If you have been involved in a car accident, there are many issues you need to address, but if you were injured, medical care will generally be at the top of the list. This is true whether someone hit you or if you were at fault. Other issues, such as damage to your car, are important, but taking care of any injuries should be at the top of your list. Even what seems to be a minor injury should be evaluated by an appropriate physician, so that something that appears minor does not become major.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
It is impossible to describe all the ways a person could be injured in an accident. Car accident injuries can range from life-threatening to minor bumps and bruises. Fortunately, minor injuries are more common, but all injuries should be taken seriously. Serious injuries, such as broken bones, are evident right away and the need for medical treatment is obvious, but less severe injuries may not manifest themselves until hours or days after an accident. These types of injuries can include strains and sprains commonly known as soft tissue injuries. Other types of injuries can include cuts, ligament damage, and concussions. When injuries do manifest, have them checked out by a physician. There are numerous options for treatment ranging from the ER to your family physician.
Personal Injury Protection Coverage
Insurance policies sold in Florida are required to provide Personal Injury Protection Coverage (PIP). PIP is no-fault coverage, meaning it covers you for 80% of your medical treatment up to your PIP limit (usually $10,000.00) whether you or the other driver caused the accident. After an accident, make sure to notify your insurance company right away so that you can receive your PIP benefits. Also, Florida PIP law requires that your medical condition is evaluated within 14 days by a physician authorized under the statute. If no treatment is sought within 14 days, your carrier may not provide coverage. If you treat within 14 days, but a physician does not certify that you have an emergency medical condition, your coverage may be capped at $2,500.00.
What Should I Do?
If you feel you have an injury while at the scene of the accident, either call or ask for an ambulance, or seek treatment yourself as soon as possible. Do not let the nature of the accident govern what you do. People can walk away from serious accidents without a scratch or suffer injuries in accidents that seem minor. Your treatment options depend on the nature of your injuries. Medical doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, and numerous other medical providers may be treatment options for you. The most important thing is to get checked out and follow the advice of your physicians. 