Most Florida truck accident injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash if the negligence claim accrued on or after March 24, 2023. Claims that accrued before that date generally retained the previous four-year period. Wrongful death lawsuits generally have a two-year deadline, and cases involving government vehicles can have separate notice rules. See Florida Statutes section 95.11 and the Florida Senate HB 837 summary.
How Long Do You Have to File a Florida Truck Accident Lawsuit?
A statute of limitations is the deadline to file a lawsuit in court. Notifying an insurer or discussing settlement does not by itself preserve the lawsuit deadline. The two-year negligence period applies prospectively to claims accruing after the March 24, 2023 law change. The exact accrual date and type of claim should be reviewed before relying on a calendar estimate.
| Claim | General period | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Truck crash negligence injury claim accruing on or after March 24, 2023 | Two years | Usually measured from the crash and injury. |
| Truck crash negligence injury claim accruing before March 24, 2023 | Generally four years | Confirm the actual accrual date and any applicable exception. |
| Wrongful death after a truck crash | Generally two years | A separate claim with its own filing rule. |
What If a Government Vehicle Was Involved?
A collision involving a government-owned truck or public employee may trigger notice and other procedure requirements under Florida Statutes section 768.28. Do not assume the ordinary negligence deadline is the only date that matters. Limited tolling rules also appear in section 95.051; a later diagnosis does not automatically restart the deadline for an ordinary crash claim.
Preserve Truck Crash Evidence Early
Acting early also helps protect evidence that may disappear before a lawsuit is filed. Keep scene photographs, witness names, the crash report and medical records. A truck case may require driver logs, electronic vehicle data, dispatch records, inspection and maintenance records, and the identities of the carrier and other responsible parties. Requests to preserve that material should be made promptly.
How a Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Serrano Law can review the filing date, investigate the driver and carrier, and identify insurance coverage and potential defendants. See our Tampa truck accident lawyer page, our truck versus car accident guide, and the broader Florida injury deadline table. Call (813) 553-5648 for a free consultation.