Best Practices When Getting Into an Accident on I-295 in Jacksonville, Florida

"A split second can change your day, or your life, on Jacksonville’s I-295 beltway."
 Whether it’s a fender-bender during rush hour or a serious collision on a rainy night, accidents on I-295 demand fast thinking and clear steps. This highway sees tens of thousands of vehicles daily, connecting the Westside, Northside, and Southside; with that traffic comes risk. The moments after an accident are critical, both for safety and for protecting your rights.

Checkout the top accident prone intersections around Jacksonville.

This guide breaks down exactly what to do after an accident on I-295 and how to prepare for the future. No fluff. Just actionable steps, local context, and details that matter.

TL;DR checklist

• Get to safety.
• Call 911 or *FHP (*347) and report.
• Check injuries. 
• Move cars off lanes if drivable. 
• Document everything. 
• Exchange info (no fault talk). 
• Seek care within 14 days.
• Notify insurance. 
• File any required reports. 
• Know when to call a lawyer.

Make the Scene Safe (seconds matter)

• Flip on hazard lights immediately.
  
• If your vehicle drives, move to the shoulder or an emergency pull-off. Florida law requires you to avoid unnecessary obstruction of traffic; if a damaged vehicle is blocking lanes, you must make every reasonable effort to move it. You will not be considered at fault merely because you moved your car.
• Can’t move it? Stay belted inside unless there’s fire/smoke.
  
• Set triangles/flares if you have them and only if you can do so safely.
  

Why the urgency? Florida’s Move Over law protects responders and stranded drivers. On I-295, everyone else must either move over or slow down for any disabled vehicle with hazards/cones/flares. Expect fast traffic; don’t stand in live lanes.

Call 911 (and know the thresholds)

Call 911 for location-tagged help. If cell service is spotty, you can also dial *FHP (*347) to reach the nearest Florida Highway Patrol communications center. Use mile markers/exits (“WB near Blanding Blvd,” “NB before Buckman Bridge”).

Florida reporting basics: You must report a crash immediately if anyone is injured/killed or if property damage is ~$500+. If an officer investigates, they file the official long- or short-form crash report. For minor crashes not investigated by police, drivers may file a Self-Report within 10 days.

Triage: Check for Injuries (yours, then others)

• Do a quick self-check; adrenaline can hide pain.
  
• Check passengers and the other vehicle(s).
  
• Don’t move injured people unless there’s immediate danger, wait for EMS.
  

If you’re hurt or suspect you might be, seek care promptly. Florida’s PIP “14-Day Rule” requires initial services & care within 14 days of the crash for benefits eligibility.

Move It, Then Document It

If it’s safe and lawful for your situation, get vehicles to the shoulder first, then take pictures:

• Scene wide shots from multiple angles
  
• Close-ups of damage, debris, skid marks
  
• Dashcam stills (if applicable)
  
• Mile marker/exit signs, weather, lighting, lane closures
  
• Driver licenses, plates, insurance cards (photos)
  

Moving a drivable vehicle to safety does not hurt your claim; officers, witness statements, and photos tell the story.

Exchange Information (facts, not fault)

Share and collect: full names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, vehicle registrations, and insurance. Verify phone numbers by calling on the spot. Keep conversation neutral; don’t admit fault. If law enforcement does not respond, complete the Driver Exchange and, if required, submit your Self-Report.

File & Retrieve Reports (the paper trail you’ll need)

• Officer on scene? They’ll file a Long Form when there’s injury, DUI, a wrecker tow, or a commercial vehicle; otherwise a Short Form/Exchange.
• No officer? Use FLHSMV’s Driver Report of Traffic Crash (Self Report) within 10 days.
• Get your report: Purchase via the Florida Crash Portal (typically $10 + $2 convenience fee).

Notify Your Insurer (within 24 hours if you can)

Even small claims can grow (hidden injuries, sensors behind bumpers). Early notice speeds inspections, rental/tow approvals, and preserves your rights under your policy.

Understand Florida’s Liability Rules (what affects your payout)

Florida now uses modified comparative negligence. If you’re >50% at fault, you generally cannot recover damages from the other party; at ≤50%, your recovery is reduced by your share of fault (e.g., 20% at fault = 80% recovery). (Medical malpractice claims follow separate rules.)

Special Situations on I-295

• Bridges: Buckman and Dames Point can be windy with limited shoulders; get well onto the shoulder, stay belted, and wait for FHP/road rangers.
  
• High-merge interchanges: I-10, I-95, Blanding Blvd (SR-21); expect sudden slowdowns and heavy trucks.
  
• Nighttime risk: Secondary crashes spike in low light; keep hazards on and stay in the vehicle unless unsafe.

When to Call an Attorney

Consider a consult if there are injuries, commercial vehicles, disputed fault, hit-and-run, or low settlement offers. A local attorney will understand Jacksonville’s corridors, Florida PIP nuances, and the new comparative fault implications. (This guide is not legal advice.)

Proactive Prep: Your I-295 “Glovebox Kit”

• Reflective triangles/flares
  
• First-aid kit + gloves
  
• Flashlight + extra batteries
  
• Portable phone charger
  
• Copy of insurance & registration
  
• Pen/notepad
  
• List of must-call numbers (insurer, roadside, a local urgent care)
  

FAQs (fast answers with Florida specifics)

Do I have to call the police for a minor fender-bender?
 If anyone is hurt, or total damage appears to be $500+, you must immediately contact law enforcement. Otherwise, complete the Self-Report within 10 days.

Can I move my car before taking photos?
 Yes, if it’s drivable and safe, move it out of travel lanes first; Florida law expects you not to block traffic, and moving it doesn’t admit fault.

What’s the 14-day rule?
 To access PIP benefits, you must receive initial medical services/care within 14 days of the crash.

Who do I call on the beltway besides 911?
 Dial *FHP (*347) from your cell to reach Florida Highway Patrol.

How do I get the report later?
 Buy it from the Florida Crash Portal (usually $10 + $2 convenience fee).

Resources (official & link-worthy)

• Involved in a Crash? (FLHSMV) – reporting rules, forms, thresholds.
• Driver Self-Report (HSMV 90011S) – submit within 10 days if no officer report.
• Florida Crash Portal – purchase crash reports.
• *FHP Program – contact FHP from your cell.
• Move Over (FLHSMV) – obligations around stopped/disabled vehicles.
• Statutes: 316.061 (move vehicles/avoid obstruction), 316.066 (crash reports), 316.065 (when to notify law enforcement), 627.736 (PIP 14-day rule), 768.81 (comparative fault).