How Long do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

The Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida May Vary

Regarding statutes of limitations in Florida, you need to be sure where you stand in your case. If you believe you have a certain number of years to file a lawsuit, but you have less, you may forfeit your right to pursue compensation for your car accident. We will explain how long you have to sue after your accident.

The specific statute of limitations for a case will vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and who the legal action is being brought against.

How Long do I Have to Sue After a Car Accident?

In Florida, you have five years to bring an action on a contract as uninsured motorist claims against an insurance company. But, if you are suing an individual for negligence, such as someone who caused your car accident, you generally have two years to do so.

How Long do I Have to Take Action Against the Government?

Suppose you bring legal action against the State or one of its agencies or subdivisions. In that case, Florida Statutes require written notice, in a very specific form, within three years of the harmful event. Your attorney can review your case and determine whether this is the necessary action to take.

How Long do I Have to Pursue Someone for a Wrongful Death?

The shortest statute of limitations is if the injury results in wrongful death or is caused by professional (medical) malpractice—victims or their families generally only have two years to begin any legal action.

I Have Suffered Injuries in a Car Accident; what Should I Do Now?

If you have not received medical attention for accident-related injuries, getting treatment is your priority. It is important to document how your accident has harmed you, including the injuries you suffered. You also want to ensure that your injuries do not require further treatment, as untreated injuries may worsen or even prove fatal.

Your next step may be to hire a lawyer. A Lakeland personal injury lawyer from our firm will eliminate any confusion you have. We will explain in simple terms who is liable for your accident, how you can seek compensation from those liable parties, and how our firm can help.

We can also help if your loved one died in a car accident. Wrongful death cases are especially time-sensitive, considering their shorter statute of limitations.

How an Attorney from Our Firm Can Help with Your Florida Car Accident Lawsuit

An attorney from our team can start your case for compensation. We will review your case details and explain how much time we have to file your lawsuit. Once you agree to let us represent you, we will file your case and handle the legal process.

We generally help car accident victims by:

• Developing a strategy for your case: We will consider insurance policies, damages, and your unique circumstances when developing a case strategy. We will review our plan with you, so you understand how we will seek compensation on your behalf.
• Documenting your damages: We can use medical records, medical bills, property repair invoices, and other documentation to calculate an appropriate value for your financial award. 
• Collecting evidence of negligence: Video footage, witness accounts, the police report for your accident, and other evidence may help us prove the negligence of the at-fault party. Once we demonstrate their negligence, we can establish their liability for your losses.
• Fighting for a settlement: Our attorneys will lead negotiations for you. The evidence we gather and proof of your damages will aid in our settlement discussions.
• Protecting your rights: Our firm will protect your rights by shielding you from manipulation and blaming tactics. Insurance companies and other attorneys will contact us, not you, with all case-related questions and concerns. 

You should be able to focus on recovery after your accident. With our firm leading your case, you can. We will handle every step of your claim or lawsuit while we will fight for your financial recovery. 

Why You Should Act Quickly After a Car Accident

The last thing you want to do after being injured is deal with a long, drawn-out legal battle. But it’s important to remember that waiting to start the process can be detrimental to your long-term recovery.

It can take months for an attorney to obtain all the information and evidence required to evaluate your claim and prepare a lawsuit properly. Some law firms won’t even accept a case within a year of the statute of limitations.

The best way to ensure that our accident lawyer has the time necessary to evaluate your claim is to act fast, especially for cases that have a short statute of limitations like wrongful death and professional negligence claims.

At Dismuke Law, our board-certified and award-winning car accident attorneys are the legal fighters you want on your side. We will give your case the timely attention it needs to ensure that all deadlines are met and you receive the compensation you need to recover as quickly as possible.