THE FLORIDA LAW BLOG

THE FLORIDA-LAWBLOG

FOR A FREE CONSULTATION CONTACT ATTORNEY CHARLES D. SCOTT, 727-300-4878, OR EMAIL: [email protected]

The Florida Lawblog is owned and published by S&F Media LLC (a Florida Limited Liability Company)  and provides insights into current legal topics, and stories of interest in Florida law. Some content  is based on guest commentary, or links to previously published articles, and court cases which have appeared in other publications. Posts may include the opinion of contributing authors, and readers are encouraged to view the referenced materials and links, and come to their own conclusions. You should not rely on any information contained within this site when making legal decisions or handling legal matters.  This site is limited to Florida law topics, and does not constitute legal advice, nor does this site constitute an advertisement or solicitation for business, always seek the advice of a lawyer in your state before making any decision or taking any course of action on any legal matter. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide to hire a lawyer, ask them to send you free written information on their qualifications and experience. Visit our web site at:  https://www.yourstpetelawyers.com

 

NEW LAWS IN FLORIDA STARTING JULY 1, 2025

HERE ARE SOME OF THE NOTABLE NEW LAWS IN FLORIDA FOR JULY 1, 2025, THERE ARE ROUGHLY 100 NEW LAWS, THESE ARE JUST A FEW

Here are 25 of those laws and how they will impact the lives of Floridians.

Weather Modification
Senate Bill 56 repeals the state’s ability to issue permits for geoengineering and weather modification. It also prohibits the release of chemicals or apparatuses into the state’s atmosphere that are “intended to affect the weather, temperature or the intensity of sunlight.”

Gold and Silver
DeSantis signed the bill CS/HB 999 during a news conference in Apopka on May 27, recognizing gold and silver as “proper legal tender.” DeSantis said this legislation will protect against the declining value of the dollar while aligning with Florida’s commitment to “economic freedom.”

‘Super Speeders’
Starting July 1, Florida drivers caught speeding more than 50 mph over the posted limit could face much harsher penalties—including jail time—under a new state law aimed at cracking down on dangerous driving. The law targets what the state calls “super speeders,” and introduces a range of escalating consequences. For a first offense, violators could face: Up to 30 days in jail
A $500 fine, Repeat offenders—those caught again within five years—could face: Up to 90 days in jail A $1,000 fine A driver’s license suspension for at least six months

Pam Rock Act
The bill was named after Pamela Rock, a 62-year-old mail carrier who was mauled by several dogs in Putnam County nearly three years ago. According to the bill, a dangerous dog is defined as one that seriously injures a person, and it requires owners to keep these dogs “securely confined.” If the owners don’t comply, the legislation would: Create a statewide registry of dangerous dogs, Require owners of dangerous dogs to carry $100,000 in liability insurance
Increase penalties for owners whose dogs attack, Enforce stricter confinement rules for all dogs
Allow authorities to hold dogs during investigations, Permit humane euthanasia for dogs responsible for severe injuries

‘Trooper’s Law’, ‘Dexter’s Law’
SB 150 and Florida House Bill 255, dubbed Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law, respectively, were signed by DeSantis on May 28. Trooper’s Law was inspired by the dog that was left chained up in the path of Hurricane Milton and rescued by Florida Highway Patrol last year, and makes it a felony to restrain and abandon a dog during a declared disaster or evacuation, punishable by up to five years in prison and $10,000 fine. The law also codifies penalties for failing to provide confined animals with sufficient food, water, and exercise, and for abandoning an animal, as misdemeanors of the first degree, with similar fines. Dexter’s Law was named after a shelter dog that was brutally killed in Pinellas County days after being adopted, and enhances penalties for aggravated animal cruelty, including a 1.25 sentencing multiplier while also creating Florida’s first animal abuser database to prevent abuse and protect communities.

State Park Protection
Lawmakers unanimously passed the bill (HB 209) during this spring’s legislative session. The measure will prohibit building golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and ball fields in state parks.

‘Gulf of America’
One of the bills (HB 575) will change dozens of state laws to reflect the name change, while the other (HB 549) will require state agencies to update “geographic materials” to reflect the change.

