How Long Do I Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim?

You usually have two years to file a rideshare accident claim in Florida. This two-year deadline goes into effect on the day the collision occurred. While 24 months sounds like a long time, it passes by quickly, and the deadline can be here before you know it. 

At the same time, the idea of trying to take legal action after such a jarring experience can feel overwhelming. Instead of attempting to handle matters on your own, contact a Fort Myers rideshare accident lawyer to make sure your case is filed on time.  

Why Filing Deadlines Matter More Than Victims Realize

Many rideshare accident victims are unaware that legal deadlines are strict and unforgiving, especially under Florida’s updated personal injury laws.

Here’s what your lawyer can do on your behalf in the context of filing deadlines: 

• Look at the date the accident took place 
• Identify exactly when the statute of limitations began in your case
• Make sure all legal filings are completed well before that deadline

Without this guidance, victims run the risk of losing their right to compensation entirely, no matter how serious their injuries are. This is why it helps to work with lawyers who routinely handle time-sensitive personal injury cases. 

Attorneys who can take on your case should also understand how complicated rideshare claims can sometimes be. In response, they will usually emphasize early investigation, immediate communication with insurance companies, and fast action on your behalf.

Florida’s Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Accident Claims

Under Florida state law, personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the day the incident took place. This includes rideshare accident cases. This deadline is new, and the change stems from recent tort reform in Florida, which reduced the previous four-year deadline. 

That means victims have far less time to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, among other damages resulting from the accident. While this might sound intimidating, your lawyer can help you make sure your case is filed within this two-year window. 

They will also know how to take immediate action on your behalf and build your claim well before the deadline approaches. The sooner you contact attorneys, the sooner they can start working on your case.

How the Statute of Limitations Affects Your Ability to Recover Compensation

The statute of limitations does more than set a filing deadline that victims must adhere to if they want to take legal action. It actually impacts your ability to bring forth a lawsuit at all. If your claim isn’t filed within two years, Florida courts will typically dismiss your case. 

They can dismiss cases regardless of their merits if they are not submitted prior to the deadline. This means even strong evidence of fault or proof of serious injuries might not matter if the filing deadline has already passed.

Your lawyers can prevent this from being the outcome in your case by managing the entire legal timeline on your behalf. They can also make sure they negotiate with insurance companies as early as possible so they don’t delay anything.

How Lawyers Can Protect Your Right to File a Claim 

Here’s how a lawyer can help you file a rideshare accident claim: 

• Taking immediate control of the legal process
• Making sure all filings are made on time
• Notifying all relevant insurance companies properly 
• Determining which parties are potentially liable
• Evaluating the full scope of damages in your case 

With all of these efforts in mind, your attorneys can make sure any settlement offers you either request or receive accurately reflect the true value of your claim. Our clients benefit from a firm that emphasizes the importance of paying full attention to each and every case. 

It’s also important for your lawyers to take a client-first approach. Law firms that operate with a contingency fee structure in mind mean that clients like you won’t pay any money unless the firm recovers compensation on your behalf. 

As a result, victims who’ve been injured in rideshare accidents and want to pursue claims can do so without any upfront financial pressure.

Call Viles & Beckman ASAP to Understand How Long You Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim 

If you were injured in a rideshare-related collision, Viles & Beckman is the one to call for legal advice you can trust. Established in 2005, our law firm has recovered over $118 million in compensation on behalf of our clients. 

With more than 40 years of combined experience, we’ve handled thousands of successful cases. As your attorney, we are ready to determine your filing deadline, preserve important evidence, and make sure your claim is filed within Florida’s two-year statute of limitations. 

We also handle communication with insurance companies and know how to protect you from procedural mistakes that could otherwise jeopardize your case. For focused, client-centered representation in your rideshare accident case, contact The 5-Star Law Firm today.