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Statute of Limitations in Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Cases

After a car crash, timing can be everything. Even if you have a strong car accident claim, you could forfeit your ability to get compensation if you don’t file the claim in a reasonable amount of time following the crash.

You are expected to act quickly after a car accident and file a car insurance claim as soon as possible. If the insurance claim is not fruitful, you should proceed with a lawsuit.

Deciding what steps to take and when can be difficult. You shouldn’t have to deal with the situation alone. Instead, work with a car accident lawyer who can guide you through the process and relieve your stress.

Call attorney David I. Fuchs or reach out online to schedule your initial consultation.

How Many Car Accident Claims Are Filed in Florida Each Year?

There are nearly 400,000 traffic crashes annually in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Most of those require an insurance claim; however, a personal injury lawsuit is not filed in many.

The purpose of filing a car insurance claim is to get your losses covered. You will likely have medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more that need to be compensated after a crash. Your own insurance – often Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – will cover those costs in many cases. However, other damages, like pain and suffering, may require a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If you sue the other party, you should be aware of important dates on the timeline. A skilled Fort Lauderdale attorney can help you keep thse deadlines in mind.

Filing a Car Accident Claim – Important Fort Lauderdale Deadlines

It’s essential to act fast after a crash: the insurance companies and the state’s legal system have deadlines you must meet.

Getting Medial Attention

If you have PIP insurance, you must seek medical attention within 14 days of any accident. If you don’t, your car insurance will not likely cover the damages associated with your injuries. This immediate medical treatment will ensure you don’t have unseen injuries and establish a baseline for the severity of your conditions.

Contacting the Police & Filing a Report

Immediately after the accident, you should call 911. An officer will respond to the accident scene and write a police report. This report will be used to support your claims of what happened in the crash.

If you don’t call the police, you are still required to file a Florida Traffic Crash Report for most accidents. You have 10 days after the crash to file a report with the FLHSMV. Please note that a crash report filed by the individuals involved in the accident will not carry as much weight as evidence as one completed by a police officer.

How Long After an Accident Can You File a Claim in Florida?

Insurance companies have various requirements for filing a car accident claim. If you are making a claim with your own insurance company, you may have to report an accident within 24 hours. However, if you are receiving emergency medical attention, you may have longer. When considering the deadline to make an insurance claim, you should consult with a car accident representative right away.

Your attorney can review your policy and make sure you comply with it to help you get the maximum amount of compensation possible.

Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit

If the insurance companies refuse to pay for your damages or don’t make an acceptable settlement offer, you may have to file a personal injury lawsuit. There are strict deadlines, called “statutes of limitation,” involved with filing a car accident lawsuit.

The statute of limitations for a car accident in Fort Lauderdale is four years. If you do not file a lawsuit within four years of your crash, you may forfeit your ability to recover any compensation. Four years may sound like a long time but collecting evidence and negotiating with the car insurance company before filing a suit may take longer than you would think. You should begin talking to an attorney as early as possible to get the process started.

Things to Remember After a Car Crash in Fort Lauderdale

Filing a car accident insurance claim can be complex. You must keep many deadlines in mind to ensure you get the financial compensation you deserve.

Here are some things to keep in mind after a car accident.

How Long Does It Take to Reach a Car Accident Settlement?

It can take months or years to get a car accident settlement with the insurance company. Many insurance companies try to delay claims or draw out the process in hopes that you will give up. You may have to file a lawsuit to let them know you mean business. According to a study by Nolo.com, the average amount of time it took for a personal injury case to resolve was about 11 months.

What Can Negatively Affect a Car Accident Claim?

Besides missing essential deadlines, some other actions and omissions can impede a car accident claim.

Failure to get proper medical care and continue that medical treatment under doctors’ orders is a primary reason why car insurance claims are denied. Because insurance companies are looking for ways to limit the payout, they may argue that you are not seriously injured if you don’t get medical care or stick to a prescribed treatment routine after the crash.

You should keep track of your pain and suffering and how it affects your life. “Pain and suffering” is a problematic damage to prove without some evidence. By keeping a journal after your accident, you can support your claims of pain severity and limitations in your life.

You Should Work with a Fort Lauderdale Lawyer After a Car Accident

Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal system after a car accident and ensure you don’t miss important deadlines. It would be tragic to have significant losses and be unable to obtain compensation just because you were a few days or weeks too late to file a lawsuit. Don’t let this happen to you. The statute of limitations in Fort Lauderdale car accident cases is important to respect, so reach out to our office today to learn more.

Client Testimonials

“…the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated”

Fuchs was my car accident attorney and was very responsive from the first call. I had medical care the next day and the whole process was smooth. They handled everything with the insurance companies and coordinated all of the necessary medical information. It was a long process and in the end the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated I am more than happy and grateful for the outcome.

