Significant changes have been made to the rules governing car accident claims in Florida. Starting in 2024, the time limit to file a lawsuit for damages caused by a car crash has been shortened from four to two years. Anyone involved in an accident should be aware of this change. At The Black Law Company, we understand how this change can complicate filing claims and getting fair compensation.
This blog will explain the recent changes to the Florida statute of limitations for car accidents and offer advice on settling claims within these new legal restrictions.
Florida Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
The Florida statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits resulting from car accidents was originally four years. However, the Florida legislature has reduced it to two years as of 2024. Here are the fundamental changes:
- Time Limit: In 2024, the statute of limitations for Florida car accidents is reduced from four to two years.
- Who It Affects: This two-year limit applies to all lawsuits brought by injured drivers, passengers, or pedestrians.
- When It Starts: The two-year clock begins when the accident occurs.
- Extensions: In some circumstances, the statute of limitations may be extended (see below).
What is the Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is a law that sets a deadline for filing a legal action. If this deadline has passed, the claim may not be possible to file, or it could be invalidated if filed late.
Why the Change from Four Years to Two?
Several factors influenced the decision to reduce Florida’s statute of limitations on car accident claims:
- Efficiency: Shorter deadlines encourage quicker claim resolution, which helps everyone involved by reducing the time spent in legal limbo.
- Memory & Evidence: Over time, memories can fade, and evidence can become less reliable. A shorter statute ensures that cases are prosecuted or defended when evidence remains fresh.
- Judicial Burden: Previously, the four-year limit often led to a backlog of court cases. By reducing this period, the state aims to reduce the judicial burden and streamline legal procedures
This post was written by Okoye Morgan Jr., a lawyer with extensive knowledge as a personal injury law firm Progress Village FL. Okoye is one of the founding partners of The Black Law Company, specializing in personal injury law, trust and estate law, civil litigation law, and criminal defense.
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