If you were hurt in an accident and are thinking about filing a claim, timing matters. In Florida, the deadline for personal injury cases is usually two years from the date of the accident. That clock generally starts ticking right away, even if you are still assessing what your injuries mean or whether you want to file a claim.
Start by Checking Florida’s Standard Filing Deadlines
Florida has a general rule that gives you two years to file a personal injury claim. That clock usually starts on the day of the accident, but the exact timing can depend on how the injury happened and who was involved. If you miss the deadline, you may lose the chance to file, even if your injuries are serious or your case is strong.
Injury Claims Involving Private Individuals or Companies
Most personal injury cases in Florida that involve another driver, a business, or a private property owner follow the standard two-year limit. This applies to many situations, from car crashes to slip-and-fall cases. If you are filing against a person or company, it is a good idea to start the process early so there is time to gather the right documentation.
Exceptions That May Affect Your Timeframe
Some cases allow for more time, depending on the details. If the injured person is a minor or if the injuries were not immediately clear, the clock might not start right away. These exceptions are known as tolling, and they can also apply in rare cases where the other party actively tried to hide what happened.
Time Limits for Specific Accident Types
Not all personal injury claims follow the exact same timeline. The deadline to file can depend on what caused the injury, who was involved, and how the damage was discovered. For example, a car accident may have a different legal window than a slip-and-fall or product defect case.
The Florida Statutes § 95.11(5) lays out the timeframes for different kinds of cases. Most car accident claims follow the two-year rule, but there are exceptions. Injuries involving government agencies, medical malpractice, or other special circumstances may have different rules, so it helps to check the details early.
Know What to Prepare Before Time Runs Out
Before you file a personal injury claim, it helps to get your paperwork in order. The more prepared you are on the front end, the smoother things tend to go once your case gets started. According to Florida Statutes § 768.28, claims involving government agencies come with a shorter timeline and a few extra steps.
This makes it even more important to stay on top of what you need, especially if you are not sure who might be responsible. Here are a few things you will want to gather early on:
- The crash report usually includes who was involved, where it happened, and whether any tickets were issued. Having a copy gives you something to refer back to when questions come up.
- Medical records and bills can help connect your injuries to the accident. Try to keep doctor notes, scans, and prescriptions together so nothing gets missed.
- Photos or video from the scene can help show what the damage looked like and how serious it was. That includes pictures of your injuries, the vehicles, and anything around you.
- Save every letter, email, or note from the insurance company, including names and dates. These records can help if there is a delay, denial, or confusion about your claim.
Get these pieces in order as early as you can. Doing that gives your claim a stronger start and puts you in a better position if questions or delays come up later.