After a car accident, you may feel fine at first. Some injuries, however, can take hours or even days to become noticeable. That’s why Florida’s 14-day PIP rule is so important.

Under Florida law, you generally must receive initial medical services and care within 14 days of a motor vehicle accident to qualify for PIP medical benefits. Missing this deadline can put your PIP medical coverage at risk, even if you later discover that you were injured.

What Does PIP Cover?

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is designed to help cover medical expenses and certain other losses after a covered motor vehicle accident, regardless of who caused the crash.

Florida PIP generally covers 80% of reasonable, medically necessary medical expenses, subject to the applicable limits and requirements. If a qualified medical professional determines that you suffered an emergency medical condition, benefits can be available up to $10,000. Otherwise, medical benefits may be limited to $2,500.

Tips After a Florida Car Accident

1. Don’t wait 14 days.Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident.

2. Tell the medical provider about the accident.Make sure your provider knows that your injuries may be related to the crash and provide your auto insurance information.

3. Keep your records.Save medical records, bills, prescriptions, accident reports, insurance correspondence, and any other documents related to your injuries.

4. Report the accident to your insurance company.Notify your insurer promptly and keep a record of your communications.

5. Don’t assume you’re fine because you feel okay.Some accident-related injuries may not become apparent immediately. Getting evaluated early can protect your health and help document your condition.

The Bottom Line

The 14-day deadline is easy to overlook, but it can have a major impact on your ability to receive PIP medical benefits. If you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident, don’t wait to seek medical care or figure out your insurance options.

If you have questions about your rights after an accident, speaking with a Florida personal injury attorney can help you understand what options may be available in your specific situation.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.

For more information, contact our office at Askew & Associates, P.A. by calling 954-546-2699.

Disclaimer: this blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney if you have any legal concerns.