Are you getting ready for a Florida trip now that school's started? Lots of folks who don't have kids opt to travel after summer. Places like?Disney, Cocoa Beach, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens in Tampa aren't as packed for a few weeks since families are getting into their school routines. But even with fewer people around, the roads in Tampa Bay are still pretty hectic. More traffic means a bigger chance of getting into a car crash while you're on vacation, whether you're driving yourself or using a rideshare.
Tourists in Florida often end up in car accident in Tampa and get hurt quite a bit. In such a case, it is best to hire a?Tampa car accident lawyer.
Explore Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay makes for a fantastic vacation destination! There are two awesome aquariums, stunning beaches, lots of breweries, a buzzing food scene, cool cities to explore, a Riverwalk, exciting events like First and Third Fridays, museums, theme parks, and much more.
It's a diverse place that suits family trips, romantic escapes, catching a sports game, or even hosting work retreats. But in just Tampa,?Hillsborough County's 2018?records showed a staggering 179 deaths due to car crashes, with over 29,000 accidents altogether.
For some unfortunate travelers, those stats might put you in a car accident in Tampa records.
Florida No-Fault Car Accidents
Car accident in Tampa, Florida, follow a no-fault system. This means there are strict insurance laws to protect drivers, but it doesn't mean no one's responsible. Even in no-fault states, lawsuits can happen after a car accident in Tampa. Drivers still have their rights, even with the no-fault setup.
If you're using a rental car while traveling, it's similar for visitors. Florida's no-fault insurance applies, so having the right coverage for your rental car is crucial if you're in a Tampa Bay accident.
There are three typical types of rental car insurance. Check if your home insurance or credit card covers certain rentals before your trip. If not, you'll need to buy a policy from the rental company. If you skip this and get in an accident, you might still be responsible for some liabilities, like vehicle damages a rental company might sue for, but not for things like someone's pain and suffering.
When you're vacationing in Tampa Bay, understanding rental car insurance and liabilities matters.
What should I do if I'm injured in a car accident while on vacation in Tampa?
No matter where your accident happens, certain things always matter. If you can, reach out to emergency services right away and ask for help. While you wait for them, check your situation. Are you badly hurt? Is there a risk of another crash in a busy area? Is there smoke or fire in your car? Are your passengers okay? These answers will guide your next moves. If you're in danger and can safely move, get away from traffic and wait for help somewhere safe.
If you can, snap pictures or videos of the scene, your car, and any injuries, and grab important documents and personal stuff. Officers will talk to witnesses, interview everyone involved, note injuries and damages, and document everything. Unless you're too hurt, call your insurance company right after talking to emergency services and explain what happened. Your next important step is to hire a personal injury law firm.
Knowing what to watch out for can help, but it's not a guarantee. If you're in a car accident while vacationing in Tampa Bay, here's what you should do:
- Call the police and make a report.
- Get medical help, even if you don't feel injured.
- Hire a personal injury law firm in Tampa.
- Contact your rental insurance provider for assistance.
Should I use a local attorney?
Many tourists in Tampa Bay often wonder about this. It can be puzzling because you might already have a lawyer back home. But when you get hurt in another place, like while you're visiting, the laws of that state come into play for your accident. That's why you'll need to hire a personal injury law firm. They know the rules well and can build a strong case to make sure you get the fairness and compensation you deserve after your injuries.
What types of damages can you claim in an out-of-town accident?
This really depends on where your accident happened, but here are some general things to think about:
1. Medical Costs
This covers ambulance services, emergency hospital care, medications, surgeries, and more when you get an injury on vacation.
2. Property Damage
If your car, personal items like laptops or phones, and sometimes even pets are affected in a vacation accident, your lawyer can help sort out what can be included in your claim.
3. Lost Wages and Time Off Work
Unexpectedly long hospital stays can mean losing out on work and wages. Depending on state laws, lawyers might include this in your claim.
4. Travel and Accommodation Costs
If you had to extend your stay or get additional lodging due to an injured family member or hefty expenses during the accident process, certain states allow these expenses in your claim. Your lawyer will navigate state rules to determine what can be included based on your accident's specifics.
Avoiding Car Accidents
Specific hazards can differ by area. For example, beach drivers in Tampa may have a lot of surf gear on their cars, which might surprise drivers from landlocked places like Kansas. To stay safe on your Tampa vacation, be aware of these common causes of accidents:
- Not following speed limits
- Driving while distracted (like texting)
- Driving under the influence
- Not yielding the right of way
- Neglecting car maintenance (like wipers, fluid levels, brakes, lights, etc.)
- Tailgating
- Using GPS in an unfamiliar area
- Traveling with unrestrained pets
- Driving recklessly
- Disregarding traffic signals or confusion by them
- Not adjusting speed to match road conditions (like night, rain, or slippery roads)
Conclusion
Vacations are for relaxing and unwinding. Don't let a car accident spoil the fun. With the proper insurance and know-how, you can prevent a minor crash from spoiling your trip. But if you do find yourself in an accident and need help, reach out to a Florida attorney who focuses on car accident cases to make sure you're taken care of and your rights are looked after.
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