December 17, 2025 12:23 am
This question was posted on our Reddit forum:
“I was involved in a car accident. My child was in the car with me as well. It was a really bad accident (air bags deployed and car is completely smashed).
I was so worried about getting my child checked out at the ER that I did not go. However, of course I woke us sore and went to an ortho specialist the next day. I plan to hire an attorney to help me navigate this. Did I mess up by not going to the ER?”
As a personal injury attorney in Florida, I understand your concern. While it’s ideal to seek medical attention immediately after an accident, Florida’s PIP law only requires that you seek care within 14 days to qualify for benefits. Since you saw an orthopedic specialist the next day, you should still be within that window, which is important for your case.
While not going to the ER right away may raise questions, it’s not necessarily a mistake, as you are still within the legal timeframe for seeking medical assistance. The key is to document your injuries and continue seeking medical care. An experienced Florida personal injury attorney can help gather the necessary evidence and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. Make sure to keep all your medical records and the accident report for your attorney to review.