Florida is, without a doubt, one of the most popular vacation spots in the United States. Unfortunately, just because you are taking time off doesn’t mean accidents will do the same. Many tourists wind up getting injured on vacation here in Miami every year and must face figuring out their next steps. Moreover, the accident may be due to someone else’s negligence, and the victims are left struggling with pain, mounting bills, and loss of wages.
If you have been injured on vacation in Florida, local personal injury attorneys can help you claim compensation. This article covers the steps to take as well as your rights when you get injured during your vacation in Florida.
I Was Injured On Vacation In Miami — What Do I Do?
Miami, Florida is a hotspot for tourists every year. People from all over the globe flock to the resorts and beaches with their loved ones each summer to have fun and rewind. Unfortunately, some of these happy vacations have a sad ending when one sustains injuries in an accident. The injuries can occur in various ways, including slip and falls, car wrecks, swimming pool accidents, cruise injury claims, Uber and Lyft injury claims, and so on. Here’s what to do if you or your loved ones are involved in an accident while vacationing in Miami.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Regardless of the cause of the injury, your top priority should be seeking medical attention to ensure that you are out of harm’s way. Your overall safety and health are always important. Immediate treatment can also go a long way in preventing an injury from getting worse, and if necessary, provide the required documentation, in case of a claim. When admitted, ensure that you are patient until you are released for travel, before you can return home. Additionally, ensure that you keep all the medical documentation well.
Report The Incident
If the accident you were involved in and which left you with serious injuries was due to another party’s negligence, you are obliged to report the incident to the local police. For instance, if you sustained an injury from a slip and fall incident on someone’s property, report it to the owner.
Document The Accident Scene
In case you will have any claims after an incident, it will be instrumental to document the scene. You should take many photos with your phone of your injuries, the objects involved, and other crucial details that you can get on a camera, such as a spill on the floor. This provides the evidence that may be relevant to your case if you intend to file an injury claim.
Collect Witness Information
Besides documenting the scene, any witness information that you can collect would help a great deal if you file an injury claim. Get their contact information and anything else you can get as they can provide solid evidence, which will be indispensable in your case.
Seek Legal Representation
If you sustained injuries from an accident in Florida, and pursue an injury claim, you are advised to consult a local tourist injury attorney before returning home. The lawyer will explain the laws that apply concerning your injury claims and offer to represent you in your quest for compensation. Moreover, they come in handy in helping you understand the insurance issues surrounding your case. For instance, how having an overseas insurance policy affects your claim.
Accident claims tend to be complicated, especially for tourists. A lawyer can ease your way through the legal procedures, stand up for your rights, and ensure you get the best chance of success.
Your Rights After Being Injured In An Accident While Vacationing In Florida
Florida flocks with foreigners every year for its beautiful scenery and climate. These foreigners must understand that they have rights if they are injured while in Florida. The following are some of the major rights that all tourists in the region have:
The Right To Compensation
Even if you are a foreign tourist, if you get hurt on your vacation, you share the same rights as the citizens of Florida. The party that caused the accident is held liable for subsequent injuries, despite the victim’s nationality. A successful claim for damages will have you compensated for your travel medical expenses, among others incurred during or associated with the accident.
The Right To A Hearing In Florida
Regardless of your nationality, the case will be heard in Florida- where the accident occurred. This means that if your case is taken to trial, you will be required to come back to Florida to testify. The court is likely to cover your travel expenses to complete the claim.
Available Compensation For Tourists
Tourists have the right to claim compensation for their losses just as locals do. Recoverable damages may cover property damage, lost wages, travel expenses, mental anguish, pain and suffering, permanent disability, loss of consortium, and medical expenses. Contact a local tourist personal injury attorney to get the reliable representation that will end in you being compensated.
