---
description: Personal injury laws are designed to protect the injured party and ensure they are fairly compensated for their injuries.
title: Florida Personal Injury Law - Fran Haasch Law Group
---
Florida Personal Injury Law - Fran Haasch Law Group
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	

			
			

		
				
			
					
				
				
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# Florida Personal Injury Law
				
				
				
				
							

								
													
										Last Updated: October 16, 2025					
								
				
													
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					Catastrophic Injury, Personal Injury				
				
					
				
				
				
			
					
				
				
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					Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury				
				
					
				
				
				
			
					
				
				
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If you are injured in Florida, you may be wondering what your legal options are. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and a[ personal injury lawyer](https://www.lawfran.com/) can help you get the money you deserve. Personal injury laws are designed to protect the injured party and ensure they are fairly compensated for their injuries.

Our Florida personal injury lawyers at The Fran Haasch Law Group will guide you through the [claims process](https://www.lawfran.com/filing-a-personal-injury-claim/). We will [answer any legal questions you have](https://www.lawfran.com/questions-to-ask-a-personal-injury-lawyer/) and tell you what applicable laws apply to your case. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

## What is The Statute of Limitations in Florida?

The [statute of limitations](https://www.lawfran.com/florida-personal-injury-statute-of-limitations/) is the time frame in which you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the accident date. This means that if you do not file a lawsuit within two years of the date of your accident, you will be unable to recover damages.

## Other Statutes and Laws that Can Affect a Personal Injury Claim

Some other statutes and laws can affect your personal injury claim.

### No-Fault Insurance Laws for Car Accidents

[Florida is a no-fault state](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/is-florida-a-no-fault-state/) when it comes to [car accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/). You can only sue the other driver if your injuries meet a certain threshold. All drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance in Florida. This type of insurance will cover your medical bills and lost income, regardless of who was responsible for the accident.

This is different from fault states, where the insurance company of the driver who was at fault for the car accident is responsible for the damages.

### Wrongful Death

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else&#8217;s negligence, you may be able to file a [wrongful death](https://www.lawfran.com/wrongful-death-attorneys/) claim. In Florida, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of death.

Florida law requires the [personal representative of the deceased&#8217;s estate](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2020/08/who-can-file-a-wrongful-death-claim-in-florida/) to file a wrongful death claim. A personal representative may be a family member or not; whichever the case, they file the lawsuit on behalf of the deceased&#8217;s surviving family members.

Those eligible to recover compensation include the deceased&#8217;s:

- Parents

- Spouse

- Children

- Any other blood relative or adoptive sibling who was partly or wholly dependent on the deceased.

### Motorcycle Accidents

[Motorcycle accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyers/) can be especially devastating due to the lack of protection riders have. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver.

To prove that the other driver is liable for your injuries, you must show that they were negligent. This means that they failed to exercise a reasonable level of care and that their negligence resulted in your accident and injuries.

Some common examples of negligence include speeding, running a red light, or making an illegal turn. If the other driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, this would also be negligence.

### 

## What is Negligence?

Negligence is a legal theory that is often used in personal injury cases. It essentially means that the person who caused your accident and injuries did not exercise a reasonable level of care and that their negligence resulted in your accident. To prove negligence, you will need to show four elements:

- Duty of care: The defendant had a duty to exercise a certain level of care.

- Breach of duty: The defendant breached their duty of care.

- Causation: The defendant&#8217;s breach of duty caused your accident and injuries.

- Damages: You suffered damages as a result of the accident.

If you can prove all four elements of negligence, you will be able to [recover compensation](https://www.lawfran.com/compensation-for-my-personal-injury-case/) for your damages.

## Comparative Negligence in Florida

Florida follows a “[comparative negligence](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2023/04/what-bikers-need-to-know-about-hb837/)” law regarding personal injury claims. As of March 2023, Florida&#8217;s legal fault system has shifted from a pure comparative fault model to a &#8220;greater percentage of fault&#8221; model under HB 837. This indicates that individuals who are more than 50% responsible for their own harm are prohibited from receiving any compensation.

