Steps to Take after a Car Accident with a Tourist in Florida

Florida residents are used to tourists flocking to our beautiful state to enjoy the warm temperatures and beaches. The unfortunate downside to this temporary increase in traffic is the added risk of car collisions. There are over six million car accidents that occur each year in the United States. A car accident’s aftermath can be scary and confusing, especially when significant damages or injuries occur. A car accident lawyer may be able to help you after you are involved in a collision with a tourist.

The skilled car accident lawyers of Baker Legal Team have extensive experience helping clients who have been involved in an accident with a Florida tourist. You may find it even more confusing to figure out what steps to take after a car accident with a tourist in Florida.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident with a Florida Tourist

After a car accident occurs with a tourist, your first step should be to stay as calm as possible and ensure that everyone is safe from any further danger. Remaining calm may seem hard in a chaotic situation, but it can help you focus on what you need to do next to ensure your safety and well-being. 

Report the Accident and Seek Medical Treatment

Another critical step is to report the accident to the appropriate authorities. This should include both the local police and emergency services. Check both yourself and other parties for injuries. If you or one of your passengers has been injured, seek medical treatment as soon as possible. One important Florida law to keep in mind is the one governing Personal Injury Protection (or PIP). Drivers must carry no-fault insurance to cover injuries sustained in a collision. They must then seek medical treatment within 14 days to be covered by their PIP policy. Injured passengers may also be eligible to seek such recovery against a negligent Florida tourist.

In cases where serious injuries occur, you may pursue damages against the other driver for anything not covered under your PIP policy. The Florida statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages is four years. A personal injury lawyer can assess each case to ensure it complies with the applicable statute of limitations.

Exchange Information with Florida Tourist Driver and File Insurance Claim

Make sure to ask the Florida tourist driver for their contact and insurance information after the motor vehicle accident. This should include their name, phone number, address, license plate number, insurance policy number and carrier, and the make and model of their vehicle. Don’t forget to get the contact information for any passengers or witnesses to the accident. This will be particularly helpful in the event you need to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Another critical step is to file a car accident claim with your insurance carrier. You should take this step even if you feel the accident was solely the other driver’s fault. Your insurance carrier will then investigate to determine negligence and any damages that should be paid. You may be able to pursue further action if your PIP insurance will not fully cover the damages you have sustained.

What is Florida’s Long-Arm Statute and Comparative Negligence?

Florida’s Long-Arm Statute establishes when a Florida court has personal jurisdiction over nonresidents. Courts will take a two-step approach to analyze whether this law applies. 

Florida also observes comparative negligence after car crashes. This means that multiple parties may share liability or an “apportionment of fault.” Sometimes it’s not immediately clear who is at fault for causing the accident. Experienced car accident lawyers can assess the facts of your case and help you decide whether to file suit against another driver. This is true even in cases where comparative negligence may apply.

Consult with a Florida Car Accident Lawyer

Tourism is one of the leading industries in the sunny state of Florida. With large numbers of tourists flocking to Florida each year, the likelihood of a tourist being involved in a car accident is high. If you or a loved one has been involved in a Florida car accident with a tourist, contact an experienced car accident lawyer to get help with your claim. 

Baker Legal Team has been helping drivers who have been involved in car accidents with Florida tourists for over 30years. Robert Baker is one of the one percent of Florida lawyers who is board certified. Attorney Baker is proud to provide his clients with the dedicated representation they deserve. We bring our experience in helping clients advocate for their legal rights to each case we accept. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 561-320-0000 or fill out our convenient contact form.