Florida’s 14-Day Accident Law: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Rights

Florida's 14-Day Accident Law- What You Need to Know to Protect Your Rights

Car accidents happen in an instant, totally out of the blue, often leaving victims overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. 

In Florida, there’s a critical law that every accident victim needs to be aware of: the 14-day rule. This law directly impacts your ability to access insurance benefits following a car accident, and it’s essential to understand how it works to protect your rights.

The Dashcam Lawyer’s team has seen firsthand how this law affects injured clients. With decades of combined experience, our team is here to help guide you through this legal requirement so you can get the compensation you deserve.

What Is the 14-Day Rule?

Simply put, Florida law requires that you seek medical treatment within 14 days of a car accident to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. 

PIP is a type of insurance coverage that helps cover medical expenses and lost wages following an accident, regardless of who is at fault. However, if you miss the 14-day window, you may lose access to these critical benefits.

What Does PIP Cover?

PIP is a no-fault insurance system, meaning it covers your injuries and losses regardless of who caused the accident. It typically provides up to $10,000 for medical costs and lost wages. 

But keep in mind that PIP only covers 80% of your medical bills and 60% of lost wages, up to the policy limit.

Additionally, PIP differs from bodily injury liability coverage, which compensates others for injuries you may cause. PIP focuses solely on your own injuries and expenses following an accident, regardless of fault.

The Importance of Seeking Treatment

The key part of Florida’s 14-day rule is that you must seek medical attention within 14 days of your accident to receive PIP benefits. 

This can be from a variety of healthcare providers, including medical doctors, chiropractors, osteopaths, and even emergency medical technicians, but only if they provide initial care at the accident scene.

What Happens If You Don’t Seek Treatment?

Failing to seek treatment within 14 days means you will likely lose access to your PIP benefits. There are limited exceptions, such as when an injury doesn’t become apparent right away. Still, these exceptions are rare, and proving them can be challenging.

We’ve seen many clients assume they’re fine after an accident, only to develop pain or other symptoms days or weeks later. That’s why it’s crucial to get checked out, even if you feel okay at first.

Why Does the 14-Day Rule Exist?

Florida’s 14-day rule was created to reduce insurance fraud and ensure that accident victims get the medical treatment they need promptly. By setting a clear deadline for seeking care, the law helps limit false claims and encourages people to address their injuries quickly.

But while the law aims to protect both insurers and accident victims, it can create challenges. For instance, not all injuries are immediately obvious. Delayed whiplash, for example, might take days or weeks to manifest, and many people delay treatment, thinking they’ll be fine.

Real-World Challenges

We’ve had clients come to us after missing the 14-day window, only to find themselves stuck with medical bills they can’t cover. In some cases, these individuals were dealing with hidden injuries that didn’t show symptoms until after the deadline passed. 

Unfortunately, the law doesn’t account for those delays, making it even more important to see a doctor right away.

PIP Coverage and Limits

Florida’s PIP coverage limit is typically $10,000, but there’s a catch: this full amount is only available if your injuries qualify as an emergency medical condition. If your injuries are less severe and don’t meet this standard, your benefits may be capped at $2,500.

What Qualifies as an Emergency Medical Condition?

An emergency medical condition is defined as an injury that requires immediate medical attention and could lead to serious harm if left untreated. 

Examples might include broken bones, head trauma, or injuries that require hospitalization. For non-emergency injuries, such as mild whiplash or bruising, the lower limit applies.

This is why thorough medical documentation is critical. You need to establish the severity of your injuries from the start to qualify for full benefits. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get them checked out as soon as possible.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida

When you’re in a car accident, it can be hard to know what to do next. Here are some practical steps to follow:

  1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you feel fine, get checked out by a healthcare professional.
  2. Report the Accident to the Police: Make sure a formal accident report is filed.
  3. Document the Scene: Take photos, gather witness information, and keep records of your medical visits and treatment.
  4. Contact an Experienced Attorney: It’s vital to consult with a lawyer before speaking with your insurance company to protect your rights and ensure you’re properly compensated.

How The Dashcam Lawyer® Can Help

At The Dashcam Lawyer ®, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the legal side of a car accident, especially when you’re focused on recovering from your injuries. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way. 

Whether it’s negotiating with your insurance company, filing PIP claims, or dealing with coverage disputes, we’ve got the experience to get you the best outcome possible.

With years of handling car accident cases and working directly with Florida’s 14-day rule, Attorney Shannon J. Sagan and the rest of our team are here to ensure you understand your rights and make informed decisions.Florida’s 14-day rule can make or break your ability to recover compensation after a car accident. Don’t risk losing out on the benefits you’re entitled to. Call The Dashcam Lawyer ® today at 561-561-DASH for a free consultation or fill out our online contact form.

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    Belle Glade, FL 33430

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