone numbers so you can get a statement from them later, if necessary. From here, contact a lawyer if you have any questions about filing an insurance claim, or if you begin to feel pain and believe that you may have been injured. Challenges in Pursuing an Insurance Claim Without a Police An insurance company will question everything after an accident. This is especially true if there is no Police Report. Without a Police Report, there is a good chance that liability may be disputed, as there is likely to be conflicting stories from each driver. The Police will investigate the crash and determine who they believe caused the accident. This can help if there are conflicting versions of what happened. Another challenge is in proving that your injury is related to the accident, and not to something else. Without a Police report documenting your complaints, the insurance company may dispute your injuries and their relation to the crash. This is especially true if you don’t seek treatment right away. Call Florida Car Accident Attorney, Jim The Lawyer, for Legal Help Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your Florida car accident case. If you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident, Jim The Lawyer is here to help you fight to get the maximum compensation you deserve for your injury.  Contact Jim The Lawyer, Accident and Injury Attorney, at (813)937-9907 for a FREE Consultation and Case Evaluation.

The Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Riverview, FL

By Jim Curtis • April 1, 2025
Riverview, Florida is one of the fastest growing areas in Hillsborough County. With this rapid population growth comes increased traffic congestion. This has made some areas of Riverview notorious for accidents. Below are some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in this region. Top Dangerous Roads and Intersections 1. U.S. 301 and Gibsonton Drive This is one of the most highly congested intersections in Southern Hillsborough County. Over a 15-month period, there were 95 reported crashes at this intersection. This is due not only to congestion, but also due to aggressive driving and frequent left-turn accidents. 2. U.S. 301 at Big Bend Road This is another very highly congested intersection during most times of day. The combination of speeding vehicles, failure to yield and poor visibility contributes to the danger of this intersection, which saw 86 accidents over a 15-month period. 3. Big Bend Road and Summerfield Boulevard Although this intersection is nestled in a residential community, it has accounted for 97 crashes within a 16-month period, with 14 serious injuries or fatalities. This intersection is dangerous due to its location which is known for speeding vehicles, and there is also very poor visibility for those making left-hand turns. 4. Big Bend Road and Summerfield Crossing Boulevard Located right down the street from Summerfield Boulevard is this equally dangerous intersection. Aggressive lane changes and insufficient signage are common issues contributing to the dangers present at this intersection. Over a 16-month period, there have been 92 crashes reported at this location. Common Causes of Car Accidents in Riverview, FL While many factors can cause a car accident, some of the most common causes of car accidents in Riverview, Florida include: · Failure to Yield : mostly occurring during the course of left-hand turns and due to drivers misjudging gaps in traffic; · Speeding: given the number of lanes of travel on roads such as U.S. 301, speeding has become a common occurrence in the Riverview, Florida area; · Poor Visibility: many intersections lack sufficient signage and become partially blocked to visibility due to overgrown landscaping; · Distracted Driving: texting and talking on mobile devices is problem on all roadways and is a significant contributor to accidents. Top 4 Things You Need to do After a Riverview, FL Car Accident Thankfully, car accidents are not a common occurrence for most people. However, when one occurs, it’s important to know what to do to best preserve your accident claim. Here are the top four things you should do after a Riverview, Florida car accident: 1. Prioritize Safety The first thing you should after an accident is to make sure that everyone in your vehicle is safe. If your vehicle is in a place of danger, move it to safety to avoid a secondary collision if possible. Then be sure turn on your hazard lights to ensure that your vehicle is visible to oncoming motorists. 2. Call 911 Calling the Police after a Riverview, Florida car accident is important for several reasons. First, the Police will document the crash and all parties involved, and conduct their investigation as to who is at fault for the crash. Second, the crash report that the Police will prepare documenting your crash will be your first opportunity to document any physical complaints you may have while you are still at the scene of the crash. This will be important for the insurance company to see and will help prevent any argument the insurance company may make that your injuries were not caused by the crash. 3. Take Photos Although the Police will be documenting the crash if you called them, it is still important for you, if possible, to take photographs of the damage. When taking photographs of the damage, don’t just take photos of your vehicle. Make sure to also take photos of all other vehicles involved in the crash. This is important because often times the other vehicle will have more damage to it than yours. In addition to taking photos of the damage to all vehicles, be sure to also take photos of the scene of the crash and the surrounding area. This will document everything as it existed at the time, and may also show nearby surveillance cameras that may have captured the crash as it occurred. 4. Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible The quicker you can seek medical attention after a crash, the better it will be for both yourself and any potential claim that you may have. By seeking immediate medical attention, you will not only be getting the treatment you need, but you will also be avoiding any argument related to a gap in treatment between the time of crash and your first date of treatment. Of course, in addition to doing these four things, you will also want to call a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer will conduct their own investigation of the crash and seek to preserve all relevant evidence for your claim before it is disposed of or destroyed. Call Jim The Lawyer After Your Riverview, FL Car Accident Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your Riverview, Florida car accident case. If you’ve been injured in a Riverview, Florida car accident, Jim The Lawyer is here to help you fight to get the maximum compensation you deserve for your injury. Contact Jim The Lawyer, Accident and Injury Attorney, at (813)937-9907 for a FREE Consultation and Case Evaluation.