Why You Must See a Doctor Even If You Feel “Fine” After a Florida Car Accident
It is not uncommon for people to be involved in a car accident and get out of the crash feeling “fine.” However, even if there are no visible injuries and you don’t feel any pain after a car accident, it is crucial that you still see a doctor. The adrenaline and shock from a car accident can hide pain and injuries. Some injuries become apparent hours, weeks, or days after a car crash. Not seeing a doctor can be bad for your health. On top of that, it can be bad for any legal claim you file.
Some Injuries Take Time To Show Symptoms
Some injuries may not show symptoms for hours or even days after an accident. Examples of car accident injuries that may have delayed symptoms include;
- Whiplash
- Head and brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal bleeding
For example, after suffering whiplash in a collision, you might walk away feeling just a bit sore. After some time, you may experience serious symptoms such as persistent headaches, severe neck pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms.
Florida’s 14-Day Rule Can Affect Your PIP Benefits
In Florida, after a car accident, you are required to turn to your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP covers your medical expenses and lost wages, also known as disability benefits, regardless of who caused the accident. However, there is an important requirement you must meet to recover benefits. Florida Statutes section 627.736 requires you to receive medical treatment from a licensed professional within 14 days of your accident.
If you do not see a doctor immediately because you feel “fine,” only for you to later decide to seek medical treatment, you may not receive PIP benefits if 14 days have passed since your accident happened. Seeing a doctor right away after your accident can protect your right to PIP benefits.
Seeking Prompt Medical Attention Is Vital for Your Personal Injury Claim
Suppose another driver caused your Florida car accident. In that case, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet the serious injury threshold. If you delay medical treatment because you feel “fine” and your injury turns out to be serious, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim or are unrelated to the accident.
Seeking timely medical treatment is crucial for establishing a clear record that demonstrates the connection between your injury and the collision. Seeking prompt medical attention can prevent the insurance company from arguing that you were not seriously hurt. Without this documentation, your personal injury claim could be undervalued or denied altogether.
Steps To Take After a Florida Car Accident
After a Florida car accident;
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Keep all medical records
- Inform your insurance company promptly
- Hire a car accident attorney
A skilled attorney can help you seek all the damages you are owed.
Contact Our Miami Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been in a car accident, seek prompt medical attention and contact our skilled Miami car accident attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm for help protecting your legal rights.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Naples, Melbourne, Fort Myers, and Fort Lauderdale areas.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.736.html