Car Accident While on Vacation in Florida? 5 Tips
Putting together a strong car accident claim is never easy, but it can be especially challenging for those who were hurt while on vacation. Since tort law varies by state, taking action somewhere other than your place of residence has an added layer of complexity. That doesn’t mean, however, that it’s not worth doing.
If you were struck by a drunk, distracted, or otherwise reckless driver while on vacation in Florida, your financial security may be in jeopardy, and filing a claim could be the only way to secure the compensation you deserve. To give your case the best chance of yielding a satisfactory payout, start by following these tips:
1. Call the Police
In Florida, motorists are required to report car accidents that result in bodily injury, death, or what appears to be at least $500 in property damage. Excluding minor fender benders, that generally means all collisions must be reported.
If anyone sustained life-threatening injuries, call 911 right away. Otherwise, if the accident occurred in town, call the local police, and if it occurred on the highway, call the Florida Highway Patrol.
2. Undergo a Medical Exam
You may be inclined to postpone seeking care until you can make it home and see your own physician. If there’s even a chance you were hurt, however, it’s imperative to visit a local doctor as soon as possible. This will not only ensure you receive treatment for all impact injuries—including those that aren’t yet immediately apparent—but will also strengthen your subsequent claim by showing a commitment to mitigating damages.
3. Preserve Evidence from the Scene
If you took any photos of the wreckage, make sure the files are stored in more than one secure place. You should also preserve the names and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses who shared their contact information and obtain a copy of the official police report before leaving the state.
4. Track Recoverable Damages
If it turns out you have grounds for a claim, the only damages you’ll be able to recover are those that you can prove you actually incurred. As such, it’s imperative to save all documentation that corresponds to your injury-related expenses. This includes your insurance statements, medical bills, and invoices for replacement services.
5. Consult a Local Attorney
Since the accident occurred in Florida, you’re going to need to hire an attorney who’s licensed to practice in the Sunshine State. If you already have a firm in your home state that you turn to for counsel, you can certainly seek guidance from them, but they won’t be able to represent you during any of the associated proceedings.
Speak with a West Palm Beach Car Accident Attorney
At Donaldson & Weston, we’re proud to represent both locals and tourists who were hurt through no fault of their own. If you need to file a car accident claim in Florida but you don’t live here, we can handle all the logistics on your behalf. Call 561-299-3999 or use our Online Contact Form to schedule a free case review with a car accident lawyer in West Palm Beach.
