What If a Tourist hits me in Florida, can I file a claim for my injuries? | Advocates USA
Throughout the year, thousands of vacationers flock to Florida to spend some time in the sunshine state. Florida depends on its’ tourism to thrive. Now with the United States opening up and restrictions lifted, visitor numbers have increased. Vacationers come from all over the United States and other countries to enjoy the famous theme parks, beaches, and sunshine. And guess what? Tourists also rent vehicles to get around and are typically unfamiliar with the roadways or unfamiliar with the traffic laws. It is possible while driving; an accident occurs on the busy Florida roadways.
So the question arises, what happens if a tourist hits me in Florida? Can I file a claim for injuries? The answer is YES. In Florida state, you can sue regardless of where they live or where they vacationed in Florida. So if someone else’s reckless or negligent actions caused you or a loved one to suffer injuries, you could file a claim with our personal injury attorneys at Advocates USA by calling 1-800-872-4878, regardless of where the offender is from or where the tourist lives.
On the other hand, if you are a visitor and are injured in an accident in Florida, we can help you. We represent injured victims throughout Florida state. We will dive into this further; read on below.
Can I file a claim if I was injured in an accident as a non-resident of Florida?
Whether you are vacationing, an immigrant, permanent resident, on a visa, an international student, or a foreign visitor, if you suffer severe injuries in an accident in Florida, you may be curious how your status affects your right to sue. This is one of the many great things about America. You have the legal right to file a lawsuit for injuries you suffer caused by careless actions of another in the county and court system the accident occurred. With this being said, you need to go through the proper channels first, as Florida is a no-fault state. Meaning the personal insurance policy you needed to rent a vehicle will first be used to cover medical expenses and other expenses associated with the accident. If the injuries are so severe and the PIP policy does not cover your costs, you will then need to file a car accident or personal injury claim for your damages. Given your status, your case could be complex, and hiring a personal injury attorney to defend your rights would be in your favor.
Dealing with the bully insurance companies could persuade you to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. You do not need to feel threatened. Contact our car accident attorneys at Advocates USA today by calling 1-800-872-4878 for a free consultation.
There are a few types of situations:
- A visitor of Florida suffering injuries from a car accident caused by a permanent resident of Florida
- A permanent resident of Florida suffering injuries in a car accident by a visitor
In both situations, a vehicle is involved. However, if the car is owned or rented, the operator of the vehicle or rental company has car insurance, and they can be held liable for the accident.
Can I file a claim for my injuries if a visitor or foreigner caused the car accident?
Suppose you suffer injuries from a car accident caused by a person visiting Florida. In that case, chances are the car involved in the accident was rented from a large rental company, especially if the driver who caused the accident is a foreigner.
A visitor may come to Florida, rent a vehicle while being unfamiliar with the roadways, cause an accident, and never return. You may think that once the offender flees the country or state, your opportunity to claim compensation is over. However, this isn’t true. There are avenues our experienced car accident lawyers can pursue. Whether you suffer injuries from a slip and fall or a car accident caused by a visitor, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the person for your damages. Typically if the person who caused the accident knows they face a lawsuit, they may never return. As mentioned above, if a visitor comes to Florida and their negligent actions caused you to suffer injuries, chances are they rented a vehicle to get around. If this is the case, the rental company could be held responsible for renting a car to a person who did not have proper licensure or adequate experience before the car rental company choosing to entrust to rent to an individual. Instances where this could be true are if a visitor came from another country where driving laws are different, like England. Also, to rent or own a vehicle and drive, you must obtain a car insurance policy.
Although these avenues may not always be viable, our experienced car accident attorneys at Advocates USA are not afraid to think outside the box to help our clients who fell victim to someone else’s careless actions. If you suffer injuries from a car accident, motorcycle accident, slip and fall, medical malpractice, or any other personal injury accident caused by a tourist or visitor to Florida, Advocates USA aims to get the maximum compensation so you can get your life back on track.
If you are a permanent resident or visitor to Florida and injured in an accident, call Advocates USA.
Our car accident attorneys in Florida have years of experience fighting for our clients’ legal rights injured in personal injury accidents to ensure your claims are heard, and the victims get fair compensation for the injuries they suffered. For questions and legal help, contact Advocates USA. Call 1-800-872-4878 today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how our car accident attorneys can help you.
