Yes. You have nothing to lose by seeing a doctor after a car accident and everything to gain.

Health Risks

First, one of the biggest mistakes car accident victims make after an accident is self-diagnosing headaches, blurred vision, and other problems as stress induced. Dealing with insurance companies, police reports, and car repairs is enough to make anyone feel run down, but sometimes these various aches and pains are signs of more serious injuries. You could have a traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, or even internal bleeding that self-diagnosis will miss.

Legal Risks

Second, from a legal standpoint, Florida has specific laws that govern how long car accident victims have to seek medical care after an accident, if those injuries are to be covered by an insurance policy.

Under Florida’s personal injury protection (PIP) law (Florida Statute 627.736), you have 14 days to see a doctor after an accident if you want to receive compensation for your medical expenses or other damages. If you do not get medical treatment for your car accident injuries within the 14-day window, the insurance company may deny your accident claim.

Additionally, if you plan on filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver in the accident, medical records detailing your injuries, diagnosis, treatment regimen, and medical costs will act as some of the most important forms of evidence in your injury case. All of this will have a significant impact on your ability to collect compensation.

Once you’ve seen a medical professional about your car accident injuries, you should contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss the next steps. Seeking legal representation for personal injury claims can help ensure you recover the maximum amount of compensation.

The Personal Injury & Accident Law Center offers free case evaluations for car accident victims so you can feel confident that you’re getting the legal counsel you deserve. You can call us at (561)372-3800 or fill out the confidential form below to speak a team member about your car accident case.