What Florida’s 14-Day Rule Means After a Car Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident in Florida, one of the most important laws you need to know about is the 14-Day Rule.
It doesn’t get much attention—but it can make or break your ability to get medical treatment covered through your insurance. I’ve seen too many clients miss this deadline simply because no one explained it clearly. So let me break it down for you—what it is, why it matters, and what to do if you’re injured.
What Is Florida’s 14-Day Rule?
Florida is a no-fault state, which means that after a car accident, your own auto insurance—specifically your PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage—pays for your initial medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident.
But there’s a catch:
To use your PIP benefits, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident.
This is the law under Florida Statute 627.736. If you wait too long, your PIP coverage could be denied—even if you have valid injuries.
What Counts as “Medical Treatment”?
The good news is that you don’t need to be hospitalized or rushed into surgery to qualify. The law allows for a range of treatment options, including:
Emergency room visits
Urgent care or walk-in clinics
Primary care physicians
Chiropractors
Licensed nurse practitioners
Physical therapists (if referred appropriately)
The key is this: it must be treatment, not just a conversation. A documented evaluation or diagnostic test within 14 days satisfies the requirement.
Why This Rule Is So Important
Many injuries—especially soft tissue, spinal, or internal injuries—don’t feel serious right away. You may think you’re okay, only to realize days later that something is very wrong.
But if you wait longer than 14 days to see a doctor, your PIP benefits may be gone—and that means you could be left paying for medical bills out of pocket.
Even worse? Insurance companies love using missed deadlines as a reason to deny claims or reduce your payout. That’s why timing is everything.
What If You Missed the 14-Day Window?
If it’s been more than 14 days and you didn’t seek medical care, don’t give up hope—but do get legal guidance right away.
You may still have a case through:
Bodily injury claims against the at-fault driver
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (if you have it)
Private health insurance to help cover treatment
At Chatenka Injury Law, we’ll look at all your options and help you build the strongest possible case—whether you’re inside or outside that 14-day window.
What You Should Do After a Car Accident in Florida
Get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible—even if you feel fine.
Document everything—your symptoms, your diagnosis, your bills.
Call a personal injury attorney to help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s 14-Day Rule isn’t something to ignore—it’s something to act on. The sooner you get medical care, the better your chances of recovering physically and financially.
If you’ve been in a car accident on the Treasure Coast, don’t wait.
Call Chatenka Injury Law today for a free consultation. I’ll walk you through your next steps, connect you with trusted doctors, and fight to make sure your injury doesn’t become your financial burden.
