Can You Sue Someone for a Car Accident?

Car accidents happen in seconds, but the consequences can last a lifetime. Beyond the physical pain and emotional strain, you’re probably also facing medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing treatment. If someone else’s negligence caused your car accident, you can sue them to cover your current and future costs and pain.

At Greg Linehan Law, we have been helping Floridians win their car accident lawsuits for decades. Our team is led by lifelong Sarasota residents, so we know the intricacies of the local legal system very well. When you become our client, you can focus on healing while we focus on getting you the best compensation possible.

Car Accident Lawsuits in Sarasota, FL

Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, which means drivers turn first to their own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance after a crash, regardless of fault. PIP covers medical expenses and disability benefits up to the policy limit (at a minimum $10,000). However, when injuries are severe, permanent, or involve significant financial losses, victims may step outside the no-fault system and start the process of suing for a car accident.

A car accident lawsuit allows you to seek damages not fully covered by insurance. These damages may include pain and suffering, long-term medical care, and full compensation for lost income. In Sarasota, as across Florida, pursuing litigation requires showing that the other driver’s negligence caused the crash and your injuries.

The Process of Car Accident Litigation

The process of an auto accident lawsuit in Sarasota typically unfolds in these stages:

Initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer. You will share details of the crash, your injuries, and your insurance situation. The attorney will evaluate whether your case is a good fit for them.
Investigation and evidence collection. Your lawyer will gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video or photographs of the accident scene.
Complaint filing. This legal document begins the lawsuit and outlines your claims for damages. It is filed in civil court against the at-fault party.
Discovery phase. Both sides exchange evidence, depose witnesses, and prepare expert testimony. This stage often uncovers crucial details that shape settlement negotiations or trial strategy.
Settlement negotiations. Many lawsuits for car accidents resolve without going to trial. A fair settlement can save time, expense, and stress while still delivering needed compensation.
Trial. If the settlement does not resolve the case, your attorney will argue in court before a judge or jury. Evidence and witness testimony will determine whether you receive compensation.

At Greg Linehan Law, our goal is to handle the work while keeping you completely informed about the stage your case is in and what options you have.

How to Sue After a Car Accident: Timelines

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing most car accident lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident. This deadline applies to both personal injury and wrongful death cases. Missing this window usually means losing your right to sue, no matter how strong your case may be.

Within that timeframe, the length of your lawsuit depends on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate, and whether a trial becomes necessary. Some cases settle in months, while others may take a year or more.

Compensation in Car Accident Lawsuits

The value of a car accident lawsuit varies based on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and the long-term costs of medical care. Damages may include:

Medical expenses, both immediate and future;
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity;
Pain and suffering;
Property damage, including the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle; and
Punitive damages, in rare cases involving extreme negligence or misconduct.

Each case is unique, which makes an experienced car accident attorney essential for calculating fair compensation and resisting undervalued insurance company offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Hard Is It to Win a Car Accident Lawsuit?

Winning depends on evidence, legal strategy, and the circumstances of the crash. Strong documentation of negligence and clear medical records increase your chances. With experienced representation, many cases settle successfully without trial.

What Is the Maximum You Can Sue for a Car Accident?

Florida law does not cap compensatory damages in car accident cases. The amount you can sue for depends on your medical costs, lost income, and other losses. Punitive damages, meant to punish extreme misconduct, may have statutory limits.

How Much Will I Get for My Car After an Accident?

Compensation for your car depends on its fair market value at the time of the crash or the cost of repairs if the car is not totaled. Insurance companies often calculate this using vehicle appraisals, mileage, and condition.

Is It Worth Suing After a Car Accident?

It is often worth pursuing litigation if your injuries are serious, your bills exceed PIP limits, or the insurance company refuses fair compensation. Without legal action, you may leave significant compensation unclaimed.

How to Decide: Should I Sue After a Car Accident?

Schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney. Discuss your case with them. They will let you know if you are a good fit for their firm or if you should look elsewhere. After this conversation, you’ll be in a better position to decide if you should sue or not.

Speak to a Seasoned Legal Professional Today

Car accident lawsuits provide a path to justice and financial stability for victims in Sarasota facing overwhelming medical bills and uncertain recovery. At Greg Linehan Law, we have spent nearly three decades helping injured Floridians like you recover physically, financially, and emotionally. With personal attention and proven results, we’ll make you feel supported from the first consultation through final resolution. Contact us today.