You should see a doctor after a car accident in Florida. Internal injuries may not immediately be apparent, and prompt treatment protects your health and legal claims. A medical diagnosis can help support your car accident claim. A Florida car accident lawyer can help you understand your options for pursuing compensation, but the first step is seeking prompt medical care.
What Is the 14-Day Rule in Florida?
If you’ve been in a car accident in Florida, see a doctor within 14 days, or else your auto insurance provider may deny your claim. Florida’s no-fault insurance law requires that medical care be received promptly to qualify for coverage. If you get treatment within two weeks, your policy covers the following:
- Up to $10,000 for medical and disability expenses
- Up to $5,000 in death benefits
- 80 percent of the costs for surgeries, X-rays, rehab, hospital visits, and nursing care.
If you don’t follow the 14-day rule, your insurer can refuse to pay for your medical care. Avoid this risk by consulting a doctor as soon as possible.
Why Is It Important to See a Doctor After a Florida Car Accident?
In addition to Florida’s 14-day rule, seeing a doctor right away is essential for many reasons, including the following:
- Hidden injuries — The adrenaline and shock from an accident can mask pain, making injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding easy to overlook. Some conditions, such as soft tissue injuries or spinal damage, may not exhibit symptoms for several days.
- Faster recovery — Early intervention with physical therapy, medication, or other treatments can reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve the chances of a full recovery. Delaying care may lead to complications.
- Stronger legal claim — A doctor’s evaluation and notes can link your injuries to the accident. This makes it harder for insurance companies to dispute your case.
- Insurance protection — If you wait too long to seek treatment, insurers may argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the crash.
What Should You Tell Your Doctor After a Car Accident?
When you see a doctor after a car accident, be clear and thorough about your symptoms and the details of the crash. This information will help ensure that you receive proper treatment and strengthen any potential car accident lawsuit. The following are some of the things you should share:
- Tell them all your physical symptoms, even minor pain, dizziness, or numbness, as some injuries take time to appear.
- Mention any emotional or psychological issues you’ve noticed, such as anxiety, depression, and changes in sleeping and eating patterns.
- Let your doctor know if you have pre-existing conditions or medical issues that could aggravate your injuries.
- Describe the accident, including the impact, and whether you were wearing your seat belt or the airbag deployed.
- Inform your doctor about how your injuries and pain affect your mobility, daily activities, work, and home life so that they can recommend the most suitable treatment.
Additionally, follow up with your doctor or visit the emergency room if your symptoms worsen or new pain or issues develop in the days following the accident.
After you get medical attention, contact a Florida car accident lawyer to learn about potential compensation.
What Are Symptoms of Possible Injuries from the Car Crash?
Car accidents often cause injuries that aren’t immediately obvious. Always see a doctor after any crash, as critical conditions can develop in the days that follow. The following are some of the most common symptoms to be aware of:
- Headaches or dizziness — A concussion, whiplash, or internal bleeding could be the cause. Lightheadedness, confusion, or persistent headaches may indicate a more serious issue.
- Abdominal pain or nausea — Pain in the stomach, nausea, or vomiting can signal internal injuries or organ damage. If left untreated, these symptoms can be life-threatening.
- Numbness or tingling — Nerve damage or a herniated disc can cause tingling or loss of sensation in the arms, hands, legs, or feet. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to long-term mobility issues.
- Bruising or swelling — Large or deep bruises, excessive swelling, or tenderness could mean internal bleeding or soft tissue damage. Spreading bruises or increasing pain may indicate a more serious injury.
- Difficulty moving or stiffness — Limited mobility, joint stiffness, or pain when bearing weight may indicate a fracture, torn ligament, or joint damage. Without treatment, these injuries can lead to chronic pain or reduced function.
- Back, neck, or shoulder pain — Whiplash, spinal injuries, or muscle damage often cause pain or stiffness in these areas. Limited movement or discomfort may worsen over time.
- Emotional changes — Anxiety, mood swings, or trouble sleeping may point to PTSD or a brain injury. Emotional distress after a crash can be just as severe as physical injuries.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations allows you to file a personal injury claim two years from the date of your injury. If you miss this deadline, you will forfeit your ability to seek compensation. Collecting evidence, obtaining medical records, and demonstrating how the other driver is responsible for your injuries takes time. You want to give a car accident attorney enough time to build a strong case.
Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer
With over 50 years of combined legal experience, Zervos & Calta, PLLC, has recovered millions of dollars for our clients, including:
- $3 million for a motor vehicle accident victim
- $2.75 million for another car accident victim
- $1 million car accident settlement.
We take pride in our reputation as “tough as nails” personal injury attorneys serving Tampa and Florida. However, we understand the chaos a car accident creates for victims and their families. You’ll find our car accident lawyers and staff supportive and professional.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident in Florida, get medical care right away, then contact Zervos & Calta, PLLC, for a free consultation about your case.
Visit Our Florida Car Accident Law Offices
About the Author
Angela Zervos
Angela has spent more than 28 years of her legal career fighting for personal injury victims – and against big insurance companies. As a true trial lawyer, she takes on a wide variety of personal injury claims, including those involving motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, medical malpractice, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death. Prior to starting her own law practice, Angela secured more than $80 million in settlements and jury verdicts for her clients – a 90 percent success rate since 2002. Her efforts on behalf of her clients have resulted in numerous accolades. For example, Angela maintains a “Superb” 10.0 rating from AVVO, an “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and she is ranked among the Top 100 civil trial lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Zervos & Calta, PLLC serves the entire Tampa Bay area – including Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hernando County, and Hillsborough County – from offices in Tarpon Springs, Spring Hill, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg.
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