What!? Some Doctors May Refuse To Treat You After A Personal Injury Accident in North Port
Brian O Sutter
Accident Lawyers
When you're involved in a car accident in Port Charlotte, you might anticipate your next stop to be your doctor's office. Perhaps you're driving on Veterans Boulevard, and you get sideswiped near the intersection with Cochran Boulevard. You would likely want to consult your doctor for any injuries sustained. Regrettably, some people in our community have found that their primary healthcare provider refuses to treat injuries resulting from car accidents. But why is that?
One of the main reasons lies in Florida’s reliance on Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, a unique feature of the Florida motor vehicle insurance landscape.
PIP insurance coverage guarantees payment of your medical expenses up to your policy limits, regardless of who caused the accident. The issue arises when healthcare providers, typically set up to bill health insurers, have to tackle the paperwork and sometimes lower reimbursement rates associated with PIP policies. For some Port Charlotte doctors, the hassle outweighs the benefit, leading to a refusal to provide treatment to accident victims.
At All Injuries Law Firm, located in the center of Port Charlotte just north of Midway Blvd on Tamiami Trail, we understand this predicament and can help advise clients on what to do after being injured. As local personal injury law office serving SW Florida for over 30 years we can connect you with physicians who are willing to work within the confines of PIP coverage for any type of accident injury. Moreover, attorneys will aid you in pursuing maximum compensation from all insurance parties who have a legal obligation to assist you - and are likely to try and reduce your compensation.
It's essential to understand that Florida is one of the 10 states that utilize a no-fault auto insurance system, with PIP coverage as its cornerstone. The policy mandates that each driver is responsible for their own injuries following an accident, no matter who's at fault. This approach aims to provide immediate medical coverage of up to $10,000, sidestepping the need to establish fault through court proceedings for minor injuries.
However, the downside to the PIP coverage system becomes apparent when the severity of injuries pushes medical costs beyond the $10,000 limit. In such cases, and when the accident was due to another driver's negligence, Florida law permits you to seek additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
PIP coverage also poses another obstacle for victims of auto accidents in Port Charlotte. If you don't obtain medical treatment within 14 days of the accident, your PIP coverage may leave you with nothing. This is particularly concerning if your primary care doctor declines to treat you.
For residents of Port Charlotte who find themselves in an accident along the busy Tamiami Trail, or any other location in the Charlotte/North Port area, this is a real concern. Symptoms such as headache, back pain, abdominal pain, and emotional distress may not manifest until a day or two after the accident. These can be signs of severe injuries requiring immediate attention.
The shock and adrenaline following a car accident can often mask symptoms of severe injuries. This natural physiological response might make you feel fine right after the accident, but certain symptoms can take time to manifest—sometimes a day or longer. These delayed symptoms can be a sign of severe injuries, which is why seeking immediate medical attention after an auto accident is crucial, even if you initially feel okay. Here's a closer look at some delayed symptoms to watch out for.
Headaches, Sluggishness, or Fatigue:
A sudden onset of a headache, sluggishness, or unexplained fatigue after an accident may signal a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or a concussion. This could result from your brain being jolted or shaken inside your skull during the impact. Alternatively, it might indicate a blood clot in the brain. Both conditions require immediate attention, as they can lead to long-term cognitive issues if not promptly treated.
Neck and Shoulder Pain:
Pain in the neck and shoulder area could be indicative of whiplash, a common injury resulting from the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head and neck during a collision. The pain results from damage to the soft tissues in the neck. Whiplash can also cause headaches, dizziness, and stiffness. If you experience these symptoms, it's possible you've suffered a cervical spine injury or a pinched nerve.
Back Pain:
Back pain after a car accident might signal a herniated disc, a fractured vertebra, or a sprain. The force exerted during a collision can place significant stress on the spine and the muscles around it. Persistent back pain should not be ignored, as it may signal more significant issues like damage to the ligaments, muscles, or nerves in the back.
Abdominal Pain:
This can be a particularly worrisome symptom as it might suggest internal bleeding or organ damage, which are both life-threatening conditions. Other signs of internal bleeding include deep purple bruising, dizziness, and fainting. Any form of abdominal discomfort following an accident needs immediate medical attention.
Numbness:
A sensation of numbness or tingling, especially in the arms and hands, could be a sign of a herniated disc or a pinched nerve resulting from the accident. It could also be a sign of whiplash, as the neck injury could affect the nerves leading to your arms.
Emotional Distress or Agitation:
Not all car accident injuries are physical. Mental and emotional trauma can also result from such a distressing event. Symptoms like anxiety, irritability, insomnia, or even nightmares might suggest post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Meanwhile, emotional distress or agitation could be signs of a concussion or more severe TBI.
Any delayed symptoms following an auto accident should be taken seriously. Always consult a healthcare professional after an accident, even if you feel fine at the moment. In Port Charlotte, despite potential difficulties with PIP coverage, there are healthcare providers and legal advisors ready to assist you in navigating this challenging time. It's crucial to ensure that you receive the necessary medical attention and subsequently the rightful compensation for your suffering.
In a city with a thriving senior population, such as Port Charlotte, these injuries can significantly impact the victim's health. Therefore, it's vital to see a doctor, ideally within 24 hours of the accident.
If your primary care provider refuses to treat you, here's what you can do:
Request a referral to a healthcare professional who will assist you.
Get A Letter Of Protection
• Reach out to a personal injury attorney at All Injuries Law Firm. We can prepare a letter of protection indicating that you're pursuing a claim and that the healthcare provider will be compensated from an anticipated settlement or court award.
Urgent Care and Emergency Rooms
• Visit an emergency room or "urgent care" center if you're unable to see a doctor within 14 days of your accident. This is crucial to get your injuries diagnosed and documented for PIP benefits.
The All Injuries Law Firm, based right here in Port Charlotte, stands ready to guide you through these challenging circumstances. Our team, well-versed in dealing with PIP insurance and its intricacies, is committed to helping you navigate these complicated matters, ensuring you receive the treatment and compensation you deserve after an auto accident.