Fluoride Ban
As part of a larger bill aimed at changing the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, SB 700 made Florida became the second state in the country to ban the addition of fluoride in the public water supply. Gov. DeSantis has called water fluoridation “forced medication,” making the move to ban fluoride from public drinking water. James Nguyen, a dentist at Distinctive Dentistry, said, “In the correct amounts, calcium, salt, fluoride, are beneficial and can improve the strength of your teeth. A lot of the controversy from fluoride originated around the movie Dr. Strangelove. One of the premises in that movie was that fluoride was mind control from the government.”

School Start Times
Florida lawmakers in 2023 passed a law aimed at starting high-school classes later in the morning, pointing to research showing that teens are not getting enough sleep. But two years later, with a 2026 deadline looming for school districts to comply, the Florida Senate on Thursday unanimously passed SB 296, which undoes the 2023 law and leaves it up to local officials to decide when schools start.

Infant Safety Devices
House Bill 791 allows certain hospitals and fire stations to use “infant safety devices” to accept surrendered infants. Under this bill, such a device would have to be equipped with a surveillance system to monitor the device 24 hours a day. It also authorizes certain hospitals, EMS stations, and fire stations to use infant safety devices to accept surrendered infants if the device meets specified criteria, while also physically checking and testing the devices at specified intervals.

‘Swatting’
HB 279 addresses false reporting, also known as swatting, which is when someone calls 911 and fakes an emergency that draws a response from law enforcement, usually a SWAT team. In 2021, DeSantis signed a bill that established felonies for swatting offenses that lead to damage, injury or death. It also requires restitution to be paid by offenders. However, he said those efforts have not been “sufficient.” HB 279 will increase penalties for people behind those fake calls, and even more for repeat offenders.

Squatting
In early June, DeSantis signed SB 322 and SB 606, which aim to protect property owners against squatting. Squatters are people who inhabit a piece of land or a building that they don’t have a legal right to occupy. Specifically, SB 322 authorizes a property owner or their authorized agent to request the sheriff to immediately remove the person who is unlawfully occupying the property if specific conditions are met. Meanwhile, SB 606 helps restaurants and hotels get rid of certain guests, allowing police to arrest a guest who remains in an establishment after being provided a notice to leave.

‘Boater Freedom Act’
According to DeSantis, SB 1388 will require a change in a state law that allows law enforcement officers to pull over boaters for safety inspections when no probable cause or suspected violations have occurred.

Driver’s Licenses
SB 994 requires adults applying for a driver’s license to complete a traffic law and substance abuse education course.

‘Second Chance Act’
SB 1070 requires students to complete at least one electrocardiogram (EKG) for students who wish to compete in interscholastic sports and requires the FHSAA to prohibit students with abnormal EKG’s from participating in school sports unless a written medical clearance is provided to the school.

Charter Schools
HB 443 would give charter schools a “right of first refusal” if school districts seek to sell, lease, or dispose of facilities. Also, the bill would allow charter schools to adopt their own codes of conduct and give a high-performing charter school permission to assume the charter of another charter school in the same district.

School Safety
SB 1470 seeks to strengthen school safety by allowing school security guards to be trained and approved by a sheriff. The law states that their training requirements must be aligned with those for school guardians.

Holocaust Remembrance Day
SB 356 makes January 27 “Holocaust Remembrance Day.” The bill states that the day will be observed in this state’s public schools while using the occasion to teach students about the harmful impacts of the Holocaust and antisemitism.

Law Enforcement Gun Purchases
HB 383 exempts law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and service members from the three-day mandatory waiting period after buying a firearm. As such, these figures may take immediate possession of a purchased firearm after a successful background check, which is in line with rules for those who hold a concealed weapons license.

Phones Banned in School
Florida lawmakers approved a ban on students in elementary and middle schools from using cell phones during the school day, and testing the idea in high schools. The cell-phone change was included in a broader education bill, HB 1105.

Condominium and Cooperative Associations
HB 913 will make changes to the regulation of condos and cooperatives. It will also increase transparency and accountability on condominium associations, and it will provide needed financial relief for condo owners.

