There are tens of thousands of injuries caused by vehicle accidents in Tampa Bay each year. Many injuries do not show symptoms until days or weeks after the accident, causing severe pain and loss of function. It’s extremely important to know what to do after being involved in an auto accident to save yourself pain, suffering, and potentially thousands of dollars.

Contact Us Quickly for Injury Care

Once you’re cleared by the emergency room, or if an ER visit is not required, it’s still important to call and schedule follow-up care immediately. Here at Florida Wellness Medical Center in Zephyrhills, we offer appointments as soon as the same day for auto accident victims. Call (844) 935-5669 or request an appointment online.

What Injuries Are Common After an Auto Accident?

Some of the most common injuries our patients experience include:

Whiplash

Whiplash is common in rear-end auto accidents. When the head is whipped back and forth violently, it can cause pain, tenderness, swelling, and a reduced range of motion. It is common for whiplash to have a delayed onset, with some patients not experiencing first symptoms until days after the accident. Without proper treatment, whiplash can progress to more severe symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness, memory loss, irritability, vision problems, sleep problems, and even depression.

Soft tissue injuries

Soft tissue injuries are extremely common after a vehicle accident. These are a collection of different injuries to the soft tissues of the body. Muscle tears are common soft tissue injuries after an auto accident, along with other sprains, strains, and contusions. When soft tissue injuries are severe, they can have a delayed onset of days or even over a week.

Spinal injuries

The spine is one of the most vital, yet fragile parts of the body. When you sustain an injury to the spine, it can affect almost every other part of the body and aspect of your life. Spinal injuries are a collection of injuries that affect the vertebrae, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues around the spinal column. Because so many nerves converge in the spinal cord that affects all parts of the body, injury to the spine can have multi-system effects.

14-Day Deadline

You must seek medical care for your auto accident-related injuries within 14 days to qualify for coverage by your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. Waiting too long may leave you on the hook for your own medical bills, which can be extensive for auto accident-related injuries.

What is PIP coverage?

All Florida vehicle owners are required to carry PIP coverage on their auto insurance plan from a reputable and qualified Florida insurance provider. PIP coverage pays 80% of approved treatment costs for injuries sustained in auto accidents. Depending on the nature and severity of the injuries, PIP may pay up to $10,000 total.

What happens if I miss the 14-day deadline?

If you do not seek medical care for your auto accident-related injuries within the 14-day limit, you may have to use your own health insurance or pay out-of-pocket for your medical expenses. Sometimes, if the cost of treatment for your injuries is involved in litigation, your attorney may provide a Letter of Protection (LOP) to have your medical costs covered until the legal case is settled.

Do I Need a Referral?

At Florida Wellness Medical Center in Zephyrhills, you do not need a referral to start receiving treatment for your auto accident-related injuries if you plan to use your PIP coverage. If you are not using PIP coverage and plan to use your personal health insurance or worker’s compensation, you may need a referral from your primary care physician.

Do I Need Insurance?

At Florida Wellness Medical Center in Zephyrhills, you do not need health or auto insurance coverage to receive care. We offer competitive rates for self-pay patients and also consider LOP agreements for injury expenses involved in litigation.