If you’re in a car accident in Stuart, FL and have suffered serious injuries, then one of the last things on your mind is probably trying to get an auto accident injury lawyer. You should move quickly because there is a statute of limitations on filing your lawsuit. It’s also important to begin documenting the event while it is still fresh in your mind and the minds of the whiteness. If you wait too long, you may not be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Learn more about auto accident statute of limitations
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits
The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit following a car accident is different in every state. This statute refers to how long you have to file a lawsuit against the liable party or parties in civil court for any injuries that you experienced or any damage that your car sustained in the car accident. In the state of Florida, the statute of limitations is exactly four years after the date the accident took place. If you don’t file your lawsuit within these four years, it’s likely to be rejected by the court.
While four years should be plenty of time to file a lawsuit, there are some exceptions to this statute. For example, if you don’t realize that you’ve suffered an injury until sometime after the car accident, the statute of limitations could be extended. This isn’t as rare as you might think – it’s not uncommon to walk away from a car accident thinking that you managed to escape without a scratch only to begin experiencing back or neck problems later on that are a direct result of the accident.
Although the statute of limitations for injuries and damages sustained in a car accident is four years, the statute of limitations is shorter for any wrongful death lawsuits filed as a result of a car accident. In such a case, the statute of limitations is only two years.
The Importance of a Car Accident Lawyer in Stuart
Although you have four years to file a lawsuit, you won’t want to wait too long. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the more likely they are to be able to secure detailed eyewitness accounts and evidence to support your case. These things are more difficult to find the longer you wait. For a free consultation and case evaluation, contact us at The Law Office of Gloria Seidule today at 772-287-1220.
