Crashed on 202 / JTB in Jacksonville? Here’s Exactly What To Do (and how to protect yourself next time)

 

“Plan beats panic.” On J. Turner Butler Boulevard (SR-202), where speeds hit 70 mph and traffic funnels to beaches, hospitals, and office parks, a fender-bender can snowball fast. This guide gives you the clear, lawful, step-by-step playbook, built for JTB’s unique conditions, so you can stay safe, document smart, and move on with minimum chaos.

Checkout the top accident prone intersections around Jacksonville.

0–60 Seconds: Make the Scene Safe

Your first job is preventing a second crash.

• Check for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt or you suspect impairment.
  
• Move it if you can. Florida’s “Steer It, Clear It” rule means: if the cars are drivable, get them out of the travel lanes (shoulder, gore, or safe turn-off). This does not hurt your ability to prove fault later.
• Hazards on. Put on flashers; use triangles if you have them.
  
• On the JTB bridge? Stay belted inside the vehicle if traffic is flying past and there’s no safe refuge. Call for help and wait behind barriers when possible.
  
• Call *FHP (*347)** from your cell** for the Florida Highway Patrol; they can dispatch help and rotation wreckers. Road Rangers (FDOT’s free service patrol) also assist on JTB; jump-starts, flats, fuel, safe traffic control.

Bonus: Before you re-merge or send family to retrieve you, check FL511 for current incidents, lanes closed, and cameras on SR-202.

Call It In Correctly (So Your Paper Trail Starts Clean)

Florida requires immediate law-enforcement contact if there’s injury, death, or apparent damage of ≈$500+, or if a vehicle needs a tow or a commercial vehicle is involved. If not, you may self-report. Either way, do it promptly. 

When you call, say:

• “Two cars, minor/major damage, no/possible injuries.”
  
• Precise location cues Jax dispatch understands: “WB JTB just past Southside Blvd,” “EB before San Pablo,” “Under the Gate Pkwy flyover.”
  
• If lanes are blocked, say which ones.
  

Don’t Block JTB (And No, Moving Your Car Isn’t an Admission)

Florida law says don’t obstruct traffic more than necessary. If the car moves, move it. If you can’t, put hazards on and get yourself to a safe spot.

Exchange Info & Render Aid (This Part Is the Law)

You must provide name, address, vehicle registration and show your driver’s license on request. And you must render reasonable aid (e.g., call an ambulance, help arrange transport). That’s in the statute.

Grab, don’t guess:

• Driver’s name, phone, email, address
  
• License plate + VIN (photo the registration & VIN plate)
  
• Insurer + policy number
  
• Make/model/color of each vehicle
  
• Witness names & numbers
  

Document the scene:

• Wide shots (vehicles + road), close-ups (damage), lane markings, debris, skid marks, airbags, child seats
  
• Context clues unique to JTB: exit signs, the Intracoastal bridge curb/rail, overhead gantries, dynamic message boards
  

Medical: The 14-Day Clock You Can’t Ignore

Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) requires you to seek medical care within 14 days of the crash to unlock benefits. Even if you “feel fine,” book a check with a qualified provider now; soft-tissue and head injuries love to hide.

Reports & Records: What to File, Where to Get Them

• Police on scene? They submit the official Long-Form Crash Report within 10 days when the crash meets statutory criteria.
• Minor bump, no officer? File a Driver Report of Traffic Crash (Self-Report) with FLHSMV.
• Get your report via the Florida Crash Portal (small fee). Note: reports are confidential for 60 days; eligible parties (you, your insurer/lawyer) can access during that period.

Move Over Means All Stopped Vehicles (Yes, Yours Too)

Florida expanded the Move Over law: when you approach any stopped vehicle with hazards/flares/signage on the shoulder, change lanes or slow to 20 mph below the posted limit (or to 5 mph if the limit is 20 mph). This protects responders and stranded drivers.

Phones: Texting Is a Primary Offense (Hands-Free in Work & School Zones)

• Texting while driving is enforceable statewide as a primary offense.
  
• Handheld use is banned in school zones and active work zones, common along JTB during nighttime construction.

Legal Timelines (Know the Window)

Florida shortened the negligence statute of limitations to two years (for crashes on/after March 24, 2023). If you need counsel, don’t wait. (This guide isn’t legal advice.) 

JTB-Specific Tips (Local Knowledge = Fewer Surprises)

• Speed & flow: Posted speeds on JTB range 45–60 mph depending on the segment. Expect hard merges and high differentials near Gate Pkwy, Southside Blvd, Kernan, Hodges, and San Pablo.
• Bridge behavior: The Intracoastal bridge has a well-known “bounce” on the eastbound descent. If you’re disabled near that section, assume drivers may be unsettled; maximize visibility and stay shielded.
• Real-time intel: Before leaving the scene or rejoining traffic, peek at FL511 for active incidents and lane status.

Insurance & Repairs (Paperwork Without the Headache)

• Notify your insurer quickly; share the report number and photos.
  
• Keep every receipt (towing, rental, medical co-pays).
  
• Ask repair shops to scan ADAS sensors (bumpers/cameras/radars often misalign even in “minor” taps).
  

What To Pack (So Future-You Is Grateful)

• Dashcam (front/rear)
  
• Reflective triangles & high-vis vest
  
• Phone mount & charger (hands-free compliance)
  
• First-aid kit + flashlight
  
• Printed insurance card and a glovebox checklist (see below)
  

60-Second JTB Crash Checklist

• Get to safety → hazards on → move it if drivable
  
• 911 for injuries/impairment/hazards; *FHP (*347) for FHP and help; Road Rangers if available
• Exchange: IDs, insurance, plates, VINs, contacts
• Document: photos/video of vehicles, lanes, signs, dashcam clips
  
• Report (police or self-report) → Crash Portal for copies (60-day confidentiality)
• Medical check within 14 days (PIP)
• Notify insurer; save receipts
  
• Know the law: Move Over, texting/handheld rules, 2-year injury deadline

FAQs

Do I have to call police for a tiny scrape?
 If there’s injury, death, tow-away, commercial vehicle, DUI, or damage appearing $500+, yes; call immediately. Otherwise, you may self-report within 10 days, but calling can still help for documentation.

Will moving my car hurt my claim?
 No. Florida law expects you to clear the lanes if it’s safe and possible. Fault is determined by evidence, not by whether you moved the car.

How do I get my crash report?
 Buy it online via the Florida Crash Portal. For the first 60 days, only specific parties (you, your insurer/lawyer, etc.) can access it.

I feel fine. Should I still see a doctor?
 Yes, within 14 days to preserve PIP benefits and to catch delayed-onset injuries.