Your Rights If You Are Injured While on Vacation in Florida
Millions of people visit South Florida each year to take in the warm temperatures and the clear coastal waters. Unfortunately, a vacation can take a downward turn if you are injured as a tourist. Being involved in a car or boating accident while away from home can be frustrating and overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to protect your rights.
If you are injured as a tourist in Florida, you need to:
- Contact Local Law Enforcement
Any time that you are injured in an accident, you need to contact 9-1-1 from the scene. Many times, it is required by law that you notify local law enforcement of the injury or death.
If you are injured on another person’s property, such as at a hotel or business, you should also notify the property owner of the injury.
Contacting 9-1-1 and notifying the property owner helps to establish a timeline of the event and get you the assistance you and others may need if there are injuries.
- Seek Medical Attention
It is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately after an accident. Failing to seek medical attention can not only impact your case, it may impede your recovery or exacerbate your injuries.
Delays in seeking or continuing medical treatment may be seen by a liable party or their insurer as evidence that you were not seriously injured. Even if you are not sure about the extent of your injuries, you should still be seen by a medical professional after any type of accident.
- Collect Evidence and Witness Information
If you are able, you should try to collect evidence at the scene of the accident. Take pictures and videos to document any property damage and your injuries. The more information you have, the better. You can also ask any eyewitnesses for their contact information. Evidence and eyewitness testimony can be used to prove your version of events.
It is also a good idea to document what happened before, during, and after the incident. Memories can fade quickly, particularly if your body goes into shock after the sudden accident. You will also want to document all of your damages. Keep track of all medical records and any expenses related to the accident.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you are injured as a result of another person’s negligence or wrongdoing, you might be entitled to compensation for your damages. A personal injury lawyer can help determine the best course of legal action. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible as you may only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit.
Get a Free, No-Obligation Case Evaluation
At Mase Seitz Briggs, we provide experienced representation for tourists who are injured while on vacation in Miami or throughout South Florida. Contact our office today at (844) 627-3529 to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Our lawyers have extensive experience helping injury victims obtain the compensation they deserve after an accident. Call now to speak directly with a member of our legal team.