If I Was Hit, How Much Time Do I Have to File a Complaint?

If I Was Hit, How Much Time Do I Have to File a Complaint?

On Behalf of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa | October 8, 2024 | Car Accidents

Driving is considered a risky activity in the Sunshine State, with approximately 400,000 car accidents occurring each year. If you are involved in a crash, you may feel jarred and confused. If you sustained serious injuries, the crash may impact your ability to return to your normal activities and provide for your family.

In car accident cases, you have a limited amount of time to take legal recourse. Under Florida law, you only have two years to file a complaint following an accident or injury. If you have been injured due to another person’s negligence, even if you believe the statute of limitations has passed, you need to speak with our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers.

Steps To Take Following a Crash

If you were involved in a motor vehicle crash, you will want to take the following steps to ensure that you are fully compensated for your injuries and losses:

Seek Medical Treatment

Following a crash, seek medical attention immediately. Your health should always take priority. Even if you sustained seemingly minor injuries, you will want to receive medical treatment within 14 days of your accident. If you wait longer, the at-fault driver may claim that your injuries were due to another incident unrelated to the accident.

Another benefit of seeking medical attention? Physician notes and any medical imaging that is ordered will be admitted into evidence, further supporting your case.

Contact the Police

In Florida, you are required to call the police if you believe that your vehicle has sustained at least $500 in damage. Even if there was no property damage, if anyone was injured or killed, you are required to contact the authorities. The police will respond to the scene and file a traffic crash report. The report will detail the parties involved, the circumstances behind the crash, and who the officer believes is at fault. This evidence will further support your claim.

Gather Evidence

If at all possible, take pictures of any vehicle wreckage, including shredded tires, broken taillights, and any body damage. Also getting a picture of the positioning of the vehicles can assist an accident reconstructionist in determining the speed and angles of both cars upon impact. If you can snap photos of identifying landmarks and street signs, this will provide further information regarding location.

Identify Witnesses

If any bystanders were present at the accident, take down their information. You may need them to testify later. Witness testimony can be powerful, swaying a jury to award you larger compensation.

Reach Out to a West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer

Recent changes in Florida law only allow car accident victims two years to recover compensation for their injuries following an accident or injury, a decrease from the previous four-year limitation period. If you miss the statute of limitations, you may be barred from recovering damages. This legislation puts personal injury victims at a disadvantage, forcing them to act quickly to recover the compensation they deserve.

If you are injured in a crash, it is important that you speak with a car accident lawyer right away. A car accident lawyer knows the laws regarding accidents and the procedures that must be followed in initiating litigation.

A West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer Advocating for You

Car accident victims must fight, now more than ever, to recover fair compensation for their losses. With the law in favor of the insurance companies, it is crucial that you speak with a West Palm Beach car accident attorney to protect your interests. To schedule your free consultation, contact us by phone or by completing our online intake form today.