What is the Deadline to File a Truck Accident Injury Claim in Florida?
Hurt in a semi-truck accident in South Florida? You have limited time to take legal action. This raises an important question: What is the deadline to file a truck accident injury claim in Florida? The short answer is that there is a two-year statute of limitations—but you have less time to initiate your no-fault claim. Within this article, our Miami truck accident lawyer explains all of the key deadlines you need to know to bring a truck accident injury claim in Florida.
The Deadline for a No-Fault Truck Accident Claim
Florida is a no-fault motor vehicle accident state, including for semi-truck accidents. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (FLHSMV) explains that all motorists must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Your initial claim after a truck accident is a no-fault claim. Indeed, if you only suffered a minor injury, you may only have a no-fault claim. Here is the most important deadline to know for your no-fault claim:
- 14 Day Rule: In Florida, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to be eligible for PIP benefits. Failing to do so can result in forfeiting your right to compensation for medical expenses under your own insurance policy.
The Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident Injury Claim
In Florida, injured victims can file a fault-based claim directly against an at-fault trucker or trucking company if they sustained serious physical harm in the crash. Under Florida, there is a two-year statute of limitations for fault-based personal injury claims. To bring a personal injury claim directly against an at-fault truck, trucking company, or other party, you must initiate any lawsuit within two years of the date of the collision. Otherwise, your claim could be dismissed outright.
Be Proactive: Do Not Fall Behind in the Claims Process
Time is not on your side after a bad wreck. Truck companies and insurance companies waste little time in building a defense after a serious crash. With this in mind, it is imperative that injured victims take proactive steps to protect their rights and their interests. You do not want to fall behind an insurance company—even your own PIP carrier or the truck company’s liability insurer—in the claims process. Consult with a top-tier Miami truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after a serious crash. Your lawyer can help you see compensation for the full value of your damages, including for vehicle repairs, medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact Our Miami, FL Truck Accident Attorney Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Miami semi-truck accident lawyer is an experienced, aggressive advocate for injured victims. We put the rights and interests of our clients first. If you or your loved one was hurt in a semi-truck accident, our team is more than ready to help. Contact us now for a free case review. With an office in Miami, our firm handles tractor trailer accident cases across South Florida.
Source:
flhsmv.gov/insurance/