How long do I have to file a claim after a car accident in Florida

Use the free tool — Car Accident Clock FL

The two-year deadline (HB 837)

In Florida, the statute of limitations for a car accident claim is currently 2 years, counted from the date of the crash. This is under HB 837, which changed the rule in Florida Statutes §95.11. If you miss this deadline, the case is generally gone.

Deadlines can have exceptions and depend on facts that a general tool cannot verify.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your specific deadline with a professional.

The 14-day rule for your own PIP coverage

Separately from the 2-year deadline, Florida's no-fault law (§627.736) generally requires you to get medical care within 14 days of the crash. If you wait longer than that, you risk losing your own PIP (Personal Injury Protection) benefits — even if the crash was not your fault.

The 14-day clock and the 2-year clock are different. Missing either one can hurt your case.
Confirm with your insurer or a professional how the 14-day rule applies to your situation.

What PIP does and doesn't pay

Florida PIP generally pays 80% of medical costs and 60% of lost wages, up to $10,000. There is also a deductible that may apply, and PIP is separate from collision coverage or a claim against the other driver's property damage coverage.

PIP does not automatically cover everything — check the exact terms of your policy.
This is general information under §627.736 and §627.737, not a guarantee of what your policy pays.

Comparative fault in Florida

Florida uses a modified comparative-fault rule under §768.81. How fault is shared between drivers can affect what you can recover. This tool does not assess fault or value a case.

What not to sign or say

Do not sign a release or give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer before getting advice. Personal-injury consultations in Florida are typically free and contingency-based, so there is usually no cost to check first if you have injuries beyond soreness.

Keep records: the police report, medical records, and any communication with insurers.
Notify your own insurer promptly and follow the police-report and notice steps that apply to your crash.

What to do next

Car Accident Clock FL is a free tool, available in English and Spanish. Describe your own crash date and details, and it computes your 14-day PIP date and your 2-year deadline from that date, explains what PIP does and doesn't pay, and can draft a claim letter to your own carrier opening the PIP and collision claims.

This tool is not legal advice, does not file claims or lawsuits, and cannot assess fault or value your case. It is not affiliated with any insurer, clinic, law firm, or agency. Confirm your situation with a professional.

Use the free tool

Car Accident Clock FL is an informational tool based on Florida Statutes 627.736, 627.737, 95.11 and 768.81 (as amended by HB 837, 2023) as of 2025–26. It is not legal advice, does not file claims or lawsuits, and cannot assess fault or value. Deadlines have exceptions and run from facts this tool cannot verify. It is not affiliated with any insurer, clinic, law firm or agency.