If you or someone in your family was injured in a car accident, you have two years from the date of the car crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Before House Bill 837 was enacted in March 2023, this statute of limitations was four years.
If the car or pedestrian accident victim dies, their family also has two years from the date of the death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of suit can compensate the victim’s loved ones for funeral expenses, loss of support, loss of companionship, and other losses related to the death.
There are some exceptions that may allow you to file the suit after the deadline:
The defendant hid their identity or location on purpose or changed their name or appearance to avoid liability.
The defendant moved out of Florida before you could sue them.
You were legally unable to sue at the time of the accident because of a permanent or temporary mental condition. You can still sue within seven years of the accident date, so this exception also has a deadline.
However, none of these extensions are guaranteed. Your Lewis & Castagliola, P.A. attorneys can review the facts of your case, determine the applicable statute of limitations, and advise you on the best course of action. Don’t wait too long, as missing the deadline could result in losing your right to recover compensation.