In Florida, you have 14 days to see a doctor after a car accident to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits under state law (§ 627.736). If you miss this deadline, you may lose coverage for medical bills and lost wages. Learn what steps to take, what happens if you wait, and how to get help.
What Is the 14-Day Rule?
- Under Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law, accident victims must see a medical provider within 14 days to be eligible for insurance benefits.
- This rule applies regardless of fault—whether you caused the accident or not, your PIP insurance is still available if you act within the deadline.
Who Qualifies as a Medical Provider?
You can visit any approved provider, including:
✅ Emergency rooms
✅ Primary care doctors
✅ Urgent care centers
✅ Chiropractors
✅ Orthopedic specialists
✅ Licensed medical professionals under Florida law
What Should You Do Within the First 14 Days After an Accident?
The first two weeks after a car accident are critical for both your health and your ability to receive insurance benefits. Many accident victims feel fine at first, only to experience symptoms days later. That’s why it’s essential to take action immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor.
1. Get Medical Attention ASAP
Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding, don’t always show symptoms right away. Even a minor headache or dizziness could be a sign of something serious.
✅ Visit a medical provider within 14 days to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.
✅ Go to an approved provider such as an ER, urgent care, chiropractor, or orthopedic specialist.
✅ Don’t self-diagnose—let a doctor determine if you have hidden injuries.
💡 Tip: Even if you feel fine, schedule a check-up. Your body releases adrenaline after an accident, which can temporarily mask pain.
2. Document Everything
Proper documentation strengthens your insurance claim and legal case.
✅ Medical Records – Keep copies of doctor’s notes, test results, X-rays, and prescriptions.
✅ Symptom Tracking – Write down any pain, dizziness, headaches, or stiffness you experience.
✅ Accident Details – Take photos of your injuries, the accident scene, and vehicle damage.
✅ Witness Information – If possible, get contact details of anyone who saw the accident happen.
💡 Tip: Insurance companies often question delayed symptoms. Keeping a daily symptom log helps prove your injuries were caused by the accident.
3. Follow the Doctor’s Recommendations
If you ignore medical advice, insurance companies may use it against you, arguing your injuries aren’t serious.
✅ Take prescribed medications and follow any treatment plans.
✅ Attend all follow-up appointments—skipping visits weakens your claim.
✅ Don’t rush back to work or physical activity before a doctor clears you.
💡 Tip: If you’re not satisfied with your first medical opinion, get a second opinion. A different doctor may find injuries the first one missed.
4. Call Applebaum Accident Group
Medical providers and insurance claims can be a nightmare. Applebaum Accident Group connects you with top medical professionals and personal injury attorneys—for free.
✅ Need a doctor who accepts PIP? They’ll match you with qualified medical providers.
✅ Unsure if you need a lawyer? They’ll connect you with an experienced attorney to review your case.
✅ Confused by insurance paperwork? They’ll help answer your questions and guide you through the process.
What Happens If You Wait More Than 14 Days?
The 14-day rule in Florida is strict, and failing to see a doctor within this period can significantly impact your ability to receive compensation. But does missing the deadline mean you have no options left? Not necessarily. Here’s what you need to know.
Does Missing the 14-Day Deadline Mean You Lose All Options?
While the best course of action is to seek medical attention as soon as possible, here’s what happens if you wait too long:
❌ Your PIP Benefits Will Likely Be Denied – If you miss the 14-day window, PIP coverage won’t pay for your medical bills or lost wages, even if your injuries are severe.
❌ Insurance Companies May Dispute Your Claim – Delaying treatment gives insurance adjusters an excuse to argue that:
- Your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
- Your condition must not be serious since you didn’t seek care right away.
- You’re exaggerating your injuries to seek compensation.
✅ You May Still Qualify for Compensation – While PIP won’t cover medical costs after 14 days, you can still file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver—but proving your case becomes more difficult.
✅ You Can Still Get an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC) Evaluation – If a doctor determines you have an EMC, it may help strengthen your case for further compensation, but PIP won’t cover the costs if you missed the 14-day deadline.
