Florida · Car Accidents
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Florida?
A guide to Florida car accident deadlines, the two-year negligence limitation, insurance notice, exceptions, and evidence preservation.
Negligence lawsuits generally have a two-year limit
Florida Statutes Section 95.11 lists a two-year limitations period for an action founded on negligence. Many injury claims from an ordinary vehicle collision are negligence claims, but the correct deadline depends on the claim and facts.
A statute of limitations differs from insurance notice requirements, which may require action much sooner.
Not every accident has the same deadline
Wrongful death, government claims, uninsured-motorist disputes, minors, incapacity, and events outside Florida may involve different rules.
- Record the collision date
- Identify responsible parties
- Review each insurance policy
- Check for government involvement
Insurance deadlines can arrive first
Report the collision promptly and follow reasonable insurer requests while protecting private information. Waiting can make witnesses, video, vehicle, or roadway evidence harder to preserve.
Build a reliable accident record
Keep photographs, repair estimates, medical and wage records, witness details, crash-report information, and insurer correspondence.
A Florida-licensed attorney can determine which claims, defendants, policies, and deadlines apply.