How Long Do You Have To Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Florida?
You might feel overwhelmed and confused if you have been involved in a Florida car accident. You might have so many questions. One of the questions you might be asking yourself is how long you have to get an attorney. So, how long do you have to hire an attorney after a car accident in Florida? There is no legal deadline for when you must retain a car accident attorney in Florida. However, there are deadlines for filing a lawsuit, called the statutes of limitations. It is best to hire an attorney early to ensure your rights are protected. Read on to learn more!
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Cases in Florida
In Florida, there are different time limits for filing different types of claims after an auto accident, called statutes of limitations. On March 24, 2023, Florida law changed, and you now have two years to file a car accident personal injury lawsuit. Previously, people were allowed up to four years to file a personal injury claim. However, for accidents that happened before March 24, 2023, the previous deadline may still apply to their cases.
The two-year timeframe generally begins on the day of the accident when your injury occurred. Failure to file a lawsuit within this period can result in you losing your right to pursue a lawsuit.
If you were not injured but your car or other personal property was damaged and you want to sue for the damages, the statute of limitations is four years from the accident date. This extended deadline applies if you are seeking compensation for only property damage, such as vehicle repairs or replacement.
Why You Should Contact a Lawyer Early
While you technically have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit and four to file a property damage claim, hiring an attorney as soon as possible after a car accident is highly advisable. Hiring a car accident attorney early can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case for various reasons, including the following;
- Evidence Preservation
Evidence, such as debris, skid marks, and video footage, can quickly disappear after a car accident. An attorney can help gather and preserve this evidence before it is lost, destroyed, or altered. A lawyer can help you get witness statements before memories fade. Early preservation of evidence can be critical in establishing liability and damages.
- Insurance Companies Don’t Waste Time
Insurance adjusters begin their investigations immediately, often trying to find ways to minimize your payout or get out of compensating you altogether. One of the most common tactics they use is contacting accident victims soon after an accident to get them to accept a quick settlement offer. Often, this offer is low. Hiring a car insurance lawyer early can protect you from making a decision you might regret later.
- Building a Strong Case Takes Time
Collecting medical records, accident reports, expert testimony, and other key evidence can take months. The sooner you hire an attorney, the more time they have to prepare a strong, well-documented case. You don’t want your attorney rushing to beat the statute of limitations clock because you hired them late.
Contact Our Tampa Car Accident Attorneys
Schedule a consultation with a Tampa car accident attorney at The Pendas Law Firm, contact us via 844-200-0000 or online.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Orlando, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Bradenton, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0095/Sections/0095.11.html