How Long Do You Have to Go to a Doctor After a Car Accident in Florida? - SteinLaw
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How Long Do You Have to Go to a Doctor After a Car Accident in Florida?

car accident florida pip law

After a car accident, seeking medical attention should be your top priority—even if you feel fine. Injuries may not appear immediately, and delaying medical care can harm both your health and your ability to recover compensation.

In Florida, you must see a doctor within 14 days of your accident to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. Failing to do so could jeopardize your insurance claim and prevent you from receiving the compensation you need for medical expenses and lost wages.

At Stein Law, we help car accident victims navigate the complex legal and insurance processes. If you’ve been injured, we can protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

The 14-Day Rule: Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Law

Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning your own insurance company covers a portion of your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, you must act fast.

Under Florida’s PIP law (Fla. Stat. § 627.736):

  • You must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident.
  • If you do not see a doctor within this timeframe, you may lose access to PIP benefits.
  • PIP covers up to 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, up to $10,000.

Failing to get medical attention within this window could leave you paying for medical bills out of pocket.

Why You Should See a Doctor Immediately

Even if you feel fine, some injuries take days or weeks to show symptoms. Delaying treatment can worsen injuries and make it harder to prove they were caused by the accident.

Common Delayed Injuries

  • Whiplash – Neck pain, headaches, and stiffness may not appear for several days.
  • Concussions & Brain Injuries – Dizziness, confusion, and memory issues may take time to develop.
  • Internal Bleeding – Abdominal pain and bruising could indicate life-threatening injuries.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries – Muscle sprains or ligament damage may not be noticeable right away.

By seeing a doctor immediately, you ensure your injuries are diagnosed, treated, and properly documented, which is critical for your insurance claim and potential lawsuit.

Who Qualifies as an Approved Medical Provider?

Not all medical providers qualify under Florida’s PIP coverage rules. To ensure your treatment is covered, you must see an approved healthcare provider, such as:

  • Emergency room doctors
  • Urgent care clinics
  • Primary care physicians
  • Chiropractors
  • Licensed medical professionals (MD, DO, or DC)

Massage therapists and acupuncturists are not covered under Florida’s PIP law.

What If You Need Additional Compensation Beyond PIP?

While PIP covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, serious injuries often cost much more. If you’ve suffered severe injuries, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover:

  • Future medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost earning potential
  • Property damage

To pursue additional compensation, you will need evidence linking your injuries to the accident—another reason why immediate medical attention is critical.

What Happens If You Miss the 14-Day Deadline?

If you fail to see a doctor within 14 days of your accident, you may lose your right to PIP benefits. This means:

  • Your medical expenses will not be covered by PIP.
  • You may have to pay out of pocket for treatment.
  • Insurance companies may deny your claim, arguing your injuries were not related to the accident.

If you have missed the deadline, you may still have options. Contact Stein Law as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

  • Seek Medical Attention Immediately – Even if you feel fine, visit a doctor for a full evaluation.
  • Follow All Treatment Plans – Failing to follow doctor recommendations may weaken your case.
  • Keep All Medical Records – Documentation is key to proving your injuries were caused by the accident.
  • Report the Accident to Your Insurance – Notify your provider but avoid giving recorded statements without legal guidance.
  • Consult a Car Accident Attorney – An experienced lawyer can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

Why Choose Stein Law?

At Stein Law, we have extensive experience representing car accident victims throughout Florida. We help clients:

  • Navigate PIP claims to ensure they receive the benefits they deserve.
  • Pursue additional compensation if injuries exceed PIP limits.
  • Negotiate with insurance companies to prevent unfair claim denials.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Contact Stein Law for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t delay. Seek medical treatment immediately and let Stein Law handle the rest.

Contact us or fill out our online form for a free consultation today. The sooner you act, the better your chances of securing the compensation you need.

Brandon Stein

Chief Executive Officer

Brandon Stein is a Florida based trial attorney born in Queens, New York, and was raised in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Being the son of an accountant that owns a large firm in New Jersey, owning and operating a business is something that was engrained within Brandon Stein from a very young age...[READ BIO]

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