2024 When Is It Too Late to Go to the Doctor After a Car Accident in Florida

Car accidents are easily capable of inflicting painful and traumatic injuries, some of which can impose long-term or permanent medical complications on the victim. Recovery from a car accident typically begins with an insurance claim, and the state’s no-fault rule requires a driver to claim against their own insurance policy after an accident. However, it is important to understand how crucial it is to seek medical care as soon as possible after a car accident to preserve your ability to file an insurance claim.

Some people experience car accidents and feel as though they were barely hurt at all. However, the next day or several days later, they could be in incredible pain. The adrenaline rush from experiencing an accident can dull pain sensations, causing some victims to not realize how injured they are. Even if you believe you only sustained minor injuries in an accident, it’s ideal to seek medical care as soon as possible. Doing so can not only prevent injuries from worsening but will also preserve your ability to file an insurance claim.

Recovering From Your Car Accident

Every driver must have auto insurance that covers personal injury and property damage. When an accident happens, a driver will file a claim against their own policy, recovering as much as the policy allows for their damages. Every insurance policy is different, and most policyholders have the option of enhancing their coverage and purchasing optional coverage types that can provide more of a safety net after an accident.

Adding more coverage to your policy will mean a more expensive premium, but sticking with the minimum required by law could leave you at a loss if an accident causes more damages than your policy can cover. If you cannot fully recover your damages through an insurance claim and another driver caused the accident, you would have the option of filing a personal injury claim against them to recover whatever your insurance cannot provide.

Prompt medical attention is crucial after an accident. You only have 14 days in which to file your insurance claim in the state, and failure to do so could lead to a denial of coverage. Additionally, any delay in seeking compensation could cast doubt on the validity of your claim. The insurance carrier may think that because you did not seek immediate medical care, your injuries cannot be as severe as you claim. This can also pose problems if you pursue a personal injury case against another party.

It’s normal for a person to have legal questions in the aftermath of an accident, especially one caused by another party. When you are unsure what to do to recover from your recent accident, it is vital to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. They can help with the insurance claim process, and you will need legal counsel you can trust if you intend to file a personal injury claim against another driver.

FAQs

Q: When Should I See a Doctor About Back Pain After a Car Accident?

A: It is ideal to seek medical treatment immediately after any car accident, even if you think your injuries are mild. Failure to seek medical treatment within 14 days of your accident could lead to a denial of insurance coverage. Most insurance companies require claimants to seek prompt medical care to qualify for medical expense coverage. Additionally, seeking medical care as soon as possible can help prevent your injuries from worsening.

Q: How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?

A: You only have a limited time in which to file an auto insurance claim after a car accident. However, if you have grounds for a personal injury claim against another party, the statute of limitations for this civil suit is four years from the date your injury occurred. It is generally advisable to start the claim filing process as soon as possible, however, as this will help to ensure the reliability of evidence and testimony you may need to prove fault.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Insurance Claim?

A: Under Florida law, an insurance company must resolve a claim within 90 days of its filing. Most claims can be resolved in a shorter timeframe, and having an attorney help you with your claim is one of the most effective ways to streamline your settlement process. If any disputes arise with the insurance company, your attorney can address these on your behalf and verify that the insurance carrier has handled your claim in good faith.

Q: How Much Is a Car Accident Claim Worth?

A: You have the right to seek full compensation for all the damages you suffered in your recent accident. You will need to use your own insurance at first due to the no-fault rule for car accidents in the state, but if another party is directly responsible for causing your accident and your damages exceed what insurance can cover, you can file a personal injury claim to recover your outstanding damages. An experienced attorney can estimate your case’s potential value based on the severity of the damages you suffered.

Q: Do I Need to Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?

A: There is no law that requires you to hire legal representation after a car accident, but doing so will dramatically improve your chances of success with all the recovery efforts you pursue. An attorney can make filing an insurance claim easier and help build a personal injury claim if necessary. You’re not only more likely to succeed with these efforts with an attorney’s help but also more likely to secure maximum compensation for your damages.

Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys has years of experience in personal injury law, and we have helped many past clients recover from all types of vehicle accidents. Navigating the insurance claim filing process can be difficult, but our firm can ensure you receive appropriate consideration from your insurance carrier, and we can help build a personal injury claim if necessary for a full recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn more about the legal services we can provide.