As soon as you are in a car accident, the clock is ticking. If you are injured and need to file a personal injury claim, you only have so much time to get the ball rolling. There is no guarantee on a specific outcome for your case but the general consensus amongst personal injury lawyers is that the sooner you contact an attorney, the better.
Your South Florida Car Accident Case Timeline
While the outcome varies greatly from case to case, it is fairly common knowledge that, if you are injured in a car accident, it is crucial that you contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible so you don’t lose any time.
The First 72 Hours
The first 3 days after an accident are an important period when it comes to your personal injury claim. You should have already received any emergency medical care for your injuries as well as contacted a personal injury attorney.
During those first few days, you will likely have been contacted by any insurance companies that are responsible for compensating you for your damages. When the claims adjusters contact you, they will seem very concerned and curious as to how you are feeling. Be careful with how you are answering the adjuster’s questions, as they often record calls in hopes of recording any evidence that can be used against you in the future if needed.
Most injuries should have become apparent in the 3 days following the car accident, especially if you went to the hospital after the collision and were examined by a doctor. Even if you weren’t seen by a physician, the symptoms of nearly any injuries should start setting in during those first few days. Seeking medical attention is critical so you can document any injuries and start treatments for anything that requires prolonged care.
The First 14 Days
For residents of Florida, the two-week point is pivotal for victims of car accidents. If you are planning on taking advantage of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, you need to be seen by a doctor within the 2 calendar weeks, or 14 days, following an accident. Those that fail to be seen by a medical professional can still seek compensation for their damages, but they no longer qualify for the PIP benefits, which could pay up to $10,000.00 towards your medical expenses.
30+ Days
While you do have a total of 4 years to file your car accident personal injury claim, handling everything immediately following the accident is ideal. Once you pass the one month mark, if you haven’t been seen by a physician to document and treat your symptoms, it may be hard to prove your injuries. Going to the doctor six weeks after an accident and claiming your sore neck is from an accident that happened more than a month ago is harder for the doctor to prove.
Why Choose Elstein Legal to Represent your Case?
Since opening Elstein Legal in 2018, Miami personal injury attorney Brian L. Elstein has recovered millions on behalf of his deserving clients. A cum laude graduate of Nova Southeastern University, Brian Elstein honed his skills early as a member of the Nova Trial Association.
Today, he is recognized by The National Trial Lawyers as a Top 40 Under 40 Lawyer in Florida and has been selected to the 2022-2023 Florida Rising Stars list by Super Lawyers Magazine – a distinction given to only 2.5% of attorneys in Florida, and named 2022 Best Litigation Attorney by Expertise.com.
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If you have injuries due to someone else’s negligent behavior, you deserve compensation to help recover from your injuries. At Elstein Legal, we can help you with all aspects of your claim, including going to trial if necessary to ensure you get what you need.
Call us at (305) 299-2835 or contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. There is no fee unless we win your case.