September 21, 2025
Florida has seen a wave of legal reforms in 2025, with House Bill 837 standing out as one of the most impactful. This new law makes sweeping changes to personal injury and car accident litigation, reshaping how claims are filed, defended, and ultimately resolved. For accident victims and their families, these changes could dramatically alter what recovery looks like. For example, if someone is injured in a crash, the deadlines, evidence rules, and liability standards they face today are not the same as they were just a year ago. These shifts make working with an experienced Vero Beach, FL car accident lawyer like ours more important than ever.
The most talked-about change under HB 837 is the shortening of the statute of limitations. For decades, Florida allowed accident victims up to four years to file negligence claims. That window is now cut in half to just two years. This means that someone injured in a car crash must act much more quickly to protect their rights. Delays could easily mean the difference between a valid case and one that is barred from court entirely.
Another major reform is Florida’s move away from pure comparative negligence. Under the old rule, even if a driver was 90% at fault, they could still recover 10% of their damages. HB 837 replaces this system with modified comparative negligence. Now, if an injured person is found more than 50% responsible for an accident, they cannot recover damages at all. This change puts more weight on fault determinations, often making litigation more contentious.
Medical expense rules have also been rewritten. Instead of presenting the full billed amount from hospitals or providers, plaintiffs now must show what was actually paid or what insurance, such as Medicare, would typically cover. While designed to limit inflated claims, this rule can make it harder for injured parties to demonstrate the full financial impact of their medical care. Together, these changes reflect a strong push to curb litigation but raise concerns about access to fair compensation.
Why These Changes Matter
The passage of HB 837 shows a clear legislative effort to reduce the volume and cost of personal injury lawsuits. Supporters argue that this will stabilize insurance premiums and discourage frivolous claims. Critics warn that accident victims, especially those with severe injuries, may be left without adequate recourse. Regardless of which side of the debate one falls on, the reality is that car accident litigation in Florida now looks very different, and anyone involved in a crash must be aware of the new landscape.
How Our Firm Helps After An Accident
At Tuttle Larsen, we know how confusing and overwhelming legal changes can feel, especially after a traumatic event like a car accident. A local law firm, we represent clients in Vero Beach, Palm Bay, Melbourne, and throughout Indian River and Brevard Counties. We believe in giving back to the community we serve. Doug Tuttle is very involved with local schools and was recently recognized by the Florida Commissioner of Education as the IRC School District business partner of the year for his work with special education students. Jesse Larsen serves on the board of directors for the Indian River County Bar Association, showing our commitment not only to the law but also to the community.
When you come to us, we take the time to explain how these changes may affect your case and what options you have. From gathering evidence to building a strong strategy around the new comparative negligence rules, our focus is on protecting your right to compensation. We believe that injured victims deserve a fair chance, even in the face of shifting laws.
Connect With Our Professionals Today
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash, don’t wait to learn how these new laws could impact your case. Contact Tuttle Larsen, P.A. today to speak with a dedicated attorney who can guide you through every step. We are here to fight for your recovery and your peace of mind.
