Is there a Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents?

Car accidents are an unfortunate part of the roads and can cause not only damage to vehicles, but also to their drivers and passengers. In cases of more moderate to severe automobile accidents, those affected will seek financial compensation in the form of a personal injury lawsuit against the person responsible for the accident. Like all criminal and civil cases, there is a statute of limitations that determines when a case can be filed and car accident injury cases are no exception.

A statute of limitations is the legal term used to describe the time in which a case or claim can be filed against someone. Generally, these vary from state to state unless they are in reference to the violation of a federal law. In the case of a personal injury car accident claim, the statute of limitation in Florida is four years. This means that the person who was injured as four years from the time of the car accident to file a lawsuit against the other driver. Please note that this means that the suit must be filed in four years; if the case is not resolved within that time, that is still acceptable.

Although the statute of limitation for a car accident in Florida is four years, this does not mean that an injured person should wait that entire time to file a claim. Rather, it is recommended that the claim is filed as soon as possible, as this increases the chances of winning the case and seeing the just financial compensation. The reason it can be filed in so long is because some injuries do not manifest themselves until later, so the afflicted might not be aware of an issue right away.

Anytime you or someone you know is injured in a car accident, it is vital to seek the consultation of a skilled personal injury attorney to help you through the case and see that you get the financial assistance that you need and deserve. To learn more about how the Franco Law Firm can serve you in this capacity, please call us at (813) 872-0929.