The 14-Day Rule: What It Is And How It Can Impact Your Auto Accident Settlement
Michael Babboni
Insurance Coverage
After an automobile accident, you will quickly learn that Florida insurance laws are very complicated. Insurance companies know this and use the complexities of the laws to get out of paying a fair settlement. One of the most common laws they will try to use against accident victims is the 14-day PIP rule. If you’ve been in an accident, you need to understand the basics of this rule in order to protect yourself.What Is PIP Coverage?
PIP, an acronym of Personal Injury Protection, is a type of auto insurance coverage covers the cost of injuries after an accident. PIP is often referred to as “no fault” insurance, as the amount is paid to the injured party regardless of who is at fault for the accident. By state law, all drivers in Florida are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 PIP. PIP coverage requirements have been law for decades. However, state legislatures often make changes to the rule. One recent change was in 2013, and included a new amendment to the timeline required for PIP.
What Is The 14-Day Rule?
According to the newest statute, the 14-day rule is a time limit on when people can seek medical attention after an accident and still be able to make a PIP claim. According to the 2018, Florida Statutes Title XXXVII Chapter 627.736 1a, the law states that PIP will cover:
“Eighty percent of all reasonable expenses for medically necessary medical, surgical, X-ray, dental, and rehabilitative services, including prosthetic devices and medically necessary ambulance, hospital, and nursing services if the individual receives initial services and care pursuant to subparagraph 1. within 14 days after the motor vehicle accident.”
Basically, this means that accident injury victims need to seek medical care immediately after an accident in order to receive PIP benefits for their injury claim.
Always Seek Medical Attention After An Injury
We have been protecting auto accident victims in the St. Peterburg’s area for nearly 30 years now and one of the most important lessons we can impart is seeking medical attention immediately. Not only will this make sure that you are in compliance with the law so you can fair compensation for your injuries, but it can save your life. Many accident injuries are not always apparent right away.
Traumatic Brain Injuries, specifically, are catastrophic, life-changing injuries and may not show any signs or symptoms for a month. No matter if you had a simple fender bender or were in a massive, multi-vehicle pileup, you need to see your doctor right away.
How Insurance Companies Exploit The 14 Day Rule
The 14 day rule also places limits on coverages, but set up automatic payments to reduce financial hardship. If you had non-emergency injuries, you can only receive $2,500 in PIP benefits, while with emergency injuries you can receive the full $10,000. Not only will insurance companies try to deny you if you didn’t receive medical care within 14 days, they’ll try to lie about the law. Many insurance companies will try to state that because of this law, they don’t owe you any more compensation for your injuries. This is far from the truth. They’ll also try to classify your emergency injuries as non-emergency injuries, regardless of what your healthcare provider states.
These kinds of tactics and manipulation of the law is why the moment you get into a car accident, no matter how severe your injuries, you need to speak to an attorney. The St. Pete’s Lawyer Michael Babboni can help. He’ll advise you on what immediate steps you need to take to navigate laws like the 14-day rule. He’ll also take over all communications with the insurance companies, so they can’t pull dirty tricks like manipulating the law and lying about their responsibilities.
If you’ve been in an auto accident, don’t delay! Call the St. Pete’s Lawyer at (727) 381-9200 for a free case review. We’ll answer all your questions and explain how our firm can help protect your rights after an accident injury.