## What Are Some Common Injuries Sustained in Accidents?

Many different types of injuries can be sustained in an accident, but some of the most common include:

- Broken bones

- Lacerations

- Contusions

- Sprains and strains

- Whiplash

- Head injuries

- [Neck injuries](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/neck-injury/)

These are just a few of the many different injuries that can be sustained in an accident. If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

## What to Do If You Are Injured in an Accident

If you have been injured in an accident, there are a few things that you should do:

- [Seek Medical Treatment](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2019/06/the-importance-of-going-to-the-hospital-after-an-accident/) &#8211; If you have been injured in an accident, you should first seek medical treatment. This is important for two reasons: first, you need to ensure that your injuries are taken care of, and second, you need to have documentation of your injuries to support your personal injury claim.

- Gather Evidence &#8211; Once you have sought medical treatment, you should gather evidence to support your claim. This evidence can include photos of the accident scene, medical records, and eyewitness statements.

- Keep Track of Expenses &#8211; You should also keep track of any expenses you incur due to the accident. This includes things like[ medical bills](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2022/05/im-receiving-medical-bills-in-the-mail-what-should-i-do-with-them/), property damage, and [lost wages](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2022/05/how-do-i-get-reimbursed-for-lost-wages-and-medical-expenses-after-an-auto-accident/).

- Contact a Lawyer &#8211; If you have been injured in an accident, you should immediately contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

## Why Should I Hire a Lawyer For My Injury Claim?

It is not required that you hire a lawyer to handle your claim, but it is highly recommended. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to navigate the legal system, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

### How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Most personal injury lawyers work on a [contingency fee](https://www.lawfran.com/contingency-fee/) basis. This means they do not get paid unless and until you recover compensation.

## The Florida Personal Injury Case Process

If you have been involved in an accident and you believe that someone else is at fault, you may be wondering what the process of[ filing a personal injury claim](https://www.lawfran.com/filing-a-personal-injury-claim/) or lawsuit will be.

- [The first step](https://www.lawfran.com/when-to-hire-a-personal-injury-lawyer/) is to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Your attorney will review your case and help you determine whether or not you have a valid claim.

- If you have a valid claim, your attorney will file a complaint with the court. The complaint will set forth your legal claims against the defendant.

- Once the complaint has been filed, the &#8221; discovery &#8221; process will begin. This is where both sides exchange information and gather evidence to support their respective positions.

- After discovery is complete, the case will either go to trial, or the parties will settle. If you go to trial or cannot settle with the defendant, your case will be decided by a judge or jury.

## Damages You Can Recover

If you are successful in your personal injury claim, you will be [awarded damages](https://www.lawfran.com/what-types-of-damages-can-i-recover-in-a-personal-injury-claim-in-florida/). These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

- Medical Bills &#8211; You can recover the cost of all past and future medical treatment related to your injuries. This includes hospitalization, surgery, doctor&#8217;s visits, physical therapy, and medication.

- Lost Wages &#8211; You can recover the wages you lost while injured and unable to work. You can also recover the wages you will lose in the future if your injuries prevent you from returning to work or from working at the same level as before.

- Pain and Suffering &#8211; You can recover damages for the physical pain and [emotional suffering](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2022/05/how-an-accident-can-affect-your-mental-health/) caused by your injuries.

- Property Damages &#8211; You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing any property damaged in the accident. This includes your car, clothes, glasses, and electronics.

- Punitive Damages &#8211; In rare cases, you may be able to recover punitive damages. These are designed to punish the other party for their negligence.

## Contact a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Today

The above are just some basics of Florida&#8217;s personal injury law. If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you feel you have been the victim of an accident through no fault of your own. Our attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the legal process and work toward securing the maximum compensation you are owed. Call (727) 784-8191 or[ contact us online](https://www.lawfran.com/contact-us/) to get started on receiving maximum compensation for your personal injury case. 

				
				
		
		
				
				
																														
				
		
				
				
					INJURED IN FLORIDA?				
				
				
				
					The Fran Haasch Law Group Is Here for You.				
				
				
				
									
Whether you’ve been hurt in a [motorcycle crash](https://www.lawfran.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyers/), [car accident](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/), [truck collision](https://www.lawfran.com/truck-accident-lawyers/), or another serious incident, you deserve strong legal representation. Our experienced Florida [personal injury attorneys](https://www.lawfran.com/palm-harbor-personal-injury-lawyers/) will fight to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you need.
								
				
				
				
				
				
									
					
						
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					Find an Office Near You				
				
				
				
							
						
				
				
				
							
			
						
		
						
				
				
				
					Our Personal Injury Locations				
				
				
				
									
At Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, we’re proud to serve clients throughout the greater Tampa Bay area and beyond. With multiple offices across the region, our team is dedicated to making it easy for you to access experienced legal help close to home. Select a location below to learn more about the services available near you.
								
