Sunshine, beaches, and vibrant nightlife – Florida’s the perfect vacation spot for millions. It’s no wonder that it attracted 135 million tourists last year alone. While the state offers endless enjoyment, accidents can happen. Injuries do not pick a time or place. Yet, regardless of your home country or state, your rights remain intact here. If you suffer an injury due to someone’s carelessness, Florida law protects you just as it does its residents.
Being injured on vacation, especially in a different state or country, can be stressful and confusing. You might not know where to turn for help. At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, in Miami, our personal injury lawyers represent people from all over the world. No matter how you were injured, we offer free initial consultations.
Common Tourist Injuries in Florida
Florida’s diverse attractions offer endless fun, but unfortunately, it also leads to accidents sometimes, even for careful visitors. Here are common tourist injuries we see:
- Boating accidents: Florida’s waterways are a popular attraction, but boating accidents can happen. Just recently, a tourist was left unconscious after a high-speed boat tour crashed in Port Miami. If you’re injured in a boating accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a personal injury case.
- Slip and falls: Wet pool decks, uneven sidewalks, or spilled drinks can cause slip-and-fall accidents at hotels, restaurants, or theme parks. Property owners have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment.
- Theme park accidents: Theme parks are a fun part of many Florida vacations, but accidents can occur on rides or due to equipment malfunctions, ride collisions, and inadequate guest supervision.
- Car accidents: Rental car accidents are common, especially with unfamiliar roads and distracted drivers. Additionally, drunk driving accidents involving tourists or local residents are a serious concern.
- Defective rented equipment: Injuries can occur if you rent faulty equipment like bicycles, jet skis, or parasailing gear.
- Nightclub violence: Attacks can occur in crowded areas, especially if someone is overserved alcohol.
In each case, the general approach to lawsuits remains the same whether you are a resident or a visitor of Florida.
Your Rights in Florida Tourist Personal Injury Cases
If you were injured while visiting Florida, your case will be handled according to Florida law. Underscoring the importance of hiring a personal injury lawyer who has a deep understanding of Florida law and legal precedents to build a strong case for you. Also, a personal injury attorney must hold a license to practice in Florida.
Another concern some tourists have is multiple court appearances. However, your Florida personal injury lawyer can act as your legal representative in court. Meaning that you won’t necessarily need to travel back and forth from your home state for hearings or the trial itself.
Finally, jurisdiction matters. Since your accident happened in Florida you have access to our civil justice system regardless of where you live and any lawsuit will be filed in a Florida state court. Besides some rare cases when the defendant may request a transfer to federal court.
Even if you live in another country and got injured in Florida, our legal system is accessible to all, regardless of citizenship. We represent both legal immigrants and undocumented visitors and you’re entitled to justice and representation, without nationality barriers. This ensures fair treatment in Florida’s civil justice system for everyone, regardless of their home country.
What Tourists Need to Do First After an Accident in Florida
After an accident in Florida, immediately seek medical assistance; do not wait to see a doctor, even if your injuries appear minor initially. Then, contact local law enforcement to file a police report, especially if there is a possibility that someone else was negligent in your accident.
Document everything: take pictures and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage. If anyone witnessed the incident, obtain their contact details; their statements could be crucial later.
Having a police report and thorough documentation will strengthen your compensation claim. Once you have documented everything, consider contacting a local Florida personal injury attorney. When speaking with the police or anyone else, only provide factual information about your injuries. Do not say anything that could be used to suggest you caused the accident.
Compensation After a Florida Vacation Accident
The amount of compensation you receive from a personal injury case as a tourist in Florida depends on the specifics of your case. Ideally, you’ll be reimbursed for everything lost due to the accident. This includes:
- Medical expenses: Covers all costs related to your injuries, from doctor visits and medication to surgeries and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can be compensated for lost income.
- Pain and suffering: This covers physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the accident. While medical bills are clear-cut, pain and suffering require strong evidence.
- Other losses: This can include property damage, loss of enjoyment of life due to your injuries, and out-of-pocket expenses related to your recovery.
Remember, while some costs are easy to calculate, others require presenting evidence to maximize your compensation. In most cases, you will not have to return to Florida to appear in court and recover deserved compensation.
Don’t Let an Accident Ruin Your Florida Vacation
If you were injured on vacation in Florida due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to get help. Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP can help you get the compensation you deserve, regardless of where you’re from. Our experienced Miami personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations. Call us to schedule yours today at 305-371-2692.
We understand that being injured in a different state can be overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you through the whole process. Our team will work tirelessly to resolve your case through negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, if a court appearance becomes necessary, we’ll be by your side every step of the way.
Contact Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP today, and let us fight for you!