Key Takeaway: Florida gives you two years to file a personal injury claim, but immediate action is key—you must see a doctor within 14 days for PIP benefits and file insurance claims promptly to protect your right to full compensation.
The moments after a car accident feel like a blur—one minute you’re driving through Tampa’s busy streets or navigating Orlando traffic, and the next, you’re dealing with insurance calls, medical appointments, and questions you never expected to face. While you’re focused on healing, important legal deadlines are quietly ticking away in the background. We know you have enough on your plate right now, which is why you’ll find a clear answer to: “How long after a car accident can you file a claim in Florida?” below.
How Long After a Car Accident Can You File a Claim? Key Deadlines to Know
We know legal jargon can seem like a lot when you’re already dealing with so much, but Florida’s 2023 changes through House Bill 837 directly affect your ability to recover compensation.
- Personal Injury Claims: You have two years from the date of the accident (for accidents after March 24, 2023).
- Property Damage Claims: You have four years to file, but don’t delay as evidence degrades, and insurers often require fast filing per policy terms.
- PIP Insurance Claims: You must seek medical treatment within 14 days to use Personal Injury Protection benefits under Florida Statute 627.736.
Missing Florida’s two-year deadline under HB 837 means losing your right to recover compensation—even if the other driver is clearly at fault.
Why Does Immediate Action Matter After a Florida Car Crash?
You might think your injuries aren’t “serious enough” to worry about right now, but Florida’s no-fault system has strict requirements that protect your financial future:
- 14-Day Medical Rule: You must seek treatment from a licensed healthcare provider within 14 days to qualify for PIP benefits.
- Evidence Preservation: Photos, witness statements, and medical records become harder to obtain as time passes.
- Insurance Deadlines: Most insurers require prompt notification of accidents and claims.
Standout Answer: Insurance companies require documented evidence to prove your injuries are accident-related. The longer you wait to see a doctor or report the accident, the more insurers will question whether your injuries were caused by the crash. Delays can result in denied benefits, even when you deserve compensation. See a doctor and report the accident as soon as possible.
How to File an Insurance Claim After a Car Accident in Tampa or Orlando?
We know the paperwork can feel complicated, so here’s a step-by-step guide on how to file an insurance claim after your car accident:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Visit a certified medical provider within 14 days to establish PIP eligibility.
- Notify Your Insurance Company Quickly: Report the accident to your insurer within a few days and provide all requested documentation.
- Gather Essential Documentation: Collect police reports, crash scene photos, medical bills, lost wage statements, and vehicle repair estimates.
- File Your PIP Claim First: Submit your medical and wage information for first-party benefits—regardless of who caused the accident.
- Consider Third-Party Claims: If you suffered serious injuries, consult an attorney about filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance.
- Get Legal Guidance Before Settling: Contact our experienced Tampa and Orlando lawyers for free advice before signing any settlement documents or accepting insurance company offers.
*Legal Disclaimer: Recent Florida law reforms recommend prompt lawsuit filing after claim denials to avoid dismissal risk due to procedural deadlines. Consult an attorney immediately upon denial to confirm applicable timelines.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Tampa Car Accident Claim
We’ve helped countless Tampa and Orlando families who initially thought they could handle their claims alone, avoid mistakes like these:
- Waiting too long to see a doctor and missing the 14-day PIP deadline, forfeiting coverage.
- Accepting quick, lowball offers from insurers before knowing the extent of your injuries.
- Not understanding Florida’s modified comparative negligence rules, which state you can’t collect damages if you are found more than 50% at fault for the accident.
- Handling complex cases without representation and misunderstanding deadlines and requirements.
Knowing how long after a car accident you can file a claim helps you avoid these costly mistakes—which is exactly why we offer free consultations to review your case before you make any decisions.
Get The Help You Need—Call De Armas Law For a Free Consultation
Florida’s car accident deadlines aren’t just paperwork—they’re your lifeline to financial recovery after someone else’s negligence upends your life. Whether you’re dealing with mounting medical bills in Tampa or struggling with lost wages in Orlando, every day that passes brings you closer to these deadlines. Learning how long after a car accident you can file a claim is the first step; getting experienced legal guidance is what will protect your future.
You’re not just another case file at De Armas Law. Call us anytime—24/7—for real help, real answers, and the aggressive advocacy you need to recover fully.
- Tampa: 813-680-7777
- Orlando: 407-362-7777
- Pinellas: 727-260-7777
If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and is not intended, and should not be relied upon, as legal advice. We strive to ensure accuracy but some information may become outdated or no longer applicable. Legal outcomes vary based on individual circumstances. Past results do not guarantee the same or similar outcomes.
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