When Is It Too Late to Go to the Doctor After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Many people may not realize how even minor injuries can worsen over time without proper care. Delaying medical attention could also affect any legal steps you need to take later.

Understanding if it’s too late to go to the doctor after a car accident can help you protect your health and any potential claims. In Florida, seeing a doctor within 14 days is necessary for legal purposes.

If you’ve been in a car accident, a Florida car accident lawyer can guide you through the process and help you take the right steps for your health and your case.

Why You Should See a Doctor Quickly After a Car Accident in Florida

Seeking prompt medical attention after a car accident is important for protecting your health and legal rights. A Florida personal injury lawyer would suggest seeing a doctor as soon as possible for several reasons:

• PIP insurance coverage time limits: In Florida, you have 14 days to seek medical care after an accident to be eligible for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. Missing this deadline could result in your insurance company denying your claim.
• Hidden injuries may not show symptoms immediately: Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, might not be apparent right away. A doctor can diagnose these conditions early and recommend treatment to prevent complications.
• Impact on your claim: The sooner you seek treatment, the better it can be for your legal claim. Seeking prompt medical care not only safeguards your health but can also support stronger case results, showing that you are serious about your recovery.

How Long Should You Continue Seeing Your Doctor?

The duration of medical care depends on the severity of your injuries. Minor injuries may only require a few follow-up visits, while more serious conditions could need ongoing treatment until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). Your doctor and lawyer can guide you in making the right decision for your recovery.

Why Seeing a Doctor Quickly Matters for Your Personal Injury Claim

Seeing a doctor right after an accident can be important for your personal injury claim. Prompt medical care establishes a clear connection between your injuries and the incident, as the doctor’s records will reflect that you sought treatment for accident-related harm.

If you delay getting medical attention, the at-fault party or insurance company might argue that your injuries came from something else, like a previous condition or another event. This can make it harder to prove your case.

Acting quickly also helps prevent claims that you allowed your injuries to worsen by not seeking care sooner, which could lead to higher treatment costs. Early action supports both your recovery and your legal claim.

Understanding PIP Insurance Coverage in Florida

Florida requires auto insurance policies to include a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage helps with costs related to car accident injuries, including:

• Medical expenses for accident–related treatment: 80% of reasonable medical expenses for accident-related treatment, no matter who was at fault.
• Lost wages: 60% of lost wages if you’re unable to work because of your injuries.
• Service reimbursement: Reimbursement for services like housekeeping or childcare if you can’t manage those tasks.

PIP also provides up to $5,000 in death benefits. It’s important to seek medical care within 14 days of the accident; otherwise, PIP may not cover your medical expenses, potentially leaving you responsible for the costs.

When Should You Call a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

It’s important to reach out to a Florida car accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. Early contact allows your lawyer to guide you on steps like seeking medical care if you haven’t done so yet.

Getting a lawyer involved quickly helps with your personal injury claim. The sooner they start working on your case, the better the chances of gathering all the necessary evidence, such as witness statements, before details start to fade.

Your attorney will also discuss your options for pursuing financial recovery and keep you informed about any deadlines that could affect your case. Taking prompt action can make a big difference in your claim.

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Florida?

In Florida, the law gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to seek financial recovery, as missing this deadline may result in losing your legal rights.

It’s best to speak with a Florida car accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. Acting quickly can protect your options and avoid any issues with the statute of limitations.

Getting legal guidance early on allows you to focus on your recovery while your lawyer takes care of the legal process, making sure your claim is handled within the required time frame.

When Should You Consider Legal Help?

After a car accident, you might not always need a lawyer. If your injuries are minor and the claim is straightforward, you can handle it with your insurance. However, seeking legal help is a good idea if:

• You suffered serious or lasting injuries.
• You’re unable to return to work because of your injuries.
• Fault for the accident isn’t clear.
• Another party tries to place blame on you.
• The other driver has little or no insurance.
• The insurance company disputes or minimizes your claim.
• You’re uncomfortable negotiating on your own.

Getting legal advice early can help protect your interests and clarify your options.

Don’t Wait—Get the Legal Guidance You Need Now

If you’ve been in a car accident, understanding your legal options is important. You might ask, is it too late to go to the doctor after a car accident? In Florida, prompt medical care is essential to support your claim.

At The Schiller Kessler Group, we understand the challenges you face, and our team is here to help. As a trusted Florida car accident lawyer, we’ve successfully helped secure compensation for over 30,000 Florida injury victims, and we’re ready to fight for your rights, too.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your case and guide you on the next steps, including getting the medical care you need.