You’re sitting at the light waiting for it to turn green when a car crashes into the back of your vehicle causing you to jerk forward. You’re stunned but manage to get out of the vehicle to get the information from the other driver to file a crash report for the insurance claim. You feel sore but are unsure if you should see a doctor after the auto accident. The answer is yes — see a doctor and do so right away, according to Gary Kompothecras.
Why Should You See a Doctor after a Florida Car Accident?
There are several reasons to see a doctor following a car accident, even if you think your injuries are not severe.
- Not all injuries are immediately apparent. You may think you’re not seriously injured, but your car accident injuries may not be evident at the crash scene. Head injuries are a typical example of this. You may feel fine initially and later begin experiencing headaches and other symptoms of a concussion.
- Your health is of the utmost importance. Getting a doctor to check you out is important as you may experience aches, pains, and other more severe symptoms later.
- The insurance company requires immediate treatment to get paid for your medical expenses. If you wait too long to seek medical treatment, an insurance company may say the delay in treatment calls into question whether the auto accident is the cause of your health issues. You may receive less compensation than you are entitled to.
- Florida is a no-fault state regarding insurance claims following an auto accident so your car insurance will pay for medical bills up to a certain amount. Florida drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) on their auto insurance policies. Basic PIP coverage pays up to 80% of $10,000 of all necessary and reasonable medical costs after an accident, no matter who is the at-fault driver and responsible for the crash. You may also be reimbursed for lost income and replacement costs. Florida law requires you have 14 days to see a doctor after an accident to get compensation under PIP.
Note:
It’s important to note that the no-fault law also means that your right to file a personal injury lawsuit against someone after an accident is substantially restricted. You can sue only when death or severe or permanent injuries as defined by Florida law have been sustained or after your medical bills go beyond a specified threshold amount. You may want to contact a Florida personal injury lawyer to discuss what’s involved in a car accident lawsuit, particularly if your injuries linger and medical expenses mount. A Florida car accident lawyer will be able to advise you.
Finding a Medical Provider in Florida Car Accident Cases
Finding a medical provider experienced with auto accident laws in Florida is important. You want a doctor who knows how personal injury cases work. You also want a physician who can treat specific types of injuries common in car accidents.
Contact 1-800-Ask Gary for a Qualified Car Accident Doctor
Gain access to free referrals to world-class doctors following a vehicular accident. ASK GARY provides you with a one-stop source for finding qualified physicians experienced in handling injuries involving car accidents, truck accidents, and bicycle accidents and who can accommodate your specific needs.