If you have just been in a car accident, your focus might be on your injuries or how badly your car is damaged. But in the State of Florida, there is the 14-day PIP deadline. If you miss it, your insurance might not cover your medical costs.
Below, this car accident lawyer in Bartow, Florida is going to explain what the 14-day rule means.
What’s the 14-Day Rule?
Florida law gives you 14 days after a car crash to go see a doctor or another approved medical provider. If you don’t go in that time frame, your insurance can deny your claim. It does not matter who caused the crash.
There are no exceptions. Even if your pain starts a week or two after the accident, and you still have not seen a doctor, then your claim probably will not be accepted. Waiting too long could cost you up to $10,000 in medical coverage and 60% of your lost wages.
The rule is in place to get people treated quickly and to prevent false claims. But for many injuries that take time to appear (like whiplash or internal damage), it can create problems if you delay care.
The insurance company can say that your injury came from something else. They might even claim that it had nothing to do with the crash.
Even if it is completely clear that you were hurt in the accident, and even if someone else was obviously at fault, the rule still applies. That 14-day limit is strict.
What counts as “medical treatment”?
Not all types of care are accepted under Florida’s PIP law. For example, if you decide to go get a massage or acupuncture after your accident, that will not count toward the 14-day rule, even if it helps you feel better.
To keep your claim valid, you need to see a licensed provider. That includes doctors, chiropractors, dentists, or medical professionals in a hospital or emergency room. These are the types of care the law recognizes.
If you go to the wrong kind of provider first (like a massage therapist), your treatment will not meet the PIP rules. That means your insurance can deny your claim based on that alone. A car accident lawyer in Bartow, Florida can help you figure out who to see so you don’t lose your benefits by mistake.
What if you miss the deadline?
If you wait more than 14 days to get medical care, then your PIP benefits basically disappear. In that case, your insurance won’t help with doctor bills or any lost income due to missed work. You lose that support.
After that, your only real option is to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. But even that has limits. You can only do that if your injuries are considered “serious” under Florida law.
Even if you are allowed to sue, that kind of case can take a long time. In the meantime, you could be stuck paying all your medical costs out of pocket while your case works through the system. That could be weeks or even months of financial stress, on top of trying to heal from the accident.
How to protect yourself?
Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries don’t show up for a few days. But if you wait too long, you will not be able to use your insurance benefits.
See a qualified provider within 14 days. Save all your medical records and notes about your symptoms. These could be important later if you must prove your case.
In any case, it’s best to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer in Bartow, Florida. They can make sure that your timeline, paperwork, and treatment all meet Florida’s strict rules.
Looking for a Car Accident Lawyer in Bartow, Florida?
If you have been in a crash and are ready to reach out to a trusted car accident lawyer in Bartow, Florida, Tonya Stewart and her legal team are ready to help. We know the system and will make sure you don’t leave money behind. Contact us today at (863) 279-4473 to schedule a free consultation.