How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Florida?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident or another type of personal injury, time might feel like it’s standing still. Between doctor visits, stress, pain, and trying to get back to normal — it’s easy to put off the legal side of things.
But here’s something you need to know:
You don’t have forever to file a personal injury claim.
In Florida, there’s a legal deadline called the statute of limitations, and if you miss it — you lose your right to pursue compensation, no matter how strong your case is.
Let me break it down for you.
1. The Standard Deadline: 2 Years from the Date of the Injury
As of 2023, Florida law gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That includes cases like:
Car accidents
Truck or motorcycle accidents
Slip and falls
Dog bites
Wrongful death
Medical malpractice (with some exceptions)
That might sound like plenty of time — but trust me, it goes faster than you think.
2. Waiting Can Hurt Your Case (Even if You’re Within the Time Limit)
Even if you’re well within that 2-year window, waiting too long can weaken your case.
Why?
Evidence disappears
Witnesses forget details
Medical records get scattered
The insurance company gets more aggressive
The sooner you get a lawyer involved, the better we can protect your rights, preserve evidence, and build a stronger case.
3. Some Cases Have Exceptions — and They Can Be Tricky
There are special rules that may shorten or extend your timeline, including:
Claims involving minors
Government-related accidents (where notice deadlines apply)
Medical malpractice (with pre-suit requirements)
Delayed discovery of injuries
That’s why it’s important to talk to a lawyer as soon as you can — so we can make sure your case doesn’t get thrown out over a technicality.
4. Filing a Claim ≠ Going to Trial
Don’t let the word “lawsuit” scare you. Filing a claim doesn’t mean you’ll end up in court. Most cases settle — but having the option to file keeps the pressure on the insurance company to do the right thing.
Don’t Let the Clock Run Out on Your Case
If you’ve been injured, you deserve answers — and you deserve time to heal. But you also need someone in your corner to make sure the legal window doesn’t close before you get the chance to fight back.
If you’re unsure about your deadline or just need someone to walk you through the process, give me a call. We’ll go over everything — no pressure, no confusion — and make sure you’re not left behind.
— Aaron