This bill specifically tackles five different things: Extend the reserve study requirement: This will provide a one-year extension that will immediately give condo owners relief from sudden and burdensome fee assessments. Alternative funding options: Provides financial flexibility to help associations meet reserve requirements in alternative ways. Builds upon the prioritization of legislation: Ensures transparency among condominium associations. Unit owners will have access to what the boards are doing, and particularly to financial records regarding their association. Accountability: This legislation holds condo board members and community association managers accountable, but without penalizing unit owners Report: It requires condos to report information about their association to the department, which will allow the DBPR to best contact associations.

Execution Methods
One of the major changes brought on by HB 903 is allowing the death penalty to be carried out using any method not deemed unconstitutional, such as with firing squads and lethal gas.

Veteran Protections
SB 910, according to DeSantis, cracks down on bad faith actors who try to take advantage of veterans as they navigate the often complicated benefits process.

Deadly Drug Deals
SB 612 establishes a new category of third-degree murder for those younger than 18 years old who illegally distribute controlled substances that result in an overdose. The substances covered under this include, but are not limited to: Cocaine Opium (or a derivative of opium) Methadone
Alfentanil Carfentanil Fentanyl Sufentanil Methamphetamine This new murder category constitutes a second-degree felon

 

10 NEW FLORIDA LAWS WILL GO INTO EFFECT IN 2025

1) Online Protection for Minors

This Florida law (HB 3) will prohibit children under the age of 14 from becoming social media account holders. However, 14 and 15-year-olds can create accounts with parental consent.

"Social media harms children in a variety of ways," Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement regarding the law. "HB 3 gives parents a greater ability to protect their children."

The law not only aims to shield children from the risks of social media but also mandates that pornographic or sexually explicit websites use age verification to block minors from accessing content that's unsuitable for them.

2) Impeding, Threatening, or Harassing First Responders

This law makes it a crime to harass Florida first responders while they're working. A person cannot knowingly ignore a first responder's warning not to approach or to remain within 25 feet of that first responder to harass or interfere with their work.

SB 184 defines a first responder as a law enforcement officer, a correctional probation officer, a firefighter, or an emergency medical care provider.

3) Voter Registration Applications

HB 135 will change voter registration rules to allow some applicants to register without a party affiliation. The department will also give applicants a receipt and make sure updates to their information are only made with their written consent.

4) Building Regulations

The Florida Building Commission will update the building code for replacement windows, doors, and garage doors, including new rules for issuing permits and notices, as well as setting timeframes for approval. Local building agencies must create and publish a manual for auditing private providers, and certain permit applications will be automatically approved under specific conditions.

5) Medical Treatment under the Workers' Compensation Law

SB 362 will increase limits on witness fees charged by certain witnesses and increase the maximum reimbursement allowances for physicians and surgical procedures, etc.

6) Protection of Specified Adults

This new law will provide protection for specified adults in Florida who are vulnerable to financial exploitation. A specified adult is defined as a person that is 65 and older or someone that is 18 or older with disabilities.

7) Dental Insurance Claims

SB 892 prevents health insurers from limiting how dentists are paid and from charging fees for ACH payments unless the dentist agrees.

In addition, the law prevents insurers from denying claims for procedures that were already approved, and stops certain restrictions on payment methods in contracts between dentists and prepaid health service organizations.

8) Florida Uniform Fiduciary Income and Principal Act

This law revises the rules in Florida about how money and assets are managed in trusts, life estates, and other term interests.

9) Pub. Rec./Investigations by the Department of Legal Affairs

This law makes certain information about investigations into social media violations and age verification violations exempt from public records laws. The Department of Legal Affairs can share this information for specific purposes, but the exemption will be reviewed and could be repealed in the future.

10) Private Activity Bonds

This law will revise the rules related to private activity bonds, including definitions, state volume limitation, allocation & reallocation, issuance, reports, notices of intent, confirmation of allocation, final certificate of allocation, distribution, allocation pools, mortgage credit certificates, carryforward, infrastructure projects, and applications.

Florida marijuana amendment spurs lawmakers to propose outdoor ban on smoking, vaping

Three Florida lawmakers  announced a plan to ban smoking and vaping on city streets, sidewalks, public parks and most common areas by the public.

