Auto Accidents and the 14 Day P.I.P Evaluation

Did you know that after an accident, injured parties must be evaluated by a physician within 14 days of the accident in order to receive any personal injury protection (PIP) health benefits. If you are injured, and you do not do so, you forfeit all of the valuable available medical benefits that you pay for in your mandatory auto insurance policy. The Florida auto laws allow for the freedom of policy holders to choose their doctor.

At Silver Chiropractic and Wellness we want to be your “first” choice when it comes to seeking treatment for injuries sustained in an automobile accident. After all, it is your health.

In Florida, the PIP section of your own auto policy is the first insurance in line to bill for any medical services rendered to injured parties involved in motor vehicle accidents. This is mandatory due to state law, regardless of fault.

We realize that lawyers have done a good job at creating a culture through advertising that makes people think that you need to go to a doctor that “they” send you to. Furthermore, that if you are injured through no fault of your own, that a lawyer is the first person you should call. The advertisements promise maximizing your claim and compensation.

Yes, you may have a claim and compensation is important, but no lawyer usually files a claim until doctors are done evaluating, diagnosing and treating your condition up until the point of maximum medical improvement. There are great law firms out there and we work with many that we can suggest to you. We remind you to keep it simple. If you are injured, call a doctor! That first choice is what’s most important. For your health and your potential claim. Call Silver Chiropractic and Wellness to achieve both.

There are many rules to follow in filing and understanding exactly what your own auto insurance is responsible for. At Silver Chiropractic and Wellness, we can help you understand this process, help file your claim and we work with attorneys that we can refer you to, as it is often necessary if you were not at fault for the car accident that you were involved in.

If you have been involved in a car accident, whiplash injuries need to be taken very seriously. Because symptoms of a whiplash injury can take weeks or months to manifest, it is easy to be fooled into thinking that you are not as injured as you really are.

Too often people don’t seek treatment following a car accident because they don’t feel hurt. By far, the most common injury to the neck is a whiplash injury. Whiplash is caused by a sudden movement of the head, neck and body in a backward, forward, or sideways motion that results in damage to the supporting muscles, ligaments and other connective tissues in the neck and upper back.

Unfortunately, by the time more serious complications develop, some of the damage from the injury may have become permanent. Numerous studies have shown that years after whiplash victims settle their insurance claims; roughly half of them state that they still suffer with symptoms from their injuries. If you have been in a motor vehicle or any other kind of accident, don’t assume that you escaped injury if you are not currently in pain. Contact us today! 904.634.0805

What You Should Know

Serious bodily injury can be sustained not only from the initial contact with the other vehicle, but from the secondary impact within your own vehicle. And despite the fact that vehicles are designed with new and improved safety features, auto accidents remain a leading cause of permanent injury.

Our office is well aware that injuries associated with Jacksonville, Florida auto accidents can severely impact the lives of the injured and also the lives of their family members. For this reason, the Jacksonville physicians at our Jacksonville, Florida clinic are committed to offering the kind of education, evaluation and treatment that puts patients and their entire family on the road to recovery.

What to Do if You Are Involved in an Auto Accident

The first moments following an auto accident can be extremely hectic and confusing. If you are involved in a collision, we and many attorneys advise you to take the following steps immediately to ensure that your legal rights are protected:

• Dial 911 – In Florida, a police report must be completed after all auto accidents involving property damage exceeding $500, injury, or death. Call 911 to report the accident and make sure to advise the 911 operator of any injuries.
• If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road and turn off your ignition (and the ignition of other cars involved in the accident). Stand apart from the vehicle while calling for help to avoid injury in case the car is hit again. If parties are injured, do not attempt to move them unless they are in immediate danger.
• It is recommended that you avoid admitting fault or discussing fault with other parties involved in the collision. It is best to avoid confrontation and cooperate fully with the police.
• Exchange information with all parties involved in the collision. Make sure to write down registration numbers, drivers license info, and insurance info.
• Check for witnesses to the auto accident – if there are witnesses obtain their contact information (including work and home phone numbers).
• If you are experiencing any pain, seek medical attention immediately (even if you feel the injury is minor).
• Make sure to photograph your vehicle (before repairs are completed) and injuries sustained from the crash. If you have a cell phone camera available you may want to photograph the crash scene and vehicles involved in the collision. Above all, protect your rights. You are not required to give any statements to the other party’s insurance company. While you should cooperate with your own insurance company.