What is Florida’s 14-Day Rule for Commercial Truck Accidents?

Were you hurt in a semi-truck accident in Florida? You need compensation to pay bills and provide for your family. As Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state—including for truck accidents—there are some unique rules that apply to your case. A key deadline: You need to seek medical care within 14 days of your accident. Here, our West Palm Beach semi-truck accident attorney explains the most important things injured victims need to know about Florida’s 14-day rule.

 Background: Florida is No-Fault Insurance State (PIP Coverage) 

Florida is a no-fault motor vehicle accident state. Your initial claim—even after a truck accident—is through your own insurance company. Specifically, through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) provider. All motorists in Florida need to purchase and maintain at least $10,000 in PIP coverage.

The system allows drivers to recover financial losses from their own insurance carrier—regardless of who was at fault for the eighteen wheeler crash.

Initial Deadline: The 14-Day Rule 

No-fault truck accident claims are very time-sensitive. Florida has a 14-day rule for PIP claims—including for both car accidents and truck accidents. The regulation mandates that victims of crashes, including commercial truck accidents, must seek medical attention within 14 days of the incident to be eligible to file for PIP benefits. If treatment is sought after this period, insurance providers have the right to deny PIP coverage.

Important: You need to see a doctor immediately after a truck accident. If you wait more than 14 days, you could be denied any PIP benefits.

 You Should File for PIP Benefits After Being Hurt in a Truck Accident 

If you have been hurt in a truck accident, you should file for your PIP benefits as soon as possible. Seeking immediate medical attention not only aids in your physical recovery but also ensures that your insurance claim is supported by medical documentation. Filing promptly can alleviate the financial burden of medical bills and lost income. Fault is not an issue for these claims. You should file for PIP no matter who caused the crash. Remember, the 14-Day Rule is a strict deadline.

 Injured Victims May Also Have a Fault-Based Claim 

While PIP coverage provides immediate benefits for medical expenses and lost wages, it does not compensate for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages. If your injuries from a truck accident are severe, you may have grounds for a fault-based claim against the driver or company responsible for the truck. Our attorneys can help. Through a fault-based semi-truck accident claim, injured victims in Florida may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Property damage;
• Emergency room care;
• Hospital bills;
• Medical expenses;
• Physical therapy;
• Lost wages;
• Loss of earnings;
• Pain and suffering;
• Mental impairment;
• Long-term disability; and
• Wrongful death.

 Speak to Our West Palm Beach, FL Semi-Truck Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach tractor trailer accident attorney is an experienced, justice-focused advocate for victims. Have any questions about truck accident injury claims and PIP coverage? We are here as a resource. Call us now or contact us online for a free, no obligation case review. Our law firm represents truck accident victims in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and throughout South Florida.