The ban would expand a 2022 law prohibiting smoking in public and would provide “guardrails” for a proposed constitutional amendment intended to legalize the possession and use of recreational marijuana, to be voted on in November.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has criticized the marijuana initiative saying Florida would “start to smell like marijuana in all our cities and towns; it will reduce the quality of life.” This has happened in cities like LasVagas and New York where you can not go anywhere without smelling it.

Almost half of the country has legalized marijuana, and Florida voters will likely legalize recreational use of marijuana in November 2024. Smoking of any kind in public places infringes on everyone’s enjoyment of public spaces, and with regard to marijuana most people that don’t smoke, don’t want to smell it.

Florida Governor DeSantis, signs Florida bill making climate change a lesser state priority

Climate change will be a lesser priority in Florida and largely disappear from state statutes under legislation signed Wednesday by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that also bans power-generating wind turbines offshore or near the state's lengthy coastline.

The measure  ignores the reality of climate change threats in Florida, including projections of rising seas, extreme heat and flooding and increasingly severe storms.

The law takes effect July 1 and would also boost expansion of natural gas, reduce regulation on gas pipelines in the state and increase protections against bans on gas appliances such as stoves, according to a news release from the governor's office.

Florida is already about 74% reliant on natural gas to power electric generation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Opponents of the bill DeSantis signed say it removes the word "climate' in nine different places, moves the state's energy goals away from efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gases blamed for a warming planet.

The legislation also eliminates requirements that government agencies hold conferences and meetings in hotels certified by the state’s environmental agency as “green lodging” and that government agencies make fuel efficiency the top priority in buying new vehicles. It also ends a requirement that Florida state agencies look at a list of “climate-friendly” products before making purchases.

In 2008, a bill to address climate change and promote renewable energy passed unanimously in both legislative chambers and was signed into law by then-Gov. Charlie Crist, at the time a Republican. Former Gov. Rick Scott, now a Republican U.S. senator, took steps after taking the governor's office in 2011 to undo some of that measure and this latest bill takes it even further.

 

SOME NEW LAWS IN FLORIDA FOR 2024

Move Over” Law:

The first one impacts all drivers. It’s Florida’s “move over” law, which is seeing an expansion.

Drivers already have to move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles, sanitation, utility and construction vehicles stopped on the side of interstates and highways.

Now, that will also include moving aside for disabled vehicles with hazard lights, emergency flares or signage.

Financial disclosure:

Another law requires more elected officials on the local level to disclose their finances.

This bill brings them into compliance with standards already applied to officials like the governor, school board members.

This legislation was accompanied by a wave of resignations ahead of the new year.

Disabilities registry:

This law allows law enforcement agencies to create a “person with disabilities” registry.” The goal is to help law enforcement know what developmental or psychological disability a person may have when officers respond – and it would impact how they interact with that person.

Bail and detention reform:

There’s also an amendment to Florida’s already-existing bail and detention law. The law requires the state supreme court to create a unified bail bond schedule. this prevents lower courts from setting lower amounts of required bail.

Alimony reform in Florida

ALIMONY IN FLORIDA – FLORIDA ALIMONY REFORM 2023 SIGNED INTO LAW

The Florida alimony reform bill passed the Florida legislature and was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 30, 2023. This bill will have a significant impact on how alimony will be awarded in Florida. It applies to all initial petitions for dissolution of marriage that are filed or pending on July 1, 2023, and to certain supplemental petitions for modification of alimony. The following is a brief synopsis of how alimony will be awarded in Florida under this new legislation.

First, the bill eliminates permanent alimony. In its place, will be four types of alimony. They will be temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative and durational alimony. Courts may order alimony to be paid in a lump sum or as periodic payments.

Second, courts will be permitted to consider the adultery of either spouse and its resulting economic impact in determining the amount of alimony to award.

