Car Accident Guide for Tourists in Key West, FL

Visiting Key West, FL, should be a fun and memorable experience. However, accidents can happen anywhere, even on vacation. If you’re a tourist in Key West who has been involved in a car accident, it can get overwhelming fast. You may be far from home, unfamiliar with local laws, and unsure about your next steps. That’s why you need a car accident guide for tourists in Key West, FL, to help you be more prepared for your trip.

Why Are Tourists at Risk for Car Accidents in Key West?

Car accidents are the leading cause of tourist injuries in Florida. Tourists may be more prone to car accidents for several reasons, such as:

• Unfamiliar roads. Visitors often do not know the local streets, traffic patterns, or parking situations.
• Distractions. Sightseeing, navigating maps, or using GPS can take your attention away from the road.
• Rental cars. Tourists often drive unfamiliar vehicles, which can increase the risks of mistakes.
• Busy traffic. Key West is a popular tourist destination, which means crowded roads with both locals and visitors.

Understanding these risks can help you stay alert, but even the most careful drivers may find themselves in a collision.

In 2023, Florida reported 239,719 car crashes, with 1,821 fatalities, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

First Steps After a Car Accident in Key West

If you’re involved in a car accident while visiting Key West, there are important steps to take. These can ensure your safety and protect your legal claim for damages.

First, move to a safe area if possible. Then, check for injuries, and call 911 or the local police department. Florida law requires you to report accidents that involve injuries or significant property damage. You can then take photos and videos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any injuries.

The law also requires medical treatment within 14 days to qualify for Personal Injury Protection coverage. You’ll also need to report the accident, but avoid making recorded statements without first talking to a car accident attorney.

A car accident lawyer can navigate local car accident laws, especially when you’re from out of state and need someone to handle your case while you’re traveling back home.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Key West

Key West car accident cases often involve:

• Distracted driving. This can include texting, GPS use, or looking at maps.
• Drunk driving. With nightlife being a major attraction, impaired driving accidents are common.
• Speeding. Tourists unfamiliar with local speed limits may drive too fast.
• Reckless driving. Drivers may pass other vehicles on narrow streets or ignore traffic signs.
• Weather conditions. Sudden rain could make roadways slick.

Compensation Available After a Car Accident

After a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation, which can include coverage for medical expenses, such as hospital bills, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. Future medical care also falls under this category. You could seek lost wages or future income you miss because of injuries.

You could also recover compensation for emotional and physical hardship, as well as any tangible property lost in the accident. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can evaluate your case and pursue the maximum compensation available.

Why You Should Hire the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA

As a tourist, handling a car accident case on your own can be overwhelming. The Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, holds a strong knowledge of local accident laws and a reputation for success in Key West car accident cases.

Our team negotiates with insurance companies and handles all paperwork and deadlines. If you need to return home, we can handle your local case while you get back to your daily routine.

We can begin by investigating your accident and collecting evidence, such as police reports and witness statements. We can also work with outside consultants, such as accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and economists.

The Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, can also deal with insurance companies, so you don’t have to. We work to negotiate a fair settlement without going to trial, but we can take your case to court if necessary.

FAQs

What Is the 51% Rule in Florida?

Florida applies a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, if a plaintiff is more than 50% or less at fault, they can still recover compensation. It will be reduced by their percentage of fault, however. This system prevents people who bear a majority of the fault from receiving damages while still allowing partial recovery for others.

What Are the Five Steps You Should Follow If You Are Involved in a Car Accident?

First, ensure safety by moving vehicles out of traffic and checking for injuries. Second, call 911 or the local Key West Police Department to get a police report started and be checked for injuries. Third, gather evidence, including photos, witness statements, and insurance details. Fourth, notify your insurance company. Fifth, contact an experienced car accident attorney to protect your rights and seek compensation for injuries and damages.

What Is the 14-Day Accident Law in Florida?

Florida’s 14-day accident law is part of the state’s no-fault insurance system. It requires anyone injured in a car accident to seek medical treatment within 14 days of the crash to get Personal Injury Protection benefits. These benefits cover up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. If you fail to see a doctor within that timeframe, you may lose access to these benefits.

How Do You Look Up Car Accidents in Florida?

In Florida, car accident reports can typically be accessed through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Reports are available online for a small fee, usually once they’re processed by law enforcement. Individuals, attorneys, and insurance companies can request copies, but access may be restricted to involved parties at first. You can also request accident reports directly from the police department or sheriff’s office where the crash occurred.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

The Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, can pursue your car crash claim while you focus on healing from your accident. Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies, gathering evidence, or representing you in court, our team can provide the support you need.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your right to compensation.

Florida Car Accident Resources:

• The Root Cause of Many Fatal Teen Car Accidents
• Brain Injuries: Symptoms To Watch For After a Car Accident