South Florida is a common vacation destination, with tropical beaches, close proximity to theme parks, and other attractions bringing in people from all over the country. The last thing on a tourist’s mind is being involved in a car accident while on vacation. However, unfortunately, these collisions occur, and victims are faced with the difficult battle of recovering somewhere far from home, as well as making sure that they have the finances to do so successfully. The Miami car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon assist individuals who have been injured while on vacation with pursuing the proper legal action against a responsible party.
Being involved in legal proceedings in another state may be stressful and confusing, and our firm is dedicated to easing this burden for clients who cannot be physically present at all stages. We provide open communication and make sure that they are kept informed throughout the process. Our firm represents people who have been injured in Miami, West Palm Beach, and other cities in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as elsewhere in South Florida. If you or someone you love has been injured in an automobile accident while vacationing, contact our office today to find out how we can help.
Steps to Take Following a Car Accident While on VacationWhether you are an out-of-state traveler or visiting a new area in Florida for the first time, collisions while on vacation are even more frightening and chaotic because of the unfamiliarity with your surroundings. As with all car accidents, seeking medical attention for injuries is the first priority for all involved so that they may be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. The next step, when possible, is to gather the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the parties involved, as well as any witnesses to the accident. As an out-of-town victim, this information is important to making sure that contacting these individuals is as easy as possible if litigation becomes necessary. Requesting the police report immediately following an accident is also ideal, for initial determinations of fault may be useful in any claims that arise. Records regarding medical treatment, rental car paperwork, and other physical documents are also necessary in giving insurance companies evidence regarding the costs associated with an accident. Since some insurance policies may require certain procedures regarding the reporting of medical treatment or situations when a vehicle needs to be repaired, victims should review their policies to ensure that they are taking the appropriate measures.
Regardless of where the parties involved in a car accident reside, collisions that occur in Florida are governed by Florida law. This also means that any legal action must be filed in the jurisdiction where the accident happened. When a driver negligently causes a crash, they should be held liable for the injuries inflicted. Sometimes this requires filing a personal injury case so that injured victims can receive compensation necessary to cover medical expenses, property loss, lost income, and loss of earning capacity, when injuries are catastrophic or permanent.
A driver is negligent when they have breached the duty of reasonable care owed to other motorists and road users, and that breach has caused another person’s injury, which has resulted in damages. In Florida, even if a victim was partly negligent in causing their injuries, damages are still available from other at-fault parties. As a pure comparative fault state, damages amounts are offset by each negligent party’s degree of fault. Therefore, if a victim is determined to be 30 percent accountable, 70 percent of their costs can potentially still be awarded from another negligent driver. Personal injury cases must be filed within four years from the date of a victim’s injury, and timing is vital to ensure the proper resolution of a claim.
Contact an Experienced Miami Attorney to Discuss Your CaseIf you have been injured as a result of a car accident while on vacation, the Miami lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon can help you determine your next steps in making sure that those responsible are held accountable. Call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options with a motor vehicle collision.