Third, courts will be required to consider nine factors in determining alimony. First, courts are to consider whether the party seeking support has an actual need for support and whether the other party has the ability to pay support. The party seeking support will have the burden to prove that he or she has a need for support and that the other party has the ability to pay support. Once the court determines that one of the parties has a need for support and that the other party has the ability to pay support, the court will consider the following eight additional factors in determining the proper form of alimony. First, the parties’ standard of living during the course of the marriage and the anticipated needs of both of the parties after a divorce is granted. Second, the duration of the parties’ marriage. Third, the parties’ age, physical and mental condition. Fourth, the income and resources of both parties and the income earned from marital and nonmarital assets. Fifth, the earning capacities, educational levels and employability of the parties. Courts are to consider the ability of both of the parties to obtain the necessary skills or education to enable themselves to either contribute to their own support or become self-supporting. Sixth, the contribution that each of the parties made to the marriage, including education, career building, homemaking and child care. Seventh, the responsibilities that each of the parties will have in raising children that they have in common. Eighth, any other factor that courts of equity and justice should consider in making an alimony award. This may include a finding that a supportive relationship exists or that one of the parties may reasonably retire.

Fourth, a short-term marriage is going to be considered to be a marriage that lasts less than 10 years. A moderate-term marriage is going to be considered to be a marriage that lasts between 10 and 20 years. A long-term marriage will now be considered to be a marriage that lasts 20 years or more. The length of the marriage is considered to be the amount of time that has elapsed between the date of the marriage and the date of the filing for divorce.

Fifth, bridge-the-gap alimony may be awarded to assist a party in making the transition from married to single life. It is intended to assist a party with identifiable, short-term needs. The length of an award of bridge-the-gap alimony may not exceed 2 years.

Sixth, rehabilitative alimony is intended to provide education and training that will enable a party to become self-supporting or contribute to their own support. Under the new alimony reform legislation, an award of rehabilitative alimony may not exceed 5 years.

Seventh, durational alimony lasts for a set period of time. It may not exceed 50% of the length of a short-term marriage, 60% of the length of a moderate-term marriage, and 75% of the length of a long-term marriage. An award of durational alimony may be extended under exceptional circumstances based upon the above described 9 factors and a consideration of the following 4 factors. First, the extent to which the payee’s age and employability wholly or partially limit the payee’s ability to be self-supporting. Second, the extent to which the payor’s available financial resources wholly or partially limit the payor’s ability to be self-supporting. Third, the extent to which a payee’s mental or physical disability wholly or partially limits the payee’s ability to be self-supporting. Fourth, the extent to which a payee is the caregiver to the parties’ mentally or physically disabled child. The amount of durational alimony will be the amount that is required to meet the payee’s reasonable needs, or an amount that does not exceed 35% of the difference between the husband and wife’s net incomes, whichever amount is less.

Eighth, an alimony award may not leave the obligor with significantly less net income than the net income of the obligee, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

In actions for modification, the court will be authorized to terminate or reduce an award of alimony when the payor has reached the normal retirement age. The normal retirement age will be considered to be the normal retirement age specified by the Social Security Administration, or the customary retirement age for the payor’s profession. The payor must actually retire or make demonstrable efforts to retire. Retirement must reduce the payor’s ability to pay. The court will look at the following ten factors in determining whether to reduce or terminate alimony. First, the age and health of the payor. Second, the type of work performed by the payor. Third, the customary age of retirement in the payor’s profession. Fourth, the likelihood that the payor will return to work, and the payor’s motivation for retiring. Fifth, the needs of the party receiving alimony and that recipient’s ability to contribute to his or her own needs. Sixth, the impact that the termination or reduction of alimony would have on the payee. Seventh, the parties’ assets before, during and after the dissolution of marriage, and whether either of the parties wastefully dissipated assets received at the time of the divorce. Eighth, the income earned by the parties during and after the marriage. Ninth, the retirement, pension and Social Security Benefits received by the parties after the marriage. Tenth, the payor’s compliance with his or her alimony obligation. A payor may file a Supplemental Petition for Modification six months prior to the date of retirement.

The Florida Senate bill was filed on March 2, 2023. On March 9, 2023, the Florida Senate bill was referred to the Committee on Fiscal Policy and to the Rules Committees. On March 23, 2023, the Committee on Fiscal Policy voted in favor of the bill. On April 5, 2023, the bill received a favorably vote in the Florida Senate Rules Committee, and was placed on the Calendar on second reading. On April 18, 2023, the bill was placed on the Special Order Calendar. On April 19, 2023, the bill passed the Florida Senate. On May 2, 2023, the bill was ordered enrolled in the Florida Senate.

