Can I File a Personal Injury Claim if I Didn’t Go to the Doctor?

Florida’s so-called “14-day rule” requires all accident victims to seek medical care within 14 days of the incident. If you fail to seek care within those first two weeks, your insurer will likely deny your claim. You should seek medical care even if you are unsure whether you suffered injuries, as many types of injuries do not even display symptoms for hours, days, or even weeks. 

Accordingly, if you or a loved one has been injured or even killed in a truck, car, or boating accident, an unsafe medical device or defective product, or hurt by unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, or even the victim of medical malpractice, seek qualifying medical care immediately and contact the experienced Florida personal injury lawyers at Searcy Denney for help. We’ll review your case, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of your various legal options, help you decide what is best for you, and handle your claims for you.

Initial Services and Care

Traditionally, an accident victim must get “initial services and care” within two weeks of an accident if they want to receive benefits through their own insurance coverage. Almost any type of medical attention will meet this requirement, as long as it comes from a qualified healthcare provider or a qualified healthcare provider supervised or prescribed the care.

A qualified healthcare provider likely includes the following types of people:

• Medical doctors
• Emergency medical technicians
• Chiropractors
• Dentists

Be aware that seeing a physical therapist, massage therapist, or other healthcare providers not specifically listed in the statute will likely not meet the criteria.

Why Not Seek Medical Attention After an Accident?

The real question isn’t “why seek medical care after an accident,” it’s “why not seek medical care after an accident?” Aside from the physical benefits, without proof of your medical injuries and associated bills, you’ll be unable to recover those expenses in any settlement, mediation, arbitration, or lawsuit. This is equal to giving money away. Why would you want to donate free money to the people responsible for your injuries, pain, and suffering, or to those who are saying you don’t deserve it? Is this fair to your family?

Many people are reluctant to visit the doctor for rather vague, uncomfortable feelings and the fear of discovering something you don’t want to know about. Nonetheless, if you don’t know about it, you can’t get it fixed. Life is short; you should live it to the fullest.

Let the Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Help if You’ve Been Involved in an Accident in Florida

Seeking immediate medical attention is generally number one on everybody’s list of things to do after an accident. The Florida personal injury lawyers at Searcy Denney are highly experienced and will help you through this difficult time. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis. Contact us today if we can be of service.