Hurt in a Florida Car Accident? Why the 14-Day PIP Rule Matters

If you were hurt in a car accident in Florida, there is a deadline that catches many people out. Your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance pays medical benefits only if you receive initial care within 14 days of the crash. Here is what the law says, and what it means for an injury that seemed minor at first.

What the law says

Florida Statutes § 627.736(1)(a) provides PIP medical benefits “if the individual receives initial services and care pursuant to subparagraph 1. within 14 days after the motor vehicle accident.”

In plain terms, if your first medical visit comes after day 14, PIP may not pay for your treatment at all.

Who can provide that initial care

The statute lists who counts. Initial care must be “lawfully provided, supervised, ordered, or prescribed by a physician licensed under chapter 458 or chapter 459, a dentist licensed under chapter 466, a chiropractic physician licensed under chapter 460, or an advanced practice registered nurse registered under s. 464.0123,” or provided in a hospital or a facility owned by one. Chapters 458 and 459 cover medical doctors (MDs) and osteopathic physicians (DOs), which includes orthopedic surgeons.

How much PIP covers

The statute sets two limits, depending on whether a qualifying provider finds an “emergency medical condition”:

• Up to $10,000 if a qualifying physician, dentist, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse has determined that you had an emergency medical condition.
• Limited to $2,500 if a provider determines that you did not.

PIP pays 80% of reasonable expenses for medically necessary care, within those limits.

Why orthopedic injuries are easy to miss

Many crash injuries do not announce themselves on day one. A sore shoulder, a stiff knee or neck pain can feel like bruising that will pass, then still be there a week later. An orthopedic evaluation can find injuries that were missed at first, such as ligament or meniscus damage, a rotator cuff tear or a fracture. Waiting to see whether it settles can run out the 14-day clock.

What to do after a crash

1. Get evaluated within 14 days, even if the pain seems minor.
2. Keep your claim number and your insurer’s or adjuster’s details.
3. Keep any police or incident report, and records from the ER or urgent care if you went.
4. If you have an attorney, share their contact details with your treating practice.

How ELITE Sports Medicine helps

Dr. Marc F. Matarazzo is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who evaluates and treats car-accident and fall injuries at offices in Port St. Lucie and Palm Beach Gardens. The practice keeps thorough, objective records your attorney and insurer can rely on, and coordinates directly with your attorney’s office. In many cases it can treat on a Letter of Protection basis, so care isn’t delayed while a claim is pending. Treatment starts with the least invasive option that will work. Read more about personal injury orthopedic care.

Call 561-202-8886 or request an appointment. If you already saw another doctor or went to the ER, bring those records.

This article explains Florida Statutes § 627.736 as published for 2025. It is not legal advice; for questions about your claim, talk to your insurer or an attorney. Source: Fla. Stat. § 627.736 (Florida Senate).