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14-Day Rule

Ray cuts through the noise. He provides thorough and personalized help to victims who are confused about their options but want to be sure that they are making the right decisions.

Medical Malpractice
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The client suffered significant injuries that will affect her for the rest of her life. With the money recovered, the client was able to have an expensive medical procedure that will give her an opportunity to live a normal life despite the injury she suffered.

The 14-Day Rule

Let Our Jacksonville Injury Firm Help You Navigate Your Claim

A recent change in Florida law requires automobile accident victims to act fast or risk losing any chance to claim personal injury protection (PIP) awards from your insurance company. As of Jan. 1, 2013, auto accident victims have 14 days to seek medical treatment or otherwise forfeit any coverage for PIP coverage. Florida law requires you to pay for $10,000 in personal injury protection coverage, but if you delay in seeking appropriate medical care, you may find yourself unable to claim anything.

Call (904) 358-4004 today to speak to our team at Raymond Ravis Attorney at Law as quickly as possible. We can help victims and their families understand their options.

Get The Facts

Here’s what you need to know about this law:

  • Anyone injured in an automobile accident has 14 days to seek medical treatment or lose any claim to coverage.
  • To receive the full personal injury protection coverage, a doctor or other qualified medical provider must diagnosis an “emergency medical condition.”
  • Many family doctors won’t treat motor vehicle accident injuries because of paperwork and insurance requirements.
  • Chiropractors aren’t qualified to make the medical diagnosis and massage therapy isn’t covered by the insurance.
  • Only an attorney can give you the best advice on how to seek treatment after being injured in an automobile accident.
Finding a Doctor After Your Accident

Because of the requirements the new law puts on medical professionals, many family doctors won’t treat auto accident victims. Doctors that treat accident victims must deal with billing the insurance company, saving and producing medical records and if necessary, testifying in court, which is a hassle that many don’t want to put up with. Because of this, family doctors often refer victims to chiropractors. However, under recent changes in the law, chiropractors aren’t allowed to diagnosis emergency medical conditions.

All drivers are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection to cover injury and lost wages that result from an auto accident. Regardless of who was at fault, PIP will cover up to 80 percent of their injuries and 60 percent of their lost wages. Usually, PIP won’t cover all of the medical costs and lost wages. Property damage and compensation for pain, suffering, or other damage isn’t covered either.

Proving That You Have an Emergency Medical Condition

In order to receive the full $10,000 in benefits, the victim must be diagnosed with an emergency medical condition, or EMC. Only a medical doctor, osteopathic physician, dentist, or advance registered nurse practitioner can diagnosis an EMC. Injuries must show acute symptoms of sufficient severity, which can include severe pain, in order to qualify as an emergency medical condition. The injuries must be reasonably expected to result in either serious jeopardy to patient health, impairment to bodily functions, or dysfunction of any body part or organ.

Since the new laws prohibit chiropractors from making this determination, it is crucial for accident victims to seek the right kind of treatment in the days immediately following their injuries. After the initial visit, patients may seek follow-up care, which can include the help of a chiropractor. Victims that aren’t diagnosed with an emergency medical condition can only receive a maximum of $2,500 of the $10,000 in personal injury protection benefits that they paid for. Massage therapy and acupuncture can no longer be covered under personal injury protection.

Call Raymond Ravis Attorney at Law Today

These laws can be confusing without the help of an experienced attorney to guide you through the potential pitfalls that can reduce or completely take away your available insurance coverage.

Contact our firm for a free consultation to discuss your rights.

We Believe In Our Clients' Cause
What Sets Us Apart:
Helping You Recover Your Life
After an injury, all hope can seem lost. Attorney Ray Ravis is here to ensure you get the support, attention, and results you need to move forward with your life after an injury.
20+ Years of Legal Experience
Not only do our attorneys have the knowledge and resources to successfully defend your case, but they also know how the insurances companies think and operate, making us skilled in defending the rights of the injured.
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At Raymond Ravis Law you are not a number: you are a person who deserves justice. When you work with us, you get customized strategies and a lawyer who cares about you AND your case.
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