If you’ve been injured in an accident, timing matters—and not just for medical treatment. One of the most important legal deadlines you need to know about is the statute of limitations. As a Florida car accident attorney, I can’t tell you how often people call me just a little too late. So, how long do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida?
Florida’s Personal Injury Deadline
As of recent changes in Florida law, you now have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That’s a shift from the previous four-year limit that many people still assume is valid. If you don’t file your case within that two-year window, the court can dismiss it—no matter how strong your evidence is.
What If You Don’t Realize You’re Injured Right Away?
It’s not uncommon for injuries to show up days or even weeks after a crash. Whiplash, internal injuries, and soft-tissue damage often don’t appear right away. Unfortunately, the two-year countdown typically starts from the date of the accident, not from when you discovered the injury. That’s why contacting a car accident attorney as early as possible is always your best move.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are a few exceptions. If the injured party is a minor, or if the defendant can’t be located, the court may extend the timeline. But those are rare situations. Most personal injury cases, including car accidents, must be filed within that two-year window.
Don’t Wait to Get Legal Help
Even if it feels like you’ve got plenty of time, the truth is—evidence fades, witnesses forget, and paperwork piles up. The sooner you act, the stronger your case can be. A skilled car accident attorney can help you gather the right records, speak with your doctors, and file on time.
Call a Florida Car Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured and you’re not sure how much time you have left to file, don’t guess—ask. Attorney Kevin Sullivan, an experienced car accident attorney, is here to guide you through Florida’s legal deadlines.
Call (813) 598-4868 to schedule a consultation and protect your right to recover compensation before time runs out.
This post was written by a professional at Kevin L. Sullivan II. Attorney Kevin L. Sullivan II is your zephyrhills truck accident lawyer and the best personal injury attorney near you for LeavenLaw. Kevin is proud to serve Florida accident victims that have been injured in auto accidents, motorcycle accident, slip and falls or have suffered any other type of injury caused by negligence. Kevin offers a FREE no-obligation consultation to discuss your claim. There are NO upfront fees or costs and if he does not collect for you, you do not owe him anything.