Florida's 14-Day Accident Law
If you’ve been involved in a catastrophic auto accident, there are many things you’ll need to do afterward. It’s important to contact your insurance company about the crash, and speak with a skilled car accident lawyer if negligence contributed to the collision. It’s also important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you live in Daytona Beach or Palm Coast, FL, you’ll need to see a doctor within 14 days.
The attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau would like to discuss Florida’s 14-day accident law and why it’s crucial following auto collisions. We’ll also review your legal options after an auto accident and discuss why it’s important to have a lawyer on your side.
What Is the 14-Day Accident Law?
Florida’s 14-day accident law states that if you want to seek personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage for injuries sustained in an auto accident, you must see a doctor within 14 days of the collision.
Why Is the 14-Day Accident Law in Place?
The 14-day accident law ensures that accident victims seek medical attention as soon as possible after their collision. Evidence of an injury or potential injury can be recorded and noted in order to seek PIP coverage for the trauma sustained.
What Happens If I Do Not Seek Medical Attention in Time?
If you fail to see a doctor within 14 days of an auto accident, your insurance company may deny your PIP claim.
Who Counts as a Medical Care Provider?
All kinds of medical attention will qualify under the 14-day accident law if you suspect injury; it doesn’t necessarily require a trip to an emergency room. Qualified providers of medical treatment may include:
- Emergency medical technicians (EMTs)
- General practitioners
- Medical specialists
- Dentists
- Chiropractors
You should get emergency treatment if you have suffered visible or noticeable injuries from an auto accident. For injuries that do not require emergency treatment, you should consider a visit to a hospital or medical professional as soon as possible to monitor your health and check for any potential injuries.
Medical Coverage Through PIP
Under Florida law, minimum PIP coverage can address up to $10,000 in medical and disability benefits. Your coverage and policy may vary, so be sure to check with your insurance provider as you file your insurance claim.
What If Health Issues Arise after the Medical Visit?
There are cases when an accident victim feels relatively fine after a collision but an injury becomes apparent weeks after a crash. For example, the lingering effects of head trauma can be dramatic, especially if someone has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Seeking medical attention as soon as possible will be helpful in these instances. X-rays, CT scans, and other diagnostic tests may show the early indications of an injury that do not become apparent until later on.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
Following a collision, it’s important to speak with a car accident lawyer about your case. They can help determine the liable party in the crash and help negotiate settlements with the insurance company. A car accident lawyer can also help with any correspondence with insurance representatives, ensuring that you do not unintentionally undermine your claim.
Speak with Our Car Accident Lawyers
If you live in the Daytona Beach area and have been in an auto accident, it’s crucial that you speak with the attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau about your case. To learn more about your legal options, contact our injury accident lawyers online or call our law office at (386) 258-7313.