Sarasota Car Accident Lawyer Fighting for the Florida Suncoast Since 1998

FAQs

• How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Florida?

  Two years from the date of the crash for most negligence claims accruing on or after March 24, 2023, when House Bill 837 took effect. Florida cut the negligence statute of limitations from four years to two under Fla. Stat. § 95.11; crashes before that date generally still fall under the prior four-year window. Prospective application was confirmed by the Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal in Wolf v. Williams (Nov. 25, 2024). The clock starts the day of the crash, not the day you finished treatment. Narrow exceptions exist for minors, government defendants, and certain wrongful-death claims. Anywhere near the two-year mark? Talk to a lawyer immediately.

• What is Florida's no-fault / PIP coverage and how does it affect my claim?

  Florida is a no-fault state. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is part of your own auto policy and pays the first $10,000 of crash-related medical bills and lost wages no matter who caused the crash (80% medical, 60% lost wages) under Fla. Stat. § 627.736. PIP keeps small cases out of court. To step outside no-fault and go after the at-fault driver directly, your injury usually has to meet Florida’s serious injury threshold: significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, permanent injury, significant scarring or disfigurement, or death.

• What if I was partially at fault for the Sarasota crash?

  You can usually still recover, as long as a jury finds you 50% or less at fault. Under Fla. Stat. § 768.81, as amended by HB 837 in 2023, Florida now follows modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar. Land at 51% or more responsible for the crash, and you recover nothing. At 30% responsible, your recovery is reduced by 30%. Carriers know this and will try to push fault onto you. Having a lawyer in your corner matters most right there.

• What compensation can I recover after a Sarasota car accident?

  Florida law lets you pursue two main categories. Economic damages cover medical bills (past and future), lost wages and lost earning capacity, property damage, and out-of-pocket costs. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium for spouses. Some cases also involve punitive damages, though those are rare. The exact mix comes down to the policies in play, whether your injury crosses Florida’s serious injury threshold, and any fault allocation. We walk you through every category that fits your case.

• How long does a car accident case typically take to settle?

  Anywhere from a few months to two years, sometimes longer if the case goes to trial. With clear liability and reasonable carriers, cases settle faster. Serious injuries, disputed fault, multiple defendants, or stubborn insurers push the timeline out, because the medical picture and damages have to fully develop before a fair number can be calculated. We would rather get you the right number than the fast one. And we do not waste time getting there.

• What does it cost to hire Buckman, Buckman & Castellano for my car accident case?

  Nothing up front. We handle Sarasota car accident cases on a contingency fee, which means no fee unless we win. Clients may be responsible for costs. The percentage is discussed and put in writing before you sign anything. Initial case reviews are free. If we do not think your case is a fit, we will tell you straight, and often refer you to someone who is.