• Florida is a "no-fault" state with respect to auto accidentsCrash on the street. German auto model 2007. image by Dariusz Kopestynski from Fotolia.com
  
  Common sense should dictate how people behave after an auto accident. However, it is the province of lawmakers to ensure that happens. Florida, one of 12 "no-fault" states, has outlined specific requirements for all drivers who are involved in an accident.
  
  

Reporting

• Drivers in an accident involving injury or property damage estimated at more than $500 are required to report the accident to authorities. The Florida Highway Patrol has jurisdiction over accidents occurring on the interstate while local police cover the surface streets. It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident. Doing so can result in fine of up to $500, 60 days in jail or license revocation, depending on the severity of the accident.
  
  

Revealing

• Drivers are required to share information following an accident of any kind. This includes basic driver's license information, including name, address and license number, as well as insurance company and policy numbers. In addition to sharing information, Florida law dictates that a non-injured party is required to "carry, or make arrangements to carry" an injured party to the hospital or doctor if the injured party requests such help.
  
  

Reconciling

• No-fault states, like the name implies, do not assign blame to the party causing the crash. The no-fault provision began in the 1970s when Florida passed a law mandating that drivers carry personal injury protection as part of their auto insurance policies. In essence, the law requires the coverage but as a tradeoff makes it illegal to sue the offending party. In any accident, the drivers turn to their own insurance companies for compensation regardless of who is at fault. Unless the accident injury merits special consideration, as in the case of death or permanent disfigurement, no future lawsuits for pain and suffering can be brought.