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Accidents are rarely foreseen. Drivers and passengers involved in accidents often do not have time to brace themselves for impact. Even if the accident may seem to be minor with little vehicle damage, injuries may still happen. Only a professional in the medical field can check to be certain there are no visible injuries or hidden injuries which do not present themselves at the onset. Adrenaline and endorphins are released immediately after an accident which block out some of the initial pain following the accident, according to WebMD. These can often mask the severity of injuries. Some hidden injuries may be those like whiplash or soft tissue injuries caused by the sudden impact and violent jerking of the body and neck.

When treatment is delayed, injuries may become worse, and the treatment time may increase and be less effective. An injured vehicle accident victim does not know the seriousness of any injury. Victims of vehicle crashes may end up with lifelong serious health issues or even die.

Injury victims may also be entitled to PIP (personal injury protection) coverage, as well as other insurance benefits. There is a limited time to receive full PIP coverage in the state of Florida. Florida’s “No Fault” PIP insurance covers the costs associated with damages after a vehicle accident regardless of who is at fault. This is up to the limits listed within the insurance policy. PIP has a 14-day rule and an emergency medical condition (EMC) provision.

PIP is limited to $2,500 when treatment occurs within 14 days of an accident but no EMC exists. If EMC exists, PIP is limited to $10,000 if treatment is within 14 days and the injured victim is diagnosed with an EMC. Being diagnosed with an EMC is crucial to being eligible for the EMC amount of $10,000. EMC has been defined by Florida law as an injury that seriously jeopardizes the patient’s health, serious impairment to bodily functions, and/or serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part.

Accident victims need to consult experienced legal advice following an accident caused by the negligence of another. They should not “do it alone” with the insurance company. The insurance company is not looking out for the insured’s interests, but the company’s interests.

“Another reason to seek medical attention is that medical documentation is needed for personal injury lawsuits. A victim’s medical records can play a major role towards obtaining a successful outcome in the lawsuit. These medical records should be able to show that the injuries were incurred as the result of the accident and were not pre-existing,” said Fort Myers Auto Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Medical equipment and devices
• Costs for household assistance for services a victim can no longer perform
• Transportation costs to medical and therapy appointments
• Future medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of the enjoyment of life 

“Contact our experienced team immediately after seeking medical attention,” recommends Attorney Spivey.

Fort Myers Auto Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.