If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle crash, then you must act as quickly as you can to seek medical attention. While personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is developed for helping injured persons cover their medical bills following an auto accident, you must follow specific requirements and limitations to collect the benefits from your auto insurance carrier.
You Have 14 Days to Seek Medical Attention
To receive your PIP benefits, you must obtain medical attention within 14 days of your motor vehicle crash. Even if you feel fine, it’s best that you get medical attention, whether in an urgent care center or emergency room. Be aware that some injury symptoms don’t manifest for days or several weeks after a crash, and even seemingly minor aches and pains may get worse over time.
Florida’s 14-day rule requires injured motor vehicle accident victims to get prompt medical treatment within 14 days of the crash date so they can file a PIP claim. This means that if you fail to seek treatment within 14 days, your insurance provider will attempt to use your delay in seeking treatment as a reason to deny your PIP claim.
In addition, if you experience any change in your condition, such as a new symptom, even after you’ve sought medical treatment, then don’t hesitate to go back to your doctor as soon as possible. This will still be covered by your insurance if it’s related to the initial injury you suffered.
Payout Limits Under The 14-Day Rule
Keep in mind that there are limits on the payout you can collect through your PIP coverage. If you obtained medical attention within 14 days and only sustained non-emergency injuries, $2,500 is the maximum payout limit you can receive. If you sought medical attention within 14 days and sustained an emergency medical condition, you’ll receive the maximum compensation amount available from your PIP insurance.
Injuries that can be classified as emergency medical conditions include those that can:
- Place a person’s wellbeing and health at serious risk
- Severely damages a person’s body organ or part
- Severely impairs a person’s physical function
Seek Legal Help From a Tampa Car Accident Attorney
To safeguard your health and legal rights, make sure to receive professional medical treatment right away following a motor vehicle crash in Tampa. It’s crucial to note that you don’t need to finish your treatment within 14 days, and you must continue seeking treatment as long as you need. You just need to seek treatment within 14 days following your accident to ensure that you receive your PIP benefits.
If you are having any issues with your auto insurance provider or filing your claim, our Tampa car accident attorneys will be glad to provide you much needed support and guidance. We can also help you explore your legal options if you missed the 14-day deadline for seeking treatment for your car accident-related injuries. Reach out to the Hancock Injury Attorneys and arrange your free case evaluation by calling 813-915-1110 or sending us anonline message.