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    Injured In A Florida Car Accident?

    First, Make Sure You’re Safe

    If you’re injured in a car accident in Florida, or at one of its many attractions, including Florida’s many water parks, your immediate priority is safety—for you and anyone else involved. After this, it’s recommended that you discuss your situation with a good Tampa, FL car accident lawyer, as soon as possible.

    Here’s what to do at the scene:

    • Move to a safe area if possible
    • Call 911 to report the accident and request medical attention
    • Stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives
    • Exchange information with all drivers involved
    • Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs
    • Collect witness contact information if available

    Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s still important to get checked out. Adrenaline often masks symptoms that show up hours or days later.

    Get A Police Report—It Matters In Florida

    In Florida, you must report any accident that results in injury, death, or $500+ in property damage. An official police report provides critical documentation for your injury claim.

    If you’re a tourist or visitor, the police report is one of the few unbiased records of what happened—and it will matter greatly when you file with the insurance company or work with a lawyer back home.

    Learn more from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

    Seek Medical Attention—Even If You’re Leaving Soon

    Whether you’re flying out tomorrow or planning to stay for a few more weeks, you need to get medical treatment while still in Florida. Waiting until you return home can hurt your case and delay your recovery.

    Why it’s important:

    • Creates a paper trail for your injury
    • Connects your symptoms to the crash
    • Helps your attorney calculate damages
    • Complies with Florida’s 14-day PIP rule

    Under Florida law, you must seek treatment within 14 days of a car accident to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits—even if you live in another state.

    Who Covers Your Medical Bills In Florida?

    Florida is a no-fault state, which means your own auto insurance—specifically your PIP coverage—will typically pay for your initial medical expenses, regardless of who caused the crash.

    Here’s what matters if you’re visiting:

    • If you have auto insurance in another state, your policy likely includes out-of-state PIP or MedPay that applies here
    • If you were a passenger in a Florida vehicle, that driver’s PIP may apply to you
    • If your injuries are serious, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver beyond PIP

    Every case is different, which is why speaking with a Florida-based attorney is essential.

    Do You Need A Florida Lawyer If You Don’t Live Here?

    Yes—and here’s why.
    If your accident happened in Florida, your legal case falls under Florida jurisdiction. That means:

    • Florida traffic laws apply
    • Florida court rules govern how your claim is handled
    • You’ll likely need a Florida-licensed attorney to file or negotiate your case

    At Mickey Keenan, P.A., we’ve helped dozens of out-of-state visitors get the help they need. You don’t have to fly back or navigate it alone—we’ll handle everything locally while keeping you informed from wherever you are.

    What If You’ve Already Left Florida?

    If you’ve returned home, don’t worry. You can still pursue your injury claim:

    • Contact a Florida personal injury lawyer immediately
    • Gather your records: medical bills, receipts, police report, travel disruptions
    • Continue your treatment at home (your attorney will help make sure this is documented)
    • Avoid speaking to the insurance company without legal guidance

    Our team works virtually and remotely with many clients who were only in Florida temporarily. From negotiating settlements to coordinating local providers, we handle it all—so you don’t have to.

    Tips For Tourists And Travelers After A Crash

    Whether you’re driving a rental car with rental insurance, using your own vehicle, or riding as a passenger:

    • Keep copies of all documentation: rental agreements, insurance details, flight changes, hotel extensions
    • Don’t post about the accident on social media—insurers may use this to discredit you
    • Act quickly—injury claims have strict time limits, and evidence can disappear fast
    • Stay in contact—even if you’re back home, your attorney can manage your case with email, video, and e-signatures

    Final Thoughts: You’re Far From Home—But Not Alone

    Getting injured on vacation or during a trip to Florida can be stressful. You’re dealing with medical concerns, disrupted plans, and a legal system you may not understand.

    That’s where we come in.

    At Mickey Keenan P.A., we make it our mission to guide travelers just like you through the Florida legal process with honesty, empathy, and results. Our team is here to make things right—so you can focus on healing and getting back to life. Contact us today for a free consultation, no matter where you live. We’ve got your back in Florida.