If you’ve suffered injuries in an auto accident that was not your fault, you may be able to file a claim against the other party. An injury attorney can help a client prove negligence and document liability for their property damage, lost income, and injuries.
Because of Florida’s statute of limitations, victims only have a short time to act. Understanding these time constraints will help them protect their rights and review their options from Perenich Law.
The Statute of Limitations: What Is It?
Under the state’s statute of limitations, victims have four years to bring a claim for negligence after an auto accident. In most instances, these laws work to hasten the resolution of legal disputes while reducing the number of fraudulent and frivolous claims.
Limitations vary by jurisdiction, and the time a victim has to file a claim may depend on the nature of the case. For those reasons, it’s important to determine how Florida’s laws apply to your case.
Learning More About Time Limits
As mentioned above, the time limit to file an auto accident claim is four years. Those who don’t act within that time lose their legal right to recover compensation and seek justice for their damages. There are a few exceptions, but they’re exceedingly rare.
Filing a Legal Claim After an Auto Accident
Florida law doesn’t require victims to hire legal representatives. However, having an injury attorney in your corner may increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. When selecting an experienced lawyer, you’ll also get an advocate who will protect your rights while holding the at-fault driver accountable. Furthermore, your lawyer will ensure the claim is filed within the statute of limitations time-frame.
Exceptions to the Rule
In most instances, auto accident claims must be filed within four years of the date the accident occurred. However, state law does offer a few exceptions. If any apply, the time limit may be extended.
When a case involves a fatality, the victim’s family members have just two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The law also provides extensions in cases involving minors and those with diminished mental capacities. Consulting an accident attorney is the easiest way to find out if any exceptions may apply to your accident claim.
When You Should Consult a Lawyer
It takes time to build a strong injury case even if the claim itself is straightforward and simple. The more complicated a case is, the longer it may take an attorney to learn about and document information related to the accident, property damage, and injuries. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to consult an attorney as soon as possible after an auto accident.
Acting quickly to file a claim will ensure the case is started before the statute of limitations expires, and it may provide other benefits. In some cases, prompt action increases the chances of an out-of-court settlement. By starting a claim right away, you’ll have more time to bargain with the other driver’s insurance company, and you may get the compensation you deserve without the expense and hassle of a court case.
Consult an Injury Attorney Today
With decades of combined courtroom experience, our attorneys are ready to help. Contact our team today to request a no-obligation, no-cost consultation to learn how Florida’s statute of limitations may affect your auto accident case.
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