When to Seek Medical Treatment After a Car Accident
It is natural to feel confused or shaken after a car crash. An accident will also cause adrenaline to course through the body, which may mask injuries and make you feel fine even when you are hurt. It is critical to seek medical attention after any accident so a doctor can examine you and detect any injuries you may be suffering from. When should you obtain medical treatment, though? The timing is critical not only for your safety and well-being, but also to protect your legal rights and any settlement you may receive. Below, our Tampa car accident attorney explains in further detail.
When to See a Doctor After a Crash
After any car accident, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Ideally, this is at the scene if paramedics arrive. If not, you should visit an emergency room as soon as you leave the scene of the accident. If neither of these are possible, it is recommended that you seek medical attention within 48 hours after an accident, even if you do not think you were hurt. Some injuries such as whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, and internal damage are not immediately apparent after an accident.
The 14-Day Rule for Personal Injury Protection Benefits
Under the no-fault law in Florida, you must first seek compensation from your own auto insurance company after an accident. This compensation is known as personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. All drivers are required to carry this coverage in the state. These benefits will help cover your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages after an accident even if you caused or contributed to the crash.
Under the law, you have just 14 days to seek medical attention after a car accident. If you fail to do this, the insurance company likely has the right to deny PIP benefits.
Delayed Medical Treatment Can Hurt Your Case
If your injuries are severe, they may meet the serious injury threshold under state law. Meeting this threshold allows you to step outside of the no-fault system and file a claim against a negligent driver. Failing to seek prompt medical treatment can significantly complicate this process, though.
Waiting to seek medical attention can make it more difficult to prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injury. The insurance adjuster will likely argue that another accident or something else was the cause of your injury. Additionally, the adjuster will also argue that if you were as seriously injured as you claim, you would have seen a doctor right away.
Our Car Accident Attorney in Tampa Provides Sound Legal Advice
Do not hesitate to seek medical attention after a car accident. After seeing a doctor, the next important step is to contact our Tampa car accident attorney at Moore Law. Our seasoned attorney can provide on all aspects of your case so your rights are protected and you obtain the full compensation you deserve. Call us now at 813-510-5400 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
ecfr.gov/current/title-46/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-5/subpart-B/section-5.29
