Steps to Take if Injured While Visiting South Florida
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South Florida is one of the most popular travel destinations in the United States. Millions of people come to enjoy the beautiful coastlines and tourist attractions in South Florida. Unfortunately, injuries while traveling can turn a relaxing vacation into a painful, frightening, and stressful event.
Car accidents, slip and fall accidents, boating accidents, and other personal injuries can result in unexpected hospital and medical bills. You may not be able to return home as scheduled. Therefore, you could experience lost wages, additional hotel costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Understanding what to do after an injury or accident can help you mitigate the damages you sustain. Steps to take if you are injured while visiting South Florida include:
Call 911 and/or Notify the Relevant Parties
Florida laws require that you report car accidents to local law enforcement if anyone is injured, killed, or property damage totals $500 or more. Calling 911 is the fastest way to get help. The emergency operator dispatches police officers and emergency medical services to the accident scene.
If your injury occurred at a hotel, resort, restaurant, museum, or other property, notify the property owner of the injury. You may also need to notify other parties of the injury, such as a property manager, tour guide, residential property owner, or the Florida government.
Report your accident and injury to your travel insurance provider. Your travel insurance coverage may pay for medical bills, hotel costs, travel arrangements, and other expenses you incur because of an accident or injury while traveling in South Florida.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Injuries
Prompt medical treatment is the best way to reduce the risk of life-threatening injuries and permanent impairments. It is best to be seen by a doctor or go to the emergency room to be checked after an accident. You could have sustained internal injuries that might not be immediately apparent without a medical examination.
If you are unsure where to go for medical treatment, you can search for the nearest hospital or urgent treatment facility on your cell phone. For severe injuries, call 911 for EMS assistance. In addition to protecting your health, seeking immediate medical care documents your injuries if you need to file a personal injury claim.
Collect Evidence and Information at the Accident Scene
If possible, ask witnesses for their names and contact information. Take photographs and make videos of the accident scene with your cell phone. Do not put yourself or others at risk of additional harm to document an accident scene.
Florida is an at-fault state for personal injury claims. Therefore, you need evidence to prove that another party caused your injury to recover compensation for damages.
Document Your Damages
You may be entitled to compensation for damages after an accident or injury. Florida personal injury laws allow injured parties to receive compensation for their financial losses (economic damages). These damages include:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Travel costs
- Loss of income
- Therapy costs
- Hospital and emergency room bills
- Ambulance and urgent care costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Additionally, you may be entitled to compensation for your non-economic damages. These damages include the pain and suffering you experienced because of physical injuries, mental anguish, and emotional distress. They also include the loss of enjoyment of life and decreased quality of life because of permanent impairments.
Document your damages by keeping copies of all medical records, bills, and receipts related to the accident or your injury.
Seek Legal Advice From an Experienced South Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
An experienced South Florida personal injury lawyer assesses your case and explains your legal options during a free consultation. For example, you might have a premises liability claim for a slip and fall accident at a resort or amusement park. You could have a claim against a negligent driver who caused a car crash because of distracted driving.
Because tort laws can vary by state, you want to speak with an attorney who practices Florida law. A local attorney understands the laws relevant to your case and can handle all aspects of your personal injury claim even after you return to your home.
Checklist for Steps to Take After a South Florida Accident or Injury
While traveling within South Florida, an accident or injury can result in severe injuries and financial hardships. Knowing what to do after an injury or accident can help reduce stress and anxiety. To navigate a Florida accident claim, you want to:
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance
- Report the injury to the property owner or other relevant party
- Gather evidence at the accident scene
- Seek immediate medical attention for injuries
- Document your damages
- Talk with a lawyer about your situation
After an accident or injury, try to remain calm. First, assess the situation and your injuries. Then, take steps to protect yourself, your family, and your legal rights.
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