How Florida’s 14-Day Rule Affects Your Bradenton Car Accident Claim

After a car accident in Bradenton, victims often attempt to downplay their injuries and delay getting immediate medical care. Unfortunately, waiting too long to get treatment can cost you more than your health. It can also jeopardize your ability to get compensation in a claim.

Florida’s 14-day rule is a deadline many accident victims in Bradenton are unaware of until it’s too late. Our experienced Bradenton car accident lawyer explains how this rule applies.

The 14-Day Rule: How it Applies in Bradenton Car Accident Claims

Florida follows a no-fault insurance system. Under the Florida Statutes (Section 627.736), all drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This pays for up to $10,000 in medical bills and lost income, regardless of who caused the crash.

However, there’s a catch: you must get medical care for any accident-related injuries within 14 days of a crash to qualify for these benefits. Not following the 14-day rule is one of the most common mistakes in Bradenton car accident claims. Here’s how it can affect your case:

• Insurance companies may question or minimize your injuries if not documented soon after a crash.
• You may lose access to PIP benefits, even if the other driver was at fault.
• The at-fault driver’s insurance company will use the delay against you, claiming your injuries are unrelated.
• Delayed treatment weakens your ability to file a personal injury lawsuit through the Manatee County Court.

While you may feel fine, many potentially life-threatening conditions have symptoms that do not show up until days or weeks later. Being evaluated within the 14-day window protects your health and rights in a car accident claim.

Car Accident Injuries in Bradenton: How to Protect Your Rights To Compensation

Bradenton car accident injuries are not always apparent at first. Many potentially debilitating conditions cause symptoms that worsen over time. These include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue damage, often felt as neck or shoulder stiffness;
• Concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries, with symptoms like headaches or brain fog;
• Back and neck injuries, such as pinched nerves, fractured vertebrae, or herniated discs;
• Injuries to joints in the knees, hips, shoulders, or wrists.

Without documentation, insurers are quick to deny or undervalue claims. To protect your right to compensation, always seek medical care from an approved provider within the 14-day window. This can include hospital emergency rooms, urgent care clinics, or your family doctor. Keep copies of all bills and treatment records, and speak to an experienced Bradenton car accident lawyer before making statements to insurance companies.

Contact Our Experienced Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer Today

Florida’s 14-day rule is strict. Waiting to get medical care after a car accident in Bradenton can jeopardize both your health and your rights in an injury claim.

At the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely, we’ve been helping Bradenton car accident victims and their families for over 30 years. To get the compensation you need to recover from a crash, contact our Bradenton car accident lawyer today and request a consultation.

Source:

flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2023/627.736

manateeclerk.com/departments/county-civil/