If you were injured in an accident in Florida after March 2023, you must know that the legal rules that apply to your case are very different from what they used to be.
Many people still believe they have years to file a claim. Others assume that partial fault does not matter. Some think medical bills will automatically be paid by insurance. Under Florida’s new law, those assumptions can cost you your case.
House Bill 837 changed the foundation of personal injury law in this state. It shortened deadlines. It raised the burden on injured victims. It gave insurance companies more tools to deny and reduce claims.
As a result, valid cases are now being dismissed. Settlement offers are lower. Fault arguments are more aggressive. Delays can be dangerous now.
If you were hurt in a car crash, slip and fall, truck accident, or any negligence-related incident, understanding HB 837 is no longer optional. It is essential to protect your rights.
At MANGAL, PLLC, our experts explain below what the law means, how it works, and how it affects your ability to recover compensation.
What Is House Bill 837?
House Bill 837 is a major tort reform law passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law in March 2023.
“Tort law” refers to the legal system that governs personal injury claims. These are cases involving accidents, negligence, unsafe property, defective products, and wrongful death.
HB 837 changed several key rules in this system.
The law applies to most negligence-based lawsuits filed after March 24, 2023. That includes:
- Auto accidents
- Motorcycles and truck crashes
- Slip and fall cases
- Premises liability claims
- Negligent security cases
- Many wrongful death claims
Its stated purpose was to reduce litigation and stabilize insurance markets. In practice, it made it harder for injured people to recover compensation.
HB 837 affects how long you have to file, how fault is calculated, how damages are proven, and how insurance disputes are handled. It reshaped the balance of power between accident victims and large insurers.
Why Florida Passed HB 837: Insurance Crisis vs. Consumer Rights
Supporters of HB 837 argued that Florida faced an insurance “crisis.” They claimed that lawsuits were driving up premiums and forcing insurers out of the market.
Insurance companies and business groups pushed for reforms. They argued that limiting lawsuits would lower costs and bring stability.
Lawmakers responded by passing sweeping changes to civil litigation rules.
Consumer advocates, trial lawyers, and many legal scholars disagreed. They warned that the reforms would mainly benefit insurers and corporations. They argued that injured people would lose meaningful access to justice.
Both sides presented strong positions. The legislature ultimately chose to prioritize market stability over consumer protection.
Whether the law achieves its stated goals remains debated. What is clear is this: injured Floridians now face stricter rules and greater risk when pursuing claims.
Understanding this policy background helps explain why courts now apply HB 837 so strictly.
The Five Major Legal Changes Under HB 837
HB 837 introduced several important legal changes. Each one can directly affect the outcome of your case.
A. The Two-Year Statute of Limitations
Before HB 837, most personal injury cases had a four-year filing deadline.
That deadline is now two years.
This means you generally have only 24 months from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, your case is usually barred forever.
There are very limited exceptions. Most people do not qualify for them.
Many claims are now lost simply because victims waited too long. Some waited while treating. Others trusted insurers to negotiate. Some did not realize the law had changed.
Under HB 837, delay is dangerous.
B. Modified Comparative Negligence: The 51 Percent Rule
Florida used to follow “pure comparative negligence.” Even if you were mostly at fault, you could still recover some damages.
That system is gone.
Under the new law, if you are found more than 50 percent responsible, you recover nothing.
Not half. Not reduced damages. Nothing.
Insurance companies now focus heavily on shifting blame. They look for any argument that pushes fault past the 50 percent line.
This rule has changed how cases are defended and settled.
C. Limits on Medical Damage Evidence
HB 837 also changed how medical expenses are presented in court.
In many cases, juries can no longer see the full amount billed by medical providers. Instead, they see amounts actually paid or adjusted figures.
This reduces the apparent value of many claims.
The law also imposes disclosure rules for treatment provided under letters of protection. These are agreements where doctors wait for payment until the case resolves.
Insurers now challenge these arrangements aggressively.
D. Changes to Attorney Fees and Insurance Claims
The law repealed several “one-way” attorney fee provisions, especially in insurance disputes.
In the past, insurers faced greater financial risk if they wrongfully denied claims. That pressure encouraged fair settlements.
Now, that leverage is reduced.
HB 837 also tightened standards for bad faith claims. These are lawsuits against insurers for unreasonable handling.
As a result, insurance companies have more room to resist payment.
E. Expanded Protections for Property Owners
HB 837 created new defenses for certain property owners, especially in crime-related injury cases.
If owners implement specified safety measures, they may receive legal presumptions against liability.
This affects negligent security claims involving assaults, robberies, and similar incidents.
Property owners now have stronger shields against lawsuits in many situations.
How HB 837 Directly Affects Your Personal Injury Case
These legal changes are not theoretical. They affect real people every day.
- If you were in a car accident, insurers may argue you were distracted, speeding, or careless. Their goal is to increase your fault percentage.
- If you slipped and fell, they may claim you ignored warnings or failed to watch your step.
- If you were injured on someone’s property, they may rely on new statutory defenses.
- If you delayed medical treatment, your damages may be questioned.
- If you waited too long to consult a lawyer, your deadline may be at risk.
