What Is the Statute of Limitations on Car Accidents in Florida?

A severe traffic collision can cause devastating damages and injuries to those involved, which means that drivers should be cautious when on the roadways. However, regardless of how safely you operate your vehicle, there are times when accidents occur due to the negligent actions of others. As a result, the car accident attorneys at Flanagan Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, P.A. would like to provide information about the time limits involved in filing a claim after a Florida car accident.

Is There a “Time Limit?”

In Florida, the law specifies a certain time limit or statute of limitations. This time limit defines how long victims have to file a lawsuit against the alleged negligent driver in the crash. If an individual was injured in the accident, they then have the opportunity to file a claim within four years from the date of the incident.

In the situation in which a person has died due to the collision, their family can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver within two years, which begins on the date of the individual’s death.

However, if you attempt to file a claim after the statute of limitations has been passed, the court will likely refuse to hear your case, unless there is a special exception. As a result, it is incredibly important to consider the limitation of time for filing a claim and how that affects your potential case.

Injuries Can Be Serious For Victims

According to data provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), car accidents have had an apparent impact on the citizens of the state. By looking at the most recent year of data, we can see that there were  403,626 total accidents. Out of these incidents, there were:

• 236,157 injuries from crashes
• 3,135 fatalities from crashes

From this data, we can see that there is a clear risk of car accidents causing victims to sustain some type of injury, including the following:

• Broken and dislocated bones
• Amputations or severe lacerations
• Internal bleeding and organ damages
• Possible paralysis or spinal cord injuries
• Concussions and whiplash injuries
• Traumatic brain or open head injuries

If you or someone you know sustains a car accident injury, it is vital to keep in mind the statute of limitations mentioned above so you can receive your rightful compensation.

Let Us Secure the Compensation You Deserve

If the negligent or careless actions of another driver have to lead to you or somebody you care about sustaining an injury, call Flanagan Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, P.A. today. Our team is prepared to assist you by working on your behalf to secure the maximum compensation, which could include the following:

• Medical cost related to the accident
• Lost wages or benefits from an inability to work while recovering
• Loss of personal enjoyment damages
• Pain and suffering damages
• Possible punitive damages against those responsible

If you need a Miami car accident attorney, contact us today for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or by calling us at (305) 638-4143.