Whether you plan to represent yourself or to hire a lawyer, you must pay attention to the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations provides a deadline for when you must negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit. if the limitation period expires without a settlement or a lawsuit, you will lose the right to recover compensation for your losses. Under Fl. Stat. § 95.11(3)(a),(h), the statute of limitations for filing car accident claims is four years. If the statute of limitations is almost ready to expire without a settlement, you must file a civil complaint to preserve your right to recover compensation. Make sure to write down the statute of limitations expiration date so that you will be reminded when it is approaching. You should not wait until the deadline is approaching to try to protect your rights. By getting help soon after your accident, your attorney will have more time to investigate your case and preserve evidence that might otherwise be lost over time.