A statute of limitations determines how long you have to file a legal claim. For example, drivers hurt in car accidents in Florida only have a limited amount of time to seek compensation from the party who caused the accident.
You can learn about the statute of limitations for car accidents in Florida by contacting our law firm.
Is There a Statute of Limitations on Car Accidents in Florida?
Florida set a statute of limitations to control how long you have to file a claim after a car accident. This statute provides drivers with a degree of protection because they can no longer seek compensation after a certain amount of time.
Statute of Limitations for Injuries or Property Damage
Generally, you have two years to file a car accident lawsuit in Florida. The two-year countdown begins the day of your accident.
You can file a claim to get compensation as a driver, passenger, bicyclist, or even a pedestrian. In addition, you may use your claim to seek compensation for things like medical expenses or vehicle repairs.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death
Florida uses different regulations for claims involving the wrongful death of a family member. The individual’s family only has two years to file a lawsuit in this situation. Once the statute of limitations expires, you no longer have an opportunity to seek compensation.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were around 3,000 fatal accidents in 2020 alone. Moving quickly after these accidents comes with several benefits.
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Steps to Take Immediately After a Motor Vehicle Accident
You may have up to two years to build a claim for compensation after your accident. However, there are some steps you should take before you leave the scene of the accident. Make sure that you:
- Stop your vehicle and get contact information from the other driver
- Get contact details from any eyewitnesses
- Take pictures of the scene of the accident and your injuries
- Report the accident to the local police
Police officers generally file a report about all motor vehicle accidents in the state. Your lawyer may utilize the information in this report to build your claim, so make sure that you reach out to law enforcement.
You may also need to get immediate medical care. Getting medical treatment quickly helps to show the accident caused your injuries. Finally, many drivers contact a car accident lawyer before they leave the scene of a collision to get professional assistance.
Reasons to Build Your Car Accident Case Quickly
Some drivers look at the two-year statute of limitations for car accidents in Florida and decide to wait before thinking about their legal options. However, you experience several benefits if you move quickly to build an accident claim.
Your Memories Are Clear
Memories fade over time, even of traumatic events like car accidents. So if you write down everything that happened soon after the collision, you are more likely to provide a clear-cut and thorough record of what occurred.
It’s Easier to Get Evidence
A car accident attorney can help build your claim after a collision. Lawyers use evidence gathered from the accident scene to show that someone else caused the wreck. Working with a lawyer right away allows these legal professionals to collect:
- Photos from the scene of the accident
- Accurate eye witness statements
- Pictures of the damage to your vehicle
Over time, the evidence gets removed as the crime scene gets cleaned up.
You Can Document Your Medical Expenses
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), around 4,500,000 people were either injured or killed in accidents around the country in 2019. If you sustained an injury in an accident, it’s essential that you keep documentation about all the medical care that you receive.
You should keep copies of your expenses for:
- Emergency medical care
- Time spent in a hospital
- Surgeries or medical tests
The experts also recommend that you keep a daily journal about the impact of your injuries on your daily life. This kind of documentation makes it easier for your lawyer to establish the losses you sustained in the accident.
It’s Easy to Report the Information to Your Insurance Company
Generally, you want to quickly report a car accident to your insurance company in Florida. You may file a claim with the insurance company in some situations. You can speak to a car accident attorney before interacting with insurance agents for legal advice.
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Contact Our Office to Learn More About Florida’s Statute of Limitations in Car Accidents
The statute of limitations for car accidents in Florida varies based upon the accident’s severity. So get over 30 years of experience on your side by contacting Distasio Law Firm after a collision. Our legal team handles your case with a personal touch.
Find out more by calling us today.
Call or text (813) 259 0022 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form