You may feel fine immediately after a car accident, only to wake up the next morning with pain or difficulty moving. Feeling okay at the scene does not necessarily mean there is nothing to investigate.
In the video above, Scott Marshall of Marshall Injury Attorneys explains why you should take new symptoms seriously, seek medical care promptly and keep an accurate record of what happens after the crash.
What if you did not feel pain at the scene?
Scott describes how the adrenaline and shock surrounding an accident can affect what you notice at the time. You might leave the scene believing you are unharmed, then notice discomfort or restricted movement later.
His advice is straightforward: listen to your body. If symptoms appear, get checked out rather than assuming they will disappear. A medical professional can assess your condition and recommend appropriate care.
Get medical care when symptoms appear
Your health comes first. Tell the treating provider about the accident, when your symptoms began and how they have changed. Explain what you are experiencing accurately, including any relevant symptoms or conditions you had before the crash.
Scott uses neck and back injuries as examples of problems that people may initially underestimate. The cause and significance of your symptoms require an individual medical assessment. The video cannot diagnose your injury.
Understand Florida’s 14-day PIP treatment rule
Florida’s personal injury protection insurance, commonly called PIP, has an important requirement: qualifying initial services and care must be received within 14 days after the accident to qualify for PIP medical benefits. The period runs from the accident date, not the date symptoms first appear.
PIP generally covers 80% of reasonable, medically necessary covered expenses, subject to applicable limits, deductibles and other requirements. Access to medical benefits up to $10,000 requires an emergency medical condition determination by an authorized provider. If a qualifying provider determines that you did not have an emergency medical condition, medical benefits are limited to $2,500.
The deadline is a reason to act promptly, not a reason to wait until day 14. If that period has already passed, still seek needed medical care and get advice about your circumstances.
You can read the requirements in Florida Statutes section 627.736.
Why medical documentation matters
Scott explains that a long gap between an accident and the first report of an injury can make it harder to establish that the two are connected. An insurance company may question when the symptoms began or whether something else caused them.
Medical records help establish a timeline of your reported symptoms, examinations and treatment. They do not guarantee the outcome of a claim, but they can provide important evidence when the cause or extent of an injury is disputed.
Keep an accurate record of your symptoms
Alongside your medical records, keep brief, dated notes about what you experience. Record facts rather than guessing about a diagnosis.
- Note when you first noticed each symptom.
- Describe changes in pain, movement or everyday activities.
- Keep appointment details and treatment instructions together.
- Tell your medical provider about new or worsening symptoms.
- Be accurate about previous injuries and existing conditions.
Have questions about an injury after a crash?
If pain has appeared after a Florida car accident and you are unsure what it means for your claim, Marshall Injury Attorneys can discuss your circumstances and explain your options.
Request a free case review or call 727-772-5900.
This article summarises Scott Marshall’s video and includes additional information about Florida’s PIP requirements. It provides general information only, is not medical or legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different.