Sean O.
Google Review
“Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely.”

It’s been a long bumpy road to recovery but with David and his office’s help, we finally got it done! Through a great network of professionals, David Fuchs makes a good experience out of what could’ve been quite a headache. Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely. Thank you!

Giovanni G.
Google Review
“…they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved.”

I got in an accident in December 2021 when everyone was short staffed and insurance companies was not responsive. My boyfriend reached out to David F. and what a life changing experience. We had the pleasure of having all our worries handed to professional help. They worked diligently on our case, answered questions when asked and kept us updated on changes. More importantly they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved. I have dealt with others in the past but David got me the most according to the facts presented and never backed down when the insurance companies tried to make us settle for less. Thank you David, Jessica and the team for all your effort and hard work. I will recommend them to family and friends. [They’re] the best in town!

Sheila N.
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“Best lawyer in Broward County”
Evans P.
Google Review
“Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful.”

I highly recommend Law offices of David Fuchs. Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful. The case was handled in a timely manner and I was always informed if there were any changes or updates with my case.

Velouse G.
Google Review
“Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know.”

Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know. He is really good at what he does and puts 110% in you case. I have been using him for 19 years now and refer all my friends to him. I can leave him alone with my case and not call him all the time. I know he is working hard in my case. When he has any information he calls me and we go from there. There are not a lot of attorneys I can do that with! If you have any Personal Injuries please do call him. You won’t be disappointed!!

Libby E.
Google Review
“I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.”

At first I was afraid…I was petrified! I truly was! But the extensive knowledge, patience and professionalism I received brought me not only such peace and assurance that I was in good hands, but we got through my case like shining stars! David made sure I understood exactly what, when, where, why and [answered] whatever question I had. I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.

Donna M.
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“They have a wonderful team.”

…took care of my well-being [and were] very informative about my situation. [T]hey were on the ball when it came down to settling…I highly recommend David.

Nicholas G.
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“My experience with David Fuchs was awesome.”

I got a really good return… thank you David Fuchs and staff for being so helpful and working so hard to help us, you are appreciated.

Yvette W.
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“This is a great law office.”

The David I Fuchs law office is a group of excellent people that helped to their fullest potential. They treated me with respect and I really appreciate that. This is a great law office.

Jonathan Z.
Google Review
“Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident.”

It has been an unexpected journey since stepping foot in Florida. Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident. I just want to thank the staff and all the support. The Therapy the doctors; you guys were awesome and made me feel better in my situation. This the first time I ever experience such a thing but I’m blessed , thankful and behind it all DAVID FUCHS who made it happen for me.

Sade P.
Google Review
“They helped tremendously!”

I would totally recommend David to everyone. They’re extremely professional and work in a timely manner. They helped tremendously!

A Boone
Google Review
“I highly recommend this man.”

A good man knows, his law 35 years experience. Will get the job done and help you and your family get compensated for you pain and damages. I highly recommend this man. I want to revisit my review and say that Mr. Fuchs always picks up his phone and answer any questions that may pertain to my case. Thank you, David.

N. Hit
Google Review
“He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner.”

David Fuchs was my car accident attorney. He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend him to others.

Samantha D.
Google Review
“…all went good and successful. thank you so much for all your help.”

I got into an accident for the first time and I didn’t know what do or how things works, but I was lucky to find a professional and helpful people to guide through this experience.
They did take care of my case all went good and successful thank you so much for all your help.

Karen G.
Google Review
“Very professional. Had no problems with communication”
Zuberi L.
Google Review
“He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.”

I was in a car accident and looking for a professional, caring attorney.I was fortunate to find Mr. Fuchs, who helped me through the whole process. He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.

Joan K.
Google Review
“My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled.”

Had a car accident and needed an advocate to communicate my concerns through my insurance provider. The law office of David Fuchs, was efficient and thorough. My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled. Would highly recommend giving this office a call if you need legal assistance.

Willie M.
Google Review
“A+++++ recommended.”

I want to thank the office of David Fuch’s. A+++++ recommended.

J. Hernandez
Google Review
“I could not have asked for a better team by my side.”

They were very helpful. I could not have asked for a better team by my side.

S. Rodriguez
Google Review
“They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me.”

I was in an accident mid last year and Mr. Fuchs handled my case and his case manager[s] Yessi and Jessica were very informative as to the process. They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me. Mr. Fuchs was extremely knowledgeable and informed me of everything that would happen in my case. I will recommend this firm to my family and friends and i will be using their services in future if need be.

Pastor D.
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