What Happens If You Wait Too Long to See a Doctor After a Car Accident in Florida?

It’s not unusual to delay seeing a doctor after a car accident. Maybe you didn’t feel pain right away, or you thought your soreness would fade on its own. But waiting too long can impact both your health and your insurance coverage. If you’ve already passed the first critical days, don’t panic — there are still steps you can take to protect yourself.

Get Checked Out Immediately

Even if time has passed, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as you notice any pain, stiffness, or unusual symptoms. Some injuries — like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding — don’t always show up right away. Be sure to tell your provider that your condition started after a car accident so it’s properly documented.

Keep Track of Symptoms

Write down any changes in your health since the accident. Whether it’s headaches, back pain, trouble sleeping, or mood changes, these notes will help your doctor connect the dots and could be useful for insurance or legal claims.

Why Timing Matters in Florida (The 14-Day Rule)

Florida law requires accident victims to seek medical treatment within 14 days to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP covers:

• 80% of accident-related medical costs

• 60% of lost wages

• Up to $5,000 in death benefits

• Certain other expenses like travel for medical care

If treatment isn’t started within 14 days, your PIP coverage may be limited or denied. And even within that window, you may only receive the full $10,000 benefit if a doctor diagnoses an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC). Without an EMC, PIP coverage tops out at $2,500.

What If You Waited Too Long?

Delays don’t just affect insurance. They can also weaken your case:

• Insurance coverage may be denied under PIP rules.

• Causation becomes harder to prove — insurers may argue your injuries came from something else.

• Severity could be questioned — adjusters often see delays as a sign your injuries weren’t serious.

• Legal duty — the law expects you to “mitigate damages” by seeking care quickly.

Even if you’ve passed the 14-day deadline, it’s still crucial to see a doctor and consult with a personal injury attorney to explore your options. Untreated injuries often lead to bigger problems down the road.

Where to Turn for Help

If you’ve been in a car accident — whether it was yesterday or nearly two weeks ago — your health should come first. At 388CEDA, our Miami accident clinic connects you with doctors who understand the urgency of accident care and can help document your injuries properly. Our team can also connect you with experienced attorneys who know how to handle PIP deadlines and fight for your compensation.