After a car crash, the last thing on your mind is probably deadlines. You’re juggling doctor appointments, car repairs, and trying to get back to a normal routine. But here’s the thing—time matters. If you’re wondering how long you have to file a car accident claim in Florida, you’re not alone. And missing the window can cost you big.
The Short Answer: It Depends on the Type of Claim
Florida has different timelines depending on what kind of claim you’re filing:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): You must seek medical care within 14 days of the accident to qualify for PIP benefits. Miss this, and your insurance may not pay a dime for your injuries.
- Property Damage or Injury Lawsuit: As of 2023, Florida law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injuries or property damage. This is a major change—before, you had four years. So if you’re holding off on calling a lawyer, now’s the time to move.
- Wrongful Death: If a loved one dies as a result of a crash, you have two years from the date of death to bring a wrongful death claim.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Even if two years sounds like plenty of time, evidence disappears fast. Skid marks fade, witnesses forget, and crucial video footage can be overwritten. The longer you wait, the harder it gets to build a strong case. Plus, insurance companies love delay—they’ll use it against you to argue that your injuries aren’t serious.
Need Help Filing a Claim?
At The Black Law Company, we help clients across Tampa understand how long they have to file a car accident claim in Florida, and more importantly, how to file it right. Whether you’re still figuring out your medical bills or you’re ready to take action, we can step in at any stage of the process.
Don’t Let the Clock Run Out
Deadlines matter in the legal world, and once they pass, your options vanish. If you’re even thinking about filing a claim, call The Black Law Company at 813-321-7380. We’ll give you a clear answer on what timeline applies to your case, no legal jargon involved.
This post was written by Okoye Morgan Jr., a lawyer with extensive knowledge as a Tampa personal injury lawyer. Okoye is one of the founding partners of The Black Law Company, specializing in personal injury law, trust and estate law, civil litigation law, and criminal defense.
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