Navigating Personal Injury Claims During Tourist Season in Florida
July 24, 2024 | Category: Personal Injury | ShareWhile tourist season is an exciting time of year for Florida visitors and business owners, it is not without risks. With more people on Florida’s roads, sidewalks, and waterways, accidents are more frequent during the summer months. If you have been hurt in an accident during Florida’s tourist season, you may be entitled to financial compensation, and you will want to speak with a Lee County personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
When can (and should) you talk to an attorney after an accident in Florida? Here are some important insights from Lee County personal injury attorney Randall L. Spivey:
Common Tourist-Related Accidents in Florida
Several common types of tourist-related accidents can justify claims for financial compensation in Florida. This is true for both visitors and residents. For example, some of the most common types of personal injury claims during tourist season in Florida include:
Rental Car Accidents
When driving rental cars, tourists have the same rights and obligations as all other drivers on Florida’s roads. Distracted driving, drunk driving, navigation errors, and running red lights and stop signs are all common causes of rental car accidents caused by tourists and full-time residents.
Scooter, Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
Scooters and bicycles (including e-bikes) are popular means of transportation in Florida’s tourist areas. But, while riding a scooter or bicycle can be a fun and easy way to get around, it can also be dangerous. Walking can be dangerous in areas with heavy traffic as well. As a result, scooter, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents are also common.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Several hidden dangers can cause slips, trips, and falls, from slippery walking surfaces to trip hazards on sidewalks and in stores. While these may seem like relatively minor accidents in comparison to collisions involving cars, scooters, and bicycles, they frequently result in serious, painful, and expensive injuries.
Boating and Water Sport Accidents
Boating and water sports are popular activities among tourists and visitors alike during Florida’s summer months. But, with more boats and personal watercraft (PWCs) on the water, the risk of accidents increases significantly. Lack of experience, recklessness, distractions, and intoxication are all common causes of serious and fatal accidents.
Accidents at Amusement Parks and Entertainment Venues
From slips, trips, and falls to water slides and roller coaster accidents, personal injury claims against amusement parks and entertainment venues are more common during Florida’s tourist season as well. If you were injured at an amusement park, concert hall, stadium, or any other type of entertainment venue, you should talk to a Lee County personal injury attorney promptly.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim as a Florida Tourist
If you were injured in an accident while visiting Florida during tourist season, it is important to prioritize your physical and financial recovery. While you might want to wait until you get home to see a doctor and talk to a personal injury attorney, there are several reasons why you should do both before you head home. In terms of hiring a personal injury attorney, you will need to hire an attorney in Florida, and you will want to choose an attorney who is familiar with the local area where your accident occurred.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim as a Florida Resident
If you are a Florida resident and you were injured in an accident involving a tourist, you should consult with a local personal injury attorney promptly in this scenario as well. When choosing an attorney, you will want to inquire about the attorney’s experience handling cases against out-of-state parties and insurance companies. These cases present some unique challenges and considerations, so it will be important to have relevant experience on your side.
How an Experienced Lee County Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Regardless of whether you are a full-time Florida resident or you were visiting Florida’s beaches or amusement parks during tourist season, there are many ways an experienced Lee County personal injury attorney can help you. For example, at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., here are some of the ways we help our clients:
- Conducting a Prompt and Thorough Investigation – A prompt and thorough investigation is essential for protecting your legal rights after an accident during tourist season in Florida. Filing a personal injury claim requires proof of negligence, which requires evidence from the scene of the accident (among other sources).
- Dealing with the Insurance Companies – In many cases, filing a personal injury claim involves dealing with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Or, if multiple parties were involved, you may need to deal with multiple insurance companies to recover the financial compensation you deserve. When you hire a personal injury attorney to represent you, your attorney can deal with the insurance companies on your behalf.
- Dealing with Out-of-State Issues and Challenges – Your attorney can also deal with the unique issues and challenges involved with filing an out-of-state personal injury claim. When you have a personal injury claim, even simple mistakes and oversights can be costly, so it is important to have an experienced attorney representing you.
- Making Sure You Seek the Full Compensation You Deserve – Accident-related injuries can prove incredibly expensive. They can also impact your life in ways you could not have previously imagined. When you hire an experienced personal injury attorney to represent you, your attorney will help make sure you seek the full compensation you deserve.
- Working to Secure a Favorable Settlement While You Focus on Your Recovery – Finally, while you focus on getting better, your attorney will be focused on securing a favorable settlement on your behalf. Your attorney will negotiate with your best interests in mind, and he or she will help you make an informed decision about when (and if) to settle.
Request a Free Consultation with a Lee County Personal Injury Attorney Today
Were you injured in an accident during Florida’s tourist season? If so, we can help, and we encourage you to contact us promptly for more information. To speak with an experienced Lee County personal injury attorney in confidence as soon as possible, reach out to Randall L. Spivey at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. by calling 239-337-7483 or statewide at 888-477-4839 or contacting us online at SpiveyLaw.com today.