How Florida’s 14-Day Rule Affects Your Right to PIP Benefits
Under Florida’s no-fault insurance system, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is required for all drivers. However, many Florida residents remain unaware of a critical legal requirement that directly impacts their ability to recover medical expenses following an accident: the 14-day rule.
It is therefore important to understand what the 14-day rule is, how it functions under current Florida law, and what injured individuals must do to protect their rights.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a mandatory part of Florida’s auto insurance laws. It covers medical expenses, lost wages, and certain other related costs regardless of who caused the accident. PIP benefits are designed to provide quick financial relief and reduce litigation by handling minor injury claims through insurance payments.
However, PIP coverage is limited and comes with strict requirements.
Florida Statutes § 627.736(1)(a) set forth that in order to access PIP benefits, an injured person must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident. If no qualifying medical care is received within this timeframe, the individual forfeits the right to PIP reimbursement—regardless of the severity of the injury. While we always advise our clients to seek medical care as soon as possible after an accident in order to ensure their safety and welfare, the brevity of this window is another reason why expeditious care is essential.
This law applies to any person seeking coverage under a PIP policy, including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
To satisfy the 14-day rule, the treatment must be provided by a licensed medical professional. Qualifying providers include:
A massage therapist or acupuncturist does not meet the statutory requirement, even if the care is related to the accident. If you have any questions or concerns about what types of care meets the PIP requirement, we encourage you to contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible.
PIP benefits in Florida can cover up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, but these benefits are only accessible if the 14-day window is met. Failing to see a provider within this time period can leave an injured party fully responsible for all out-of-pocket medical expenses—even when another driver was clearly at fault.
The rule also applies even when injuries seem minor at first. Some accident-related injuries, such as soft tissue trauma, herniated discs, or concussions, may not produce immediate symptoms. However, delayed onset does not extend the legal deadline. Many victims who delay care find themselves in the unenviable position of being responsible for medical bills that would have otherwise been fully covered by PIP.
The 14-day rule often becomes a point of contention in insurance disputes. Insurers may attempt to argue that a delay in treatment reflects a lack of injury or use it as a basis to deny claims. At Aronberg & Aronberg, we ensure that our clients understand their responsibilities under Florida’s PIP statutes and help them take action within the required timeframes.
If you have been in an auto accident in Florida, do not wait. Consult with a qualified attorney immediately and seek appropriate medical care without delay. Failure to act within 14 days could cost you your right to compensation.
