Car Accident While on Vacation
If you suffer injuries in a car accident while on vacation, there are many considerations that do not exist in a crash closer to home. Knowing how to navigate the hours, weeks, and months after the accident can make the process easier despite it occurring far from home.
A car accident attorney from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can serve as your local, hands-on representative while you navigate the claims process or prepare the case for trial. Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers fight for our client’s best interests from start to finish. Call (954) 633-8270 for a free initial consultation.
How to Handle a Car Accident on Vacation in Florida
When you are hurt in a crash while on vacation in Florida, you should react the same way you would at home. Call the police and undergo a medical exam as soon as possible to rule out any injuries. If you have injuries, allow the paramedics to take you to the hospital or go to the nearest emergency department.
Once you have a treatment plan in place and your injuries are stable, it is time to consider other factors. You might need to notify a rental car company about your collision, for example. This is a step you will not have to consider at home in most cases. You can also let your insurance carrier know what happened.
Before you consider filing any type of claim, we encourage you to contact a local attorney’s office. At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we regularly represent clients from out of state. This type of case has its own challenges, but we know how to identify their options and seek appropriate compensation to the fullest extent allowed under the law.
Do I Need an Attorney to Handle My Florida Car Accident?
Hiring a local attorney when you have a car accident in Florida is a good idea. Florida has complex car insurance laws that might differ dramatically from your state. This aspect can make it more difficult to seek and recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other car accident damages.
Florida car accident lawyers play a very important role in the financial recovery after an accident, especially when challenging laws are in place. You can count on your attorney to:
- Assess your case and identify your options
- Meet important deadlines
- Handle communication with the at-fault driver and all insurance companies
- Protect your right to fair compensation
- Investigate what happened and build a case
- Pursue compensation based on your recoverable expenses and losses
- Answer your questions as they arise
- Ensure you understand what is happening and receive regular updates
Our Miami car accident lawyer also allows you to handle most or all your case from home. Once you return home after your crash, you probably want to avoid the expense and hassle of repeated trips back to where it happened. When you work with a local law firm, your Florida car accident attorney can represent you in most—if not all—situations. They manage the whole case while you focus on healing.
Is Florida a No-Fault State for Accidents?
Florida has no-fault car accident laws beginning with Florida Statutes § 627.730. Most injured in collisions file a claim with their own insurer and recover compensation based on their personal injury protection (PIP) policy.
Florida requires all residents who drive four-wheeled vehicles in the state to carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage and $10,000 in property damage liability, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). This policy covers the following:
- 80 percent of medical costs up to the policy maximum
- 60 percent of lost income up to the policy maximum
An injured crash victim can sometimes sue the at-fault driver, but this depends on the circumstances. A lawsuit against the at-fault driver might be possible, especially if you suffered serious or lasting injuries.
How the financial recovery process works when you have insurance coverage from another state and do not carry a PIP policy can vary greatly. There are still options for filing insurance claims in many cases. Many crash victims seek compensation through their uninsured motorist coverage, for example. Working with an attorney on our team to explore your options may be beneficial.
Discuss Your Options With Our Team Today for Free
The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato provide free case assessments for crash victims in Florida. If you were hurt in an accident while visiting the state on vacation, we can help you understand your next steps. Let’s discuss what happened, your injuries, and your rights. We are here to help.
To learn more, dial (954) 633-8270 or contact us using our online form. Our team only collects a fee if and when we secure compensation for you, as we operate on contingency.
