Car Accident Settlement in Florida
Florida car accident laws — statute of limitations, fault rules, minimum insurance requirements, no-fault vs. tort rules, and typical settlement amounts.
Florida is a no-fault state. Your own PIP insurance pays your medical bills and lost wages (up to $10,000) regardless of who caused the accident. You can only sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering if injuries meet the "serious injury" threshold (significant scarring, permanent disability, or death).
Florida requires a crash report if the accident caused injury, death, or damage over $500. The driver or owner must report to the nearest Florida Highway Patrol or sheriff within 10 days. After a crash with injuries, seek immediate medical treatment — Florida's 14-day PIP rule requires medical attention within 14 days to preserve PIP benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Florida?
2 years. Florida shortened its personal injury statute of limitations to 2 years effective March 24, 2023 (previously 4 years). Claims arising from accidents before that date still have 4 years. Wrongful death claims are 2 years.
Is Florida a fault or no-fault state?
No-fault state. Florida is a no-fault state. Your own PIP insurance pays your medical bills and lost wages (up to $10,000) regardless of who caused the accident. You can only sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering if injuries meet the "serious injury" threshold (significant scarring, permanent disability, or death).
What are the fault rules for car accidents in Florida?
Florida follows Pure Comparative Fault. Florida follows pure comparative negligence (effective March 2023 tort reform). You can recover damages even if partially at fault, reduced proportionally. Florida's 2023 tort reform also requires proportional liability allocation in multi-defendant cases.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Florida?
10/20/10 (bodily injury per person/per accident/property damage). Florida requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) $10,000 + $10,000 property damage liability. Florida does not require bodily injury liability for all drivers — this is unusual among states and leaves many accident victims undercompensated.
How much is a car accident settlement worth in Florida?
$15,000–$65,000. Florida settlements are affected by the 2023 tort reform reducing plaintiff attorney fee multipliers. The high rate of uninsured drivers in Florida (about 20%) and PIP-only minimum coverage means many accident victims are undercompensated.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Florida?
Call 911 if there are injuries. Exchange insurance, license, and registration with other drivers. Document the scene with photos. Get witness contact information. Seek medical attention immediately — do not wait. Florida requires a crash report if the accident caused injury, death, or damage over $500. The driver or owner must report to the nearest Florida Highway Patrol or sheriff within 10 days. After a crash with injuries, seek immediate medical treatment — Florida's 14-day PIP rule requires medical attention within 14 days to preserve PIP benefits.