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Tampa Car Accident Lawyers > Blog > Florida Law > The Importance of Seeing a Doctor Immediately after a Florida Auto Accident

The Importance of Seeing a Doctor Immediately after a Florida Auto Accident

The Personal Injury Protection (PIP) revised legislation that took effect on January 1, 2013 was introduced under the guise of reducing insurance fraud and premiums. However, many of its provisions can adversely affect the ability of auto accident victims to obtain just compensation for their injuries. More than ever, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention after an auto accident — and seek skilled legal assistance to help ensure your rights are preserved when you file a claim.

The new law introduced a number of provisions affecting all players involved in the payment of medical claims. However, the following amendments directly affect auto accident injury victims:

  • Individuals seeking PIP medical benefits must receive initial services and care within 14 days after an accident. If you do not notice symptoms until the 15th day, your PIP coverage most likely no longer applies.
  • Only victims found to have an emergency medical condition as defined by law can receive up to $10,000 in medical benefits.
  • Without an emergency medical condition diagnosis, victims can receive only $2,500 or less, with no reimbursement for massage and acupuncture permitted.
  • Follow-up services must apply to the underlying medical diagnosis at the time of initial treatment and care.

Pay particular attention to the last provision, which essentially negates the effects of delayed-onset injuries, which you may not notice until after your initial visit. In other words, make sure you report every ache or pain to the doctor, and take the time to describe anything that may have happened that could potentially cause injury. For example, using your hand to brace yourself against impact could result in wrist injuries. Similarly, your doctor needs to immediately know if your back twisted or your neck snapped back and forth during the collision, even if you have no pain as of the first visit.

Naturally, if you suffer severe injuries, your first priority is to go straight to your doctor or to the emergency room. However, with the new PIP legislation in place, it can make sense to talk with experienced Tampa car accident lawyers before you see a doctor. An attorney can provide important advice on how to protect your rights during your initial medical visit.

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The greatest distinguishing feature among attorneys is their level of experience. Our firm has more than 60 years of legal experience, much of it spent in the courtroom at trial. As a result, our Tampa personal injury lawyers rarely encounter an unfamiliar situation and can thoroughly answer your urgent questions. Our criminal defense practice features a board certified criminal trial lawyer and two former prosecutors with impressive knowledge of trial tactics and procedures.

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Whether your case involves medical malpractice, an auto accident or a wrongful death, your attorney must be prepared to take the case all the way through trial to verdict. Many personal injury attorneys advance the cost of litigation, so they can only last so long before financial pressures start to mount. As a client, you have to wonder whether an attorney's advice to settle your case reflects the quality of the offer or your attorneys need to get paid. Fortunately, The Matassini Law Firm has the resources to pursue civil verdicts and settlements that reflect the actual value of your case.

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A crisis in your life calls for capable and compassionate assistance. The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. addresses your needs all the way through the legal process. For your free initial confidential conference with one of our Tampa car accident attorneys, call us today at 813-217-5715 or contact us online.

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