The Florida House of Representatives bill was filed on March 3, 2023. On March 28, 2023, the Florida House of Representatives bill received a first reading. On March 29, 2023, the bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee. On April 11, 2023, the bill was favorably reported out of the Judiciary Committee and was added to the Second Reading Calendar. On May 2, 2023, the CS passed in the Florida House of Representatives.

The alimony reform legislation passed the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate and was signed by Governor DeSantis on June 30, 2023.

Why Should I Carry Uninsured Motorist Insurance?

Uninsured motorist insurance is a type of car insurance that provides coverage for damages or injuries you sustain in an accident caused by a driver who does not have insurance. It can also provide coverage in hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver cannot be identified.

There are several reasons why you should consider having uninsured motorist insurance:

1. Protection from uninsured drivers: Despite mandatory car insurance laws in most states, there are still many drivers who do not carry insurance. If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, you could be left with hefty medical bills and repair costs. Uninsured motorist insurance provides protection and can cover these costs.

2. Hit-and-run accidents: If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, you may not be able to identify the at-fault driver. In this case, uninsured motorist insurance can help cover your damages and injuries.

3. Lower deductibles: Uninsured motorist coverage typically has lower deductibles compared to other types of car insurance, which means you would pay less out-of-pocket if you are in an accident.

4. Peace of mind: Knowing that you have uninsured motorist insurance can provide peace of mind and protect you from potential financial loss in case of an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Overall, uninsured motorist insurance is a valuable coverage option that can protect you in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. It is important to check with your insurance provider to determine the coverage options available and to choose a policy that best meets your needs.

How is Child Support Calculated in Florida?

Child support in Florida is calculated using the Income Shares Model, which takes into account both parents' incomes and the number of children involved. The following factors are considered when calculating child support in Florida:

1. Each parent's gross income: This includes all sources of income, such as wages, bonuses, tips, and commissions.

2. The number of children involved: The more children, the more support is required.

3. The parenting plan: The amount of time each parent spends with the children affects the amount of support required.

4. Childcare costs: If one or both parents pay for child care, those costs are factored into the calculation.

5. Health care costs: If one or both parents pay for health insurance, those costs are factored into the calculation.

6. Other expenses: Other expenses, such as educational expenses or travel costs, may also be factored into the calculation.

To calculate child support in Florida, a formula is used that takes into account the above factors. The formula considers the combined income of both parents, the number of children, and the amount of time the child spends with each parent. The formula also takes into account any deductions for things like taxes and other child support obligations.

The State of Florida has a child support calculator available online to help determine the amount of child support that is due. This calculator can be accessed on the Florida Department of Revenue website.

What is No Fault Insurance

Florida No Fault refers to the state's motor vehicle insurance law, which requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover their own injuries in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. The purpose of the law is to provide quick access to medical care and compensation for injuries sustained in an accident, without the need to determine who was at fault for the accident.

Under Florida's No Fault law, each driver's insurance company is responsible for paying up to a certain amount for their own medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs, regardless of who caused the accident. However, if the accident results in serious injuries or damages that exceed the PIP coverage limit, the injured party may still be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance company.

It's important to note that while Florida is a No Fault state, drivers are still required to carry liability insurance to cover damages they may cause to other people or property in an accident.

Should I Get An MRI After A Car Accident?

Whether or not you need an MRI after a car accident depends on various factors, including the severity of the accident, the type of injuries you have sustained, and your overall health condition.

If you experienced a minor fender-bender and do not have any apparent injuries, then an MRI may not be necessary. However, if you experienced a more severe accident, especially one in which you hit your head or experienced a jarring impact, an MRI may be necessary to detect any internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent.

An MRI can detect injuries such as soft tissue damage, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and other serious conditions that may not be visible on an X-ray or CT scan. If you experience symptoms such as headaches, neck or back pain, numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, or other signs of injury after an accident, then an MRI may be recommended by your doctor to evaluate the extent of your injuries.

It's always best to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you don't think you're seriously injured. Some injuries may not be apparent right away, and delaying medical treatment can result in more serious complications down the line. Your doctor will be able to evaluate your condition and determine if an MRI is necessary.