How Long Do I Have to Seek Medical Treatment After a Car Accident?
Bill Allen | October 10, 2025 | Personal Injury
Being involved in a car accident can result in numerous types of injuries. Prompt medical care can prevent injuries from worsening or becoming life-threatening. In Florida, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of a car accident to be eligible for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. This 14-day rule is crucial for protecting both your health and your legal rights under Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system.
Why is Timely Medical Treatment Important After a Car Accident?
You may assume you were not seriously injured after a car accident. However, some injuries may not be noticeable immediately after a crash, and delaying treatment could weaken a personal injury or insurance claim. It could also lead to lifelong health issues.
Reasons why timely medical treatment is important after a car accident include:
Insurance Coverage
Florida law requires you to see a licensed healthcare provider within 14 days, or your PIP insurer may deny coverage. Florida insurance requirements include no-fault insurance coverage in the minimum amount of $10,000.
Florida’s PIP coverage pays 80% of your medical expenses and 60% of lost wages up to the policy limits, regardless of how the accident occurred. However, the amount paid may be limited if your injuries do not require emergency medical treatment.
If your injuries exceed the serious injury threshold, you may pursue claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance for economic and non-economic damages. Serious injuries are defined by Florida statutes as significant and permanent disability, loss of a bodily function, or disfigurement.
Health Reasons
Some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, may not show symptoms immediately but still require prompt diagnosis and care. Delays in medical attention could cause injuries to worsen. The best way to protect your health and your rights is to see a medical provider as soon as possible after a car accident.
Legal Documentation
Early treatment provides medical records linking your injuries directly to the accident, strengthening your insurance claim or lawsuit. Accident victims have the burden of proving that their injuries were directly and proximately caused by the car accident. Otherwise, insurance coverage and liability claims may be denied.
Fraud Prevention & Claim Validity
The 14-day rule helps reduce fraudulent claims and ensures that only legitimate injuries get compensated. Insurance companies and defense firms often use delays in medical treatment to argue that the accident did not cause the person’s injuries. They may accuse the victim of exaggerating or falsifying their injuries to receive compensation.
Who Qualifies as a Healthcare Provider for Car Accident Injuries?
PIP insurance providers may deny coverage unless the person receives care from an approved medical provider. Treatment must be obtained from licensed physicians, dentists, hospitals, or facilities owned by hospitals. Florida law also recognizes licensed chiropractic physicians for purposes of PIP coverage.
What Happens if You Miss the 14-Day Window?
Failing to seek medical care within 14 days after a car accident can result in your PIP insurer refusing to pay your medical bills linked to the accident. Delayed medical care can severely weaken your compensation claim, even if you later develop symptoms.
Delays in medical treatment could also make it more challenging to prove liability claims in personal injury lawsuits against at-fault drivers. Prompt medical attention documents your symptoms after an accident. Doctors may diagnose injuries you were unaware of and provide treatment plans that allow for a better chance of recovery.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Florida?
The Florida statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident for most personal injury lawsuits. This deadline applies regardless of treatment timing but does not replace the separate 14-day treatment requirement for PIP benefits.
Missing the deadline to file a lawsuit can result in the loss of compensation for a car accident. Seek legal advice as soon as possible after a car crash to protect your rights.
Tips for Protecting Your Rights After a Car Accident
Florida accident victims can protect their rights and strengthen their claim by:
- Reporting car accidents promptly by calling 911
- Avoiding statements that can be interpreted as admitting fault for causing the accident
- Seeking prompt medical treatment from a licensed medical provider
- Documenting the accident scene by taking photographs and making a video of the accident scene
- Keeping copies of all medical records, accident reports, receipts, bills, and other documents related to the accident
- Asking eyewitnesses for their names and contact information
Taking these steps in addition to consulting an attorney early in your case can help you recover the compensation you deserve after an automobile accident.
Contact Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you need legal assistance, contact the Gainesville personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today, we’re open 24 hours daily.
We have three convenient locations in Marion County and Alachua County, North Central Florida:
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville Office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258