Under HB 837, cases require faster action, stronger evidence, and more careful strategy. Weak documentation and late responses are punished.
Early legal guidance is now far more important than it was before.
Common Myths and Dangerous Misunderstandings About HB 837
Many injured people still rely on outdated or incorrect information. These myths cost claims.
Myth 1: “I Still Have Four Years to File”
Most people no longer do. In most negligence cases, you have two years. Waiting can destroy your case.
Myth 2: “Fault Does Not Matter Much”
It matters more than ever. Crossing 51 percent fault means losing everything.
Myth 3: “My Medical Bills Equal My Damages”
Not anymore. Courts now limit what juries can consider. Billed amounts are often excluded.
Myth 4: “The Insurance Company Will Be Fair”
Insurers are businesses. Their goal is to minimize payouts. HB 837 gives them more tools to do that.
Myth 5: “I Can Hire a Lawyer Later”
Waiting is risky. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Deadlines approach. Strategy suffers.
Early legal guidance is no longer a luxury. It is often the difference between recovery and dismissal.
What Insurance Companies Do Not Want You to Know About HB 837
Since HB 837 became law, insurance companies have quietly adjusted their claims strategies. Many accident victims do not realize how much more aggressive insurers have become.
One common tactic is delay. Adjusters may take weeks or months to respond, hoping you approach the two-year deadline without legal representation.
Another strategy is early fault shifting. You may be asked leading questions during recorded statements. Your words can later be used to argue that you were mostly responsible.
Insurers also scrutinize medical treatment more closely. Gaps in care, delayed appointments, or changes in providers are often used to challenge injury claims.
Low settlement offers are now common. Companies know many victims feel financial pressure and accept less than their case is worth.
Finally, insurers frequently rely on the new medical evidence rules to argue that damages are “inflated” or “unreasonable.”
These tactics are legal. They are also effective. Understanding them helps you avoid costly mistakes.
What To Do After an Accident in Florida Under HB 837
The steps you take after an accident now matter more than ever. Under HB 837, small errors can have major consequences.
- Seek medical care immediately. Do not delay treatment, even if pain seems minor. Medical records are critical evidence.
- Report the incident. Call law enforcement when appropriate. File incident reports with property owners when applicable.
- Document everything. Take photographs, save messages, and collect witness information.
- Avoid recorded statements. Do not speak to insurance adjusters without legal advice.
- Preserve records. Keep medical bills, prescriptions, and treatment summaries.
- Contact our attorney in Florida early. Early involvement helps protect deadlines and evidence.
Following these steps strengthens your position and reduces risk.
Does HB 837 Apply to My Case? Effective Dates and Exceptions
HB 837 applies to most negligence lawsuits filed on or after March 24, 2023.
The date your lawsuit is filed usually determines whether the law applies. The date of the accident alone is not always controlling.
Some cases that were already pending when the law took effect may fall under older rules. Others may be subject to mixed standards.
There are also limited statutory exceptions depending on claim type.
Because these rules are complex, it is dangerous to assume which law applies. A legal review is often necessary to determine your rights accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions About HB 837
Is HB 837 retroactive?
In most situations, no. It generally applies to lawsuits filed after March 24, 2023. However, some cases may involve overlapping rules.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Most negligence cases must be filed within two years of the injury date. Missing the deadline usually ends the claim.
Can I recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes, if your fault is 50 percent or less. If it exceeds 50 percent, recovery is barred.
Does HB 837 affect car accident cases?
Yes. It affects filing deadlines, fault analysis, medical damages, and insurance disputes in auto cases.
Does it apply to PIP claims?
Some insurance-related provisions affect PIP litigation, particularly regarding attorney fees.
What if the insurer denies my claim?
Denial does not end your case. Legal remedies may still exist, but action must be taken quickly.
Do I really need a lawyer now?
Given the current rules, legal guidance is strongly recommended in most injury cases.
Why Hiring an Experienced Florida Injury Lawyer Matters More Than Ever
HB 837 has made personal injury claims in Florida more complex, more technical, and more time-sensitive than ever before. Cases now require precise fault analysis. Medical damages must be documented carefully. Deadlines must be tracked without error. Insurance tactics must be anticipated and countered early.
An experienced Florida personal injury lawyer understands how insurance companies use HB 837 to deny responsibility and reduce compensation. They know how to preserve critical evidence, structure strong claims, and challenge unfair blame-shifting arguments.
They also know how to evaluate settlement offers in light of today’s legal risks, ensuring that accident victims are not pressured into accepting less than they deserve.
Most importantly, an experienced injury attorney protects you from procedural mistakes that can permanently damage your case.
Speak With a Trusted Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a car accident, slip and fall, truck crash, or any negligence-related incident in Florida, do not wait to get legal help. The two-year deadline under HB 837 moves quickly, and evidence can disappear long before that.
At MANGAL, PLLC, our Florida personal injury lawyers are committed to protecting the rights of accident victims across Florida. We offer personalized legal representation, direct attorney access, and aggressive advocacy against insurance companies.
We provide free consultations and charge no fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Call MANGAL, PLLC today or request your free case evaluation online to speak with an experienced Florida injury lawyer who will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Your case. Your future. Our commitment.