Car Accidents While Visiting Florida

Florida is home to white sandy beaches, a mild subtropical climate, and — unfortunately — car crashes. More specifically, thousands of car crashes occur in the Sunshine State, with many involving tourists and snowbirds.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, Florida is one of the most car accident-prone states. Since 2018, the Sunshine State has consistently been a place of thousands of car crashes. In total, daily car crash tallies by both residents and out-of-state drivers have remained above the 1,000 mark.

If you are from outside Florida, know that you are susceptible to a car accident just by visiting. A car accident in Florida can leave you with severe injuries, as well as a lawsuit if you are deemed liable.

Find out more about car accidents while visiting Florida and when to seek a car accident lawyer.

Car Accident Statistics in Florida

Car Accidents While Visiting Florida
Car Drowned In A Swimming Pool 3d Illustration

Florida is one of the top five states when it comes to car crashes. Based on the data gathered by World Population Review, Florida ranks third, with Texas and California taking the first and second spots, respectively.

Florida also has the highest number of car accident fatalities of any state. In 2021, more than 3,100 motorists died. Collisions also took the lives of 700 pedestrians in many parts of the state.

Drivers in Florida lost their lives to car accidents from impact and failure to observe safety measures behind the wheel. In a report prepared for Florida’s Department of Transportation, 700 fatalities were found not wearing a seatbelt.

Florida is an attractive state to elderly retirees and tourists from states to the North. With many snowbirds and tourists getting behind the wheel, out-of-state car crashes have grown in frequency.

According to the CDC, the declines in reaction time, coordination, and sensory acuity brought by age contribute to accidents. The CDC recognizes that the risks increase dramatically beyond the age of 65.

Besides being at the wheel, out-of-state motorists, including snowbirds, die behind the wheel or as pedestrians. The 2019 data by the National Safety Council show that more than 1,050 out-of-state elderly pedestrians died from car-related incidents.

Florida is a No-Fault State When It Comes to Car Accidents

Florida’s no-fault policy requires drivers from out of state to carry car insurance once they enter the state. Car insurance is crucial coming into the state to cover vehicle and health expenses incurred from a car accident.

For example, if you get into an accident, your car insurance provider will cover your medical expenses. Your medical bills would not be shouldered by the other driver even if they were responsible for the crash.

As residents outside Florida, many are likely to have car insurance already. This is acceptable, but Florida has rules about the minimum liability coverage of insurance.

At the time of writing, Florida requires car and personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to cover:

  • $10,000 for medical expenses
  • $10,000 in property liability damage

Car insurance that meets these minimum requirements will be accepted in the state. However, if an out-of-town driver’s insurance falls below the state minimum, they need to buy car insurance in Florida.

Getting in an Accident While Driving a Rental Car

If you get in a car crash behind the wheel of a rented vehicle, your existing auto and PIP insurance will still cover your liabilities and injuries. As mentioned earlier, your insurance just needs to meet the state minimum.

Some rental car services in Florida offer insurance as part of their rental packages. To comply with the state’s auto insurance laws, rental companies offer insurance that covers the minimum amount required.

When To File a Claim or Lawsuit Against Another Driver

The car insurance and PIP coverage exist to finance your immediate and succeeding medical care after the incident. However, if your injuries are severe, the PIP coverage of $10,000 may not suffice. In addition, $10,000 may not be enough to pay for damages if another driver totaled your car.

In such scenarios, you may be left with no alternative but to shoulder the remaining amounts out of your pocket. Of course, this will cost a lot. Seeking compensation will help reduce the financial burden caused by the accident.

Getting compensation will require you to either file a claim or a lawsuit. In Florida, compensation can be awarded to you if — and only if — you can prove the other driver’s liability. This is why hiring an experienced Florida car accident lawyer is an absolute must in such a situation.

Have You Been in a Car Accident on Vacation in Florida? Call a Florida Car Accident Lawyer

Whether on vacation or a business trip, being in a car accident in Florida is a possibility. Should you find yourself on the receiving end of one, a car Florida car accident lawyer can help you win compensation.

Reach out now for legal services that get you the right compensation without the hassle in Florida.