				
				
				
								
						
						
				
				
					
				
		
					
				
				
					Meet Our Attorneys				
				
				
				
							
			
										
							
		
				
				
																														
				
		
				
				
					
## Francoise M. Haasch
				
				
				
				
					Founding Attorney				
				
				
				
					Over 20 Years Experience				
				
				
				
				
				
							

							
											

											Personal Injury
											
									
								
											

											Car Accidents
											
									
								
											

											Motorcycle Accidents
											
									
						

						
				
		
				
				
												
											
															
											Lifetime Member
										
									
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
				
									
Known for extensive trial experience and consistent client advocacy across complex injury cases.
								
				
				
				
									
					
						
									Meet Francoise M. Haasch
					
					
				
								
				
				
								
											
							
		
				
				
																														
				
		
				
				
					
## Joshua R. Lipton
				
				
				
				
					Managing Attorney				
				
				
				
					Over 20 Years Experience				
				
				
				
				
				
							

							
											

											Personal Injury
											
									
								
											

											Car Accidents
											
									
								
											

											Motorcycle Accidents
											
									
						

						
				
		
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
				
									
Recognized for consistent results and strong client advocacy in complex accident cases.
								
				
				
				
									
					
						
									Meet Joshua R. Lipton
					
					
				
								
				
				
								
											
							
					
		
				
				
																														
				
		
				
				
					
## David R. Fuller
				
				
				
				
					Attorney				
				
				
				
					Over 30 Years Experience				
				
				
				
				
				
							

							
											

											Personal Injury Litigation
											
									
						

						
				
				
				
									
Secured more than a dozen seven-figure settlements for clients.
								
				
		
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
				
									
					
						
									Meet David R. Fuller
					
					
				
								
				
					
				
								
											
							
					
		
				
				
																														
				
		
				
				
					
## Allen J. Pipkins II
				
				
				
				
					Attorney				
				
				
				
					Over 10 Years Experiece				
				
				
				
				
				
							

							
											

											Personal Injury
											
									
								
											

											Wrongful Death
											
									
								
											

											Motorcycle Accidents
											
									
						

						
				
		
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
				
									
Combines experience from both plaintiff-side injury firms and large insurance companies.
								
				
				
				
									
					
						
									Meet Allen J. Pipkins II
					
					
				
								
				
					
				
								
											
							
					
		
				
				
																														
				
		
				
				
					
## Laura Smith Davies
				
				
				
				
					Attorney (Of Counsel)				
				
				
				
					Almost 20 Years Experiece				
				
				
				
				
				
							

							
											

											Personal Injury
											
									
								
											

											Wrongful Death
											
									
								
											

											Motorcycle Accidents
											
									
						

						
				
		
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
				
									
Known for her versatile trial experience and leadership roles across multiple legal disciplines.
								
				
				
				
									
					
						
									Meet Laura Smith Davies
					
					
				
								
				
					
				
								
								
		
					
							
			
							
					
						
				
					
				
		
					
				
				
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				Should I Speak to the Insurance Company About My Injuries?			
		
				
					
			June 10, 2019		
				
				
			
After being injured in an accident, one of the first calls you receive will come from the other party’s insurance company. Their job is to

		
		
		
			Read Full Post »		

				
				
				
				
			
		
				
				
			
				How Do I Get Reimbursed for Lost Wages and Medical Expenses After an Auto Accident?			
		
				
					
			May 8, 2022		
				
				
			
An auto accident can cause you to suffer serious injuries that might require medical treatment, including surgery, rehabilitation, and prescription medication. In some cases, the

		
		
		
			Read Full Post »		

				
				
				
				
				
			
				How An Accident Can Affect Your Mental Health			
		
				
					
			May 11, 2022		
				
				
			
No one ever expects to be in an accident, but it can happen to anyone. If you are involved in a car accident, it can

		
		
		
			Read Full Post »		

				
				
				
		
						
				
				
					
				
				
		
		
		

		
			
				
				
					
## Contact Us Today
				
				
				
				
							
			
		
						
				
				
				
									
					
						
						
							
									(727) 784-8191
					
					
				
								
				
				
				
									
Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate your legal rights with confidence.
								
				
				
				
								
		        
                
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