What If Your Injuries Show Up Late?
It’s common for accident-related injuries to take days—or even weeks—to appear. Adrenaline can temporarily mask pain, leading victims to assume they’re fine when they’re actually hurt.
🚨 Delayed Symptoms to Watch For
- Whiplash: Neck pain, headaches, dizziness, and stiffness that can take days to develop.
- Concussions: Confusion, memory loss, nausea, or headaches may not show up immediately.
- Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and organ damage often go unnoticed until symptoms become severe.
⚠ Why Waiting Too Long Hurts Your Case:
- If you don’t see a doctor within 14 days, insurance companies may deny your claim outright.
- The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove your injuries were caused by the accident.
- Seeing a doctor within 72 hours is highly recommended, even if you feel fine at first.
Do You Need an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC) Evaluation Within 14 Days?
Many accident victims are confused about whether an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC) evaluation is required within Florida’s 14-day rule. While seeing a doctor within two weeks is necessary to qualify for basic Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, an EMC evaluation is only required if you want full PIP coverage.
What Is an EMC Evaluation?
🚑 An Emergency Medical Condition (EMC) evaluation determines if your injuries are severe enough to require extensive medical treatment.
Here’s how it affects your PIP benefits:
✅ You DO NOT need an EMC evaluation within 14 days to receive basic PIP coverage (up to $2,500 for medical expenses).
✅ You DO need an EMC evaluation to access the full $10,000 in PIP benefits.
❌ Without an EMC diagnosis, your PIP benefits may be capped at $2,500, even if your medical bills are higher.
💡 Tip: If you have serious injuries like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or internal damage, an EMC evaluation is essential to maximize your insurance benefits.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor After a Car Accident
Your first medical visit after a car accident is crucial—not just for your health, but also for protecting your legal and insurance claims. Doctors’ notes and medical records serve as key evidence if you need to prove your injuries were caused by the accident.
To make the most of your appointment, ask the right questions and document everything properly.
What to Say and Ask During Your Medical Visit
💡 Be thorough when describing your symptoms, even if they seem minor. Some injuries—like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding—can take days or weeks to appear.
✅ What to Say:
- “I was in a car accident on [date] and want to ensure I don’t have any hidden injuries.”
- “I’m experiencing [list any pain, dizziness, headaches, stiffness, nausea, or other symptoms].”
- “I may have delayed symptoms—what should I watch for in the coming days?”
❓ Questions to Ask Your Doctor:
✅ “Could my symptoms get worse over time?”
Hidden injuries often don’t show up right away. Ask your doctor what to expect in the coming days or weeks.
✅ “Do I need follow-up care or additional testing?”
Some injuries require X-rays, MRIs, or specialist evaluations. Don’t assume you’re fine without a full check-up.
✅ “Can you provide a written diagnosis and treatment plan?”
Request copies of all medical reports, prescriptions, and recommended treatments. This documentation is critical for insurance claims and legal cases.
✅ “Do I need an EMC evaluation to access full PIP benefits?”
If your injuries are severe, you’ll need an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC) evaluation to unlock the full $10,000 in PIP coverage. Make sure your doctor can provide one—or refer you to a qualified provider.
Need Help? Applebaum Accident Group Can Connect You with the Best Medical and Legal Experts
Navigating medical care and insurance claims after a car accident can be overwhelming. Missing deadlines or making small mistakes could cost you thousands in compensation. That’s where Applebaum Accident Group steps in.
Why Choose Applebaum Accident Group?
✅ We connect you with top-rated doctors who specialize in car accident injuries.
✅ We match you with experienced attorneys who fight for your rights.
✅ Our services are completely FREE—you don’t pay to get the help you need.
✅ We guide you through every step of your medical and legal process.
🚨 Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. The clock is ticking—if you wait too long, you could lose your right to compensation.
📞 Call Applebaum Accident Group today at (855) 225-5728 to get immediate help.
