After a car accident in Florida, life gets chaotic—fast. Between dealing with your injuries, car repairs, and annoying calls from insurance companies, it’s easy to put legal stuff on the back burner. But there’s something you can’t afford to overlook: the clock is ticking.
Attorney Kevin Sullivan always says timing is everything in personal injury cases, and Florida law is no exception.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
As of recent changes in Florida law, you now have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. That’s right—just two years. It used to be four, but that window closed when the law changed in 2023.
Miss that deadline, and your right to seek compensation? Gone. Doesn’t matter how strong your case is.
If your car was damaged and you’re only seeking money to fix or replace it, that falls under a property damage claim. For that, you still have four years to file.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Even if two years sounds like a lot of time, here’s why waiting is risky:
- Evidence fades: Skid marks disappear, cars get repaired, and surveillance footage gets deleted.
- Witnesses forget: People’s memories aren’t as reliable as you’d think—even after just a few weeks.
- Insurance companies love delays: The longer you wait, the easier it is for them to argue your injuries aren’t related to the accident.
Waiting also makes it harder for your attorney to build a strong case. Attorney Kevin Sullivan always recommends getting legal advice early so everything’s documented and filed properly.
What If You Were Injured But Didn’t Go to the Doctor Right Away?
Florida law requires you to seek medical care within 14 days of your car accident in Florida to use your PIP (Personal Injury Protection) benefits. Even if you feel “fine,” it’s smart to get checked out—it protects both your health and your legal rights.
Bottom Line? Call a Lawyer Sooner Than Later
If you’ve been in a car accident in Florida, the clock’s already running. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get the help you deserve. Attorney Kevin Sullivan can walk you through the timeline, explain your options, and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
This post was written by a professional at Kevin L. Sullivan II. Attorney Kevin L. Sullivan II is your auto accident attorney Largo and the best personal injury attorney near you for LeavenLaw. Kevin is proud to serve Florida accident victims that have been injured in auto accidents, motorcycle accident, slip and falls or have suffered any other type of injury caused by negligence. Kevin offers a FREE no-obligation consultation to discuss your claim. There are NO upfront fees or costs and if he does not collect for you, you do not owe him anything.
