States use statute limitations to restrict the amount of time you can pursue certain legal actions after an incident. For example, in personal injury cases, you have a prescribed number of years to file a lawsuit.
Understanding how the statute of limitations works in the state of Florida can help you determine your next move after an accident.
The statute of limitations
For most personal injury cases, Florida has a four-year statute of limitations. If you experience harm or injury due to an accident or the negligence of another party, you have up to four years to take legal action. Waiting too long to file a civil lawsuit after an injury can make it difficult for you to obtain a fair outcome. The courts can dismiss a lawsuit you file after the statute of limitations expires. In addition, you may have less leverage when dealing with insurers once you no longer have the ability to take your case to court.
Exceptions and modifications
There are notable exceptions to Florida’s statute of limitations regarding personal injury lawsuits. For example, if the defendant in your case attempted to hide or leave the state to avoid responsibility, you may be able to get an extension. Furthermore, if the courts deem you legally incapacitated, the state of limitations can be as long as seven years.
After an accident, it is important to take action before the statute of limitations ends. In Florida, you have a window of four years to file a personal injury lawsuit.