There are many reasons to travel to Florida for vacation. Maybe you share a love of science with your children and want to watch a launch at NASA. Perhaps amusement parks or one of any number of beautiful beaches are a favorite destination.
Unfortunately, some tourists end up navigating experiences that they never expected to encounter when they get injured during their Florida vacations. They could experience a car crash, a criminal assault or a slip-and-fall in a hotel lobby.
Getting hurt on vacation would likely derail your fun and put you in a very awkward position. You might have to reschedule your travel, which can be very expensive. You might also incur out-of-network medical expenses from receiving treatment in a different state. What can you do to help recoup some of those losses if you get hurt while on vacation in Florida?
Pursue an insurance claim and/or lawsuit
Depending on the circumstances that lead to an injury, you may be in a position to file an insurance claim, a civil lawsuit or both. Many individuals and businesses have insurance policies that protect them from liability to a certain extent, so pursuing an insurance claim will likely be your first move.
After a car crash or a slip-and-fall at a grocery store, for example, there would likely be an insurance policy that could pay for medical expenses and other losses related to your injury. Sometimes, such as when someone becomes the victim of criminal activity on their vacation, a lawsuit may be the best option.
How do you handle an out-of-state injury claim?
If you did get hurt while on a trip to Florida but you live in Montana or Kentucky, you don’t want to have to travel back and forth to Florida repeatedly to settle a personal injury claim. The good news is that you don’t necessarily need to travel, provided that you secure the support of a licensed Florida attorney.
When you have in-state personal injury representation, you can have a professional negotiating with insurance carriers or representing you in civil court. Their presence can minimize or even eliminate the need for you to travel back to Florida. A lawyer can also help you figure out the true financial impact of your injuries and determine the best means of securing compensation for your losses.
Recognizing when you need to take action can help protect you from financial losses after you get hurt while on a vacation in Florida. And if you are unsure of whether to take action or not, you can always seek professional assistance.