South Florida is a popular destination for international and out-of-state travelers alike. With miles and miles of beaches, as well as renowned shopping, sporting events, dining, and theme parks, visitors flock to the area year-round. Unfortunately, tourists on vacation may be injured in accidents, which can include motor vehicle collisions, slip-and-fall accidents, and others resulting from unsafe practices by businesses or individuals. The stress of being seriously injured while traveling is even more than if one of these accidents occurred at home, as victims are often treated at unfamiliar hospitals, without a support system nearby. It also may drive up costs for medical treatment, both in the immediate aftermath of an accident as well as when you return home. Miami personal injury lawyer Robert Dixon assists those injured as tourists in South Florida with the necessary legal action you need to pursue coverage of the costs of recovery. If you’ve been injured while visiting Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach County, our team can help you determine your next legal step and work with you while you heal in your place of residence. Contact our office today for a free, no obligation consultation to find out more about how we can help.
Common Types of Tourist AccidentsRegardless of whether you are traveling to South Florida for business or vacation, you may be susceptible to some specific dangers as a tourist. Some common types of tourist accidents include:
Injuries in any of these situations can be severe, such as broken or fractured bones, spinal cord injuries, concussions or other brain trauma, and some may even be fatal. Insurance benefits are often not enough to cover the most significant of injuries, and some insurance companies may even offer lower-than-fair settlements to visiting victims, knowing they may want to avoid the hassle of returning to Florida. However, before accepting such offers, it is advisable to consult a knowledgeable attorney who can help you determine what is in your best interest.
Pursuing Legal Action as a TouristMore difficulties arise in pursuing, and keeping up-to-date, with legal action when the victim is not local. However, a trusted and experienced legal team can help ease the burden with open communication and vigilant representation. Most tourist accidents involve one or more party’s negligence, which occurs when that party has breached a duty of reasonable care towards the victim. In premises liability lawsuits, such as those arising out of slip-and-fall cases, a victim must show that a property owner, or operator, failed to adequately maintain their premises in a reasonably safe manner. For motor vehicle accidents, the breach of duty may take the form of various careless actions taken by a driver while behind the wheel, such as speeding, texting, or other unreasonable behavior. Personal injury claims arising out of accidents that occur in Florida are governed by Florida law, regardless of the residency of victim involved. The statute of limitations in Florida for these claims is four years from the date of injury. Once liability is established, a victim could receive damages in the form of past and future medical expenses, loss of income, diminished earning capacity, and other costs arising out of his or her injuries.
Contact a Seasoned Personal Injury Attorney in MiamiDeciding to file a lawsuit as an out-of-state resident is a hard decision. However, legal action may not be necessary if a settlement can be reached with the insurance company or other liable party before litigation, easing the burden on the victim to travel back to the site of the accident. Injury lawyer Robert Dixon works with clients to seek the best solution for them based on their needs and goals. If you’ve been injured as a tourist in Miami, West Palm Beach, or elsewhere in South Florida, the Law Offices of Robert Dixon can provide you with experienced and trusted legal guidance. Please call 877.499.4878 or contact us online today to schedule a free, no obligation consultation to learn more about our services.