If you have any pain or signs of injury after a crash, the most important thing you can do is see a doctor right away. Whether you go to an emergency department, your family doctor, or an urgent care clinic, it is imperative to undergo an assessment to see if you have any serious injuries.
Delaying medical treatment puts your health at risk and could significantly affect an insurance claim and the compensation you can receive. Florida law has a strict deadline for seeking medical care after an accident, known as the 14-day rule. Waiting too long could mean losing access to key insurance coverage, but a Boca Raton car accident lawyer can help you weigh your options and understand your rights.
The Urgency of Seeing a Doctor as Soon as Possible After a Collision
If you believe you sustained injuries in a car accident, you should see a doctor as soon as possible for several reasons:
- It protects your right to no-fault coverage: Prompt assessment and care ensure you meet the deadlines set by your no-fault insurance provider under Florida law.
- It creates a clear medical record: It helps establish a direct connection between the accident and your injuries.
- It strengthens your insurance claim: Delaying treatment could give the insurance company a reason to deny or reduce your payout because an adjuster could argue your injuries were not serious enough to require immediate care.
- It improves your prognosis: Early diagnosis and treatment often lead to better outcomes.
- It supports a future lawsuit: If you file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, your medical care could become critical in documenting your severe injuries.
How Long Does Florida Law Give You to Seek Medical Care Under No-Fault Laws?
Under Florida Statutes § 627.736, Florida’s no-fault insurance law requires all drivers to carry a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance policy. PIP policies provide $10,000 coverage for medical care costs and lost wages. PIP pays after a crash regardless of who caused the collision.
However, the law also requires you to receive medical care for your accident injuries within 14 days of the crash. This requirement is known as the “14-day rule.” If you do not see a qualified medical care provider within the first 14 days after a crash, you could lose access to compensation through your insurance carrier for your accident injuries.
The Deadline Could Apply Even if Your Injuries Manifest Later
The 14-day rule will likely apply even if you later discover you suffered injuries in the collision and required care. The result would be:
- You will not receive reimbursement for any related medical care costs.
- You will not receive wage loss coverage.
- You will be responsible for absorbing these costs unless you suffer severe injuries.
If you suffer severe injuries, you can still file a personal injury lawsuit or fault-based claim against the at-fault driver, per Florida Statutes § 627.737. However, you must prove you suffered serious injuries in the crash, which could be difficult if you did not seek medical attention for more than two weeks afterward.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to See the Doctor After a Car Accident
You should see a doctor as soon as possible when you have any indication that you might have sustained injuries, such as pain or unusual stiffness after a crash.
Some car accident injuries—such as whiplash, internal bleeding, and brain injuries—do not show immediate symptoms after an accident. It is typical to feel OK in the first minutes or hours after a crash only to later experience:
- Neck or back pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness or confusion
- Abdominal pain
As soon as you realize you might be injured, seek a medical assessment. A doctor’s visit is the best way to ensure you get the care and support you need while building the strongest compensation case.
What Happens if I Did Not See a Doctor Within 14 Days?
If you did not see a doctor within 14 days, you most likely will not qualify to use your PIP benefits for the collision, even if you have medical bills or lost income. However, you could still pursue a claim for serious injuries, holding the at-fault driver accountable by filing:
- An insurance claim against their auto liability policy
- A personal injury lawsuit against them
To be successful in either case, you must prove they caused your accident and injuries. You will also need to have evidence to demonstrate:
- The delay was reasonable, usually because your symptoms did not appear until after 14 days had passed
- Your injuries resulted from the accident
Proving these things can be challenging, but your personal injury lawyer will likely have some ideas about developing a strong case and fighting for the money you deserve.
How Long Do I have to Sue for Compensation in Florida?
Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, Florida gives victims up to two years from an accident date to file a lawsuit. This deadline also applies to wrongful deaths. Exceptions exist that could alter this timeline, such as when filing an uninsured motorist case.
Talk to Our Team About Your Florida Car Accident Injuries
If you suffered an injury in a crash, don’t know what to do next, or have already missed the 14-day window and need guidance, GED Lawyers is here for you. We can help you understand your rights, build your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t listen if your insurance company says it is too late. You might still have options. Our team provides free consultations for crash victims in Florida. Contact us today to talk to our team about your next steps.
