George Zimmerman -- RESCUES FAMILY After Car Crash ... Cops Say

George Zimmerman is being hailed a HERO in Florida this morning ... after cops say he helped RESCUE a family of 4 from an overturned vehicle just days after the Trayvon Martin verdict.

The Seminole County Sheriff's Office tells TMZ ... around 5:45 pm on Wednesday July 17, Zimmerman noticed an overturned SUV off a highway in Sanford, FL ... and sprang into action.

According to the SCSO, Zimmerman and another man approached the car and helped all 4 of the passengers -- 2 parents and 2 children -- get out of the wrecked car.

Cops say ... "Zimmerman was not a witness to the crash and left after making contact with the deputy. There were no reports of injuries to the vehicle occupants."

The identity of the family has not been released.