A serious car accident can change everything in an instant. You’re hurting, medical bills are stacking up, and the insurance company is already trying to minimize what they owe. In the middle of all this, you’re probably wondering: How much time do I actually have to file a claim?
The answer is determined by the Florida statute of limitations for car accidents, which is a rule that can make or break your ability to recover compensation. If you miss the time limit for filing a claim, your case could be thrown out, no matter how strong it is. At Maranatha Law, we don’t want you to lose your chance at justice because of a missed deadline.
Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Florida statute of limitations for car accident cases, including injury claims, wrongful death cases, and why it’s so important to act quickly.
Time is Not on Your Side
After a car accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Medical treatments, lost income, repairing your vehicle—it all adds up fast. While you’re dealing with these challenges, the legal clock is ticking. Florida law gives you only a limited window to take action, and once that window closes, so does your chance to recover damages.
That’s where many people find themselves stuck. They wait too long to reach out for legal help, and by the time they try, it’s too late.
What the Law Says About the Florida Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident
Florida’s limits on car accident cases are clear, and it’s important to understand what they mean for your case:
- Personal injury claims. As of March 24, 2023, Florida law was changed to shorten the deadline for negligence-based personal injury cases, including car accidents, from four years to two years. That means you now have only two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit for your injuries.
- Wrongful death claims. If a loved one was killed in a crash caused by negligence, surviving family members typically have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Failing to file within these deadlines almost always means your case will be dismissed. Even if the insurance company strung you along, the court won’t make exceptions.
The Confusion: Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System
Florida is a no-fault state, which means you’re first required to turn to your own insurance (personal injury protection or PIP) for coverage after a crash, regardless of who caused it. But here’s the catch: PIP only covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, and that’s often not enough after a serious injury.
However, if your injuries are considered “serious” under Florida law—such as significant scarring, permanent loss of function, or death—you can step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault driver.
This is where the Florida statute of limitations for a car accident comes into play. Even if PIP helps you right away, you must act within the two-year window to bring a claim for the full damages you deserve.
The Mistake to Avoid: Thinking You Have Plenty of Time
Many accident victims assume they have years to decide what to do. Today, victims only have two years to file. That’s not much time when you consider how long it can take to investigate a crash, gather medical records, and negotiate with insurers.
Worse, insurance companies know the deadlines better than anyone. They may drag out settlement talks, hoping the clock runs out before you realize what’s happening.
Florida Auto Accident Statute of Limitations: Wrongful Death Cases
The Florida auto accident statute of limitations works a little differently for wrongful death cases. Families who lose a loved one to a negligent driver have two years from the date of death to take legal action.
This is incredibly difficult timing, because it forces grieving families to make legal decisions while mourning. But failing to act in time means forever losing the right to hold the negligent party accountable. That’s why working with a compassionate law firm like Maranatha Law can make all the difference. We take on the burden so you don’t have to.
Partner with a Law Firm That Knows the Rules
At Maranatha Law, we know how devastating car accidents can be. Based in Lakeland, we’ve helped clients across Polk, Osceola, Hillsborough, and Pinellas Counties fight back after life-changing crashes. We stay ahead of the deadlines, gather the evidence, and build the strongest case possible so that you can focus on healing.
Attorney Tim Shanahan built this firm on the principle of doing the right thing, no matter what. That means giving every case the personal attention it deserves and never letting an insurance company take advantage of you.
Why Acting Fast Matters
When you contact us quickly after a crash, we can work to:
- Secure vital evidence before it disappears,
- Protect you from insurance company tactics,
- Make sure all claims are filed within Florida’s strict deadlines and
- Give you the best possible chance of maximum compensation.
Remember, you don’t just have medical bills today: You may also face future treatments, long-term care, and ongoing lost income. Filing in time helps ensure those damages are considered.
Take the Next Step Before It’s Too Late
If you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident, don’t wait. The Florida statute of limitations car accident rules are strict, and missing them can cost you everything. Whether you’re dealing with personal injury or the heartbreaking loss of a loved one, you have only two years to act.
At Maranatha Law, we’ll stand by your side from day one. We’ll fight for the justice and compensation you deserve, so you can rebuild your life with confidence.
Call Maranatha Law Today
You don’t have to face the insurance companies or the legal system alone. Call Maranatha Law today for a free consultation. Let us fight for you, protect your rights, and make sure you never miss your chance at justice.
Reach out for the help that you deserve